First, I want to remind you that today is the last day to enter my necklace giveaway. To enter, leave a comment on the giveaway post.
I would like to share with you these two videos, Killing Us Softly 4, Advertising's Image of Women by Jean Killborne. Ms Killborne presents a powerful message about how advertising portrays distorted, unrealistic ideals of women. It is no wonder that so many of us feel that we aren't worthy of being seen.
I recently read on The Sartoralist that he often asks women of all sizes to allow him to take their pictures. Women who are larger than the ideal often say no. Perhaps because they feel that they will be made fun of or the images used in a derogatory way. I know I have felt that I don't compare well to women who are close to my age, but thinner and more photogenic. I know I shouldn't feel that way, but I do. I recently read a remark on one blog about the very lovely woman who thinks she is not photogenic. She is lovely and should not be afraid to show her lovely self to all of us. That is precisely why I show photos of myself. I know I am not conventionally beautiful, (and I am NOT fishing for compliments) I am overweight and struggling daily with my body image. I know what I am and I am one of many millions of very normal women who rarely see others like us portrayed positively in the media.
I know these video's will take a while to view, but I really believe they are worth watching.
Everyday we are bombarded by images of perfect people who don't really even exist. As shown in these videos, many are photo shopped and no longer resemble the real person. We need to start demanding that the advertising that we see is truthful. How many times have we seen ads that we know cannot be real? I seriously doubt that many of the mascara advertisements show real results. For that matter, most of the ads for age related products probably feature women far younger than their target audience.
I am hoping that by continuing blogging and showing real women in real life we can change how we are viewed as consumers but more importantly as women of worth no matter our age, size, or color.
Oh my! I couldn't agree more! We mistakenly think that women in magazines and television REALLY look like they are portrayed and then we buy into the notion that THAT'S the epitome of beauty! I hate that it's even an issue, but you're right, it IS one and it's one that causes so many women unnecessary angst. Great post!!! Hugs! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these videos, Debbi. I had seen earlier versions but it was very enlightening, and disturbing, to see the latest. (I did have a good hearty laugh though at the hypothetical ad about men's private parts!) Excellent food for thought.
ReplyDeleteHEAR! HEAR! LOVE that post! It's so well said and I really hope all the bloggers that write about REAL women do make an impact. Part of the reason I read your blog is because I am older and overweight too. I really worry for the parents of my granddaughters....they have a tough road ahead (dealing with teen age girls who think they have to be stick thin).
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've seen these videos, although I have heard about them previously. The female faculty at our college sponsored a viewing of Miss Representation this past week and the attendance was overwhelming! We had so many turn out that half the crowd had to leave halfway through because of violating fire codes. In my book, it was important that males saw it...
ReplyDeleteFantastic!! Thank you! Thank you! I'm posting these on my facebook page--and insisting that my 25 year old daughter watch them.
ReplyDeleteI'm 50 and had never heard of this woman or the videos before. I had no idea advertising had gotten this out of hand. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Debbie! I've posted this to facebook too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!! thanks for sharing them with us!!
ReplyDeleteI remember a few years ago when singer Kelly Clarkson threw a fit over how Self magazine had photoshopped her image so unrealistically. She's a normal sized gal and she was practically unrecognizable.
Why does the "media" not want to portray real people??
Debbi, I watched the videos this morning and it actually made me start to cry (thinking of my granddaughters). I shared your post on my site, I don't have many followers but maybe a few more people will see the videos. Thanks again for posting this!
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