American Women

Content:

Choose one advertisement, published between 1950 and present day, which is intriguing to you; select an advertisement which prompts an immediate response e.g., an ad which intrigues or motivates you, or even an ad which frustrates or annoys you. ** Including an image of the ad (or a link to the website video) is required for this submission.

Section 1:
Once you have selected your advertisement, describe the ad, specifically noting what you see, or what any included captions indicate, as well as the tone of the ad. For example: Is the ad amusing, disturbing, ironic, sarcastic, sexy, or vague and/or even confusing (perhaps on purpose)? Does the ad seem old-fashioned or sentimental, or does the ad glorify the subject matter? Address the subject of the ad. What catches your attention as you look at the ad?

Section 2:
Address the argument of the ad. What do you think the ad is trying to promote or demonstrate? Does the ad display societal expectations of women, or attempt to defy those expectations? Does the ad reflect a particular time period?

Section 3:
Address the audience. How does the ad reach its audience? Who is the target audience? Does the ad assume viewers will understand the context of the ad? How did you connect to, or even disconnect from, the message in the ad?

Section 4:
Address connections to society and culture. What can you learn about American culture and womens experiences by viewing and examining this ad? How does this ad reflect the time period in which it appears?

Section 5:
Assessment and Conclusion:

Using the ad you selected, consider how women, in general, are portrayed in advertising. How does your selection compare? Think of 21st Century advertising campaigns, such as the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty or the Always Like a Girl campaign, which emphasize confidence and address self-esteem. What are the benefits and/or disadvantages of these types of advertising campaigns?
As part of your conclusion, summarize the key points regarding your selected advertisement, and address whether you feel advertisements in the 21st Century reflect women in a positive perspective.