Critical Thinking Exercise: Advertising Portrayals of Women

 

 

 Please click on the "Gallery of Offenders" link below to review real (negative) ads that have appeared in magazines. 

(Click the numbers above the images to view the Top 10).  We will discuss your reactions in our next "Girl Talk" session,

and you can bring in any examples you find in magazines as well.

 

 Despite the many negative images of women and girls that appear in the popular media, there are some positive messages out

 there, too.  Click on the "Gallery of Winners" link below to view some more positive images.

 

Gallery of Offenders (About-Face.org)

Gallery of Winners (About-Face.org)

 

 

Critical Thinking Challenge

 

The next time you watch your favorite television shows, consider the following:

• Are the female characters portrayed as intelligent and independent?

• How do the female characters dress?

• How do the female characters act, particularly around men?

• What are the female characters' occupations?

• Are women victims of violent crimes or sexual offenses?

• Are men "rescuing" women?

• Are men committing crimes against women?

• Are the female characters good role models to you?

While watching your favorite TV show, don't leave the room during the ads.  Instead, consider the following:

• If the ad is for a medical or dental product, does the ad refer to the doctor or dentist as "He?"

• Who does the laundry, the shopping, the cleaning?

• Are males portrayed as helpless or clueless when it comes to feeding or caring for their children?

• How are women dressed in TV ads versus men?

• What types of products are advertised for women versus men?

• Who is targeted in weight loss ads?

• In ads for fitness centers or gyms, are women concerned with their health or with their attractiveness to men?