This week we had a really great discussion about visual rhetoric, and one topic that generated a lot of conversation was sexuality in advertising. "Sex sells" is a truism that we hear from time to time, but we went a little deeper than that today. We discussed what ads that appeal to human sexuality say about us. Do they reveal how far we've come, to a point where we can openly celebrate the human body and our sexual nature, or are they gratuitous appeals to base impulses that exploit and objectify the body? Do they promote unrealistic ideals to consumers, especially young consumers? Or do such images depict common fantasies and impulses that we no longer, in 2008, have to keep hidden? And, from a rhetorical point of view, do these ads work for you? Does this image at all persuade you to buy these jeans? I would love for any of you to sound off on this.Thursday, September 18, 2008
Are You Sold on Sex?
This week we had a really great discussion about visual rhetoric, and one topic that generated a lot of conversation was sexuality in advertising. "Sex sells" is a truism that we hear from time to time, but we went a little deeper than that today. We discussed what ads that appeal to human sexuality say about us. Do they reveal how far we've come, to a point where we can openly celebrate the human body and our sexual nature, or are they gratuitous appeals to base impulses that exploit and objectify the body? Do they promote unrealistic ideals to consumers, especially young consumers? Or do such images depict common fantasies and impulses that we no longer, in 2008, have to keep hidden? And, from a rhetorical point of view, do these ads work for you? Does this image at all persuade you to buy these jeans? I would love for any of you to sound off on this.
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As far as getting me to buy jeans, this ad does nothing for me. I would not have guessed that this ad was for jeans, I would have guessed that it was for cologne, perfume, or lingerie. But as far as whether this ad represents how far we have come in 2008 to be able to celebrate the human body I disagree. I mean it is great that we have come so far and are able to 'celebrate' the human body. But its too bad that we aren't celebrating the true 'human' body. It is as we said in class creating unrealistic ideas.
I also think that I am exposed to ads and other things like it everyday. Going to the mall, watching TV. Everywhere we go there are examples of 'Sex Sells' and there is only so much you can do to shield yourself from it. I'd say that I have become numb to it. Seeing more and more of these ads has become less offensive and therefore I begin to accept these ads, but whether or not they convince me to buy a pair of Calvin Klein jeans, I don't know. I should hope not.
So all in all I am not sure whether or not I find this liberating or condemning. Probably a little bit of both.
Thanks for responding, Christene. I know others of you have opinions on this. Let's hear them.
As for me, I did not know that was an ad for selling jeans. If that was my article for the VRA then I definately would have a lot to say. I mean who thinks jeans are sexy? Jeans can make you look sexy. This is probably why the ad is the way it is. Remember, there is always a reason that the ad the way it is.
I am personally not sold on sex, but America is sure is. The saying “sex sells” is so true. Looking at that picture it does nothing for me but for other people they think if they buy those kinds of jeans that you will get that. That ad does nothing for me if I wanted to buy jeans. I do believe that America has become in love with their human sexuality way to much. Just watching TV and when the commercials hit most of them have something sexual in their advertisement. I think America needs to get a hold on it now because if we don’t It is only going to get worse and worse.
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