Explore how media and advertising can perpetuate violence against women through objectification and harmful stereotypes, impacting both societal views and women’s self-perception.
Seen ads that make you cringe, or worse, feel kinda icky? Ever caught a glimpse of something in media that just didn’t sit right? We’ve noticed that sometimes, the way women are portrayed in ads and even TV shows… it can be a little off, or a lot. We’re going to explore a little more about how it affects us, day to day.
And, just so you know, we’re going to dig into all this a bit more. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be covering:
- Hidden Messages in Ads that Exploit Violence Against Women
- The Impact of Ads on the Image of Women and How They Can Encourage Violence Against Women
It’s easy to dismiss those images of violence against women perpetuated by ads, but we should understand that objectifying a woman’s body and portraying her in a way that reduces her to a mere object can send powerful messages that contribute to, or normalize, violence against women.
We can’t exactly say that all the stereotypes of women are caused by ads. Even so, it’s important to realize that when ads show women’s bodies being used or objectified, they can send a message. And a bad message can be like the first step in making violence against women seem more normal.
Hidden Messages in Ads that Exploit Violence Against Women
Sometimes ads send messages that aren’t super obvious about violence against women, for example:
- Turning a woman into an object or a product to promote something; especially ads that focus on one specific part of a woman’s body.
- Showing women in submissive poses that imply they should always be available. What’s worse is when you see women who are presented in a way that’s overly sexualized in ads, women are often objectified and treated like commodities.
- Taking something that used to be a private part of life and making it seem common. Sometimes, ads show violence against women in a way that’s become totally normalized.
- Saying that looks are all that matter. Some ads make it seem like a woman’s worth is only based on how she looks, ignoring all her other amazing qualities and talents. If we’re constantly seeing this kind of message, it can affect how we see women in general, and that’s not good. Because instead of valuing her for who she is, we reduce her to what she is.
- Showing people hurting or threatening women. Sometimes, ads show people hurting or threatening women, which can encourage violence. Whether it’s for perfume or clothes or even products that help people in trouble.
The Impact of Ads on the Image of Women and How They Can Encourage Violence Against Women
These types of messages in ads can influence the image of women and encourage violence against them:
1. Violence Against Women that Comes From Others
When women are portrayed in a way that makes it seem okay to use their bodies to sell something, or when ads focus on certain body parts without any connection to the product, it can lead to violence against women. Because ads can make them seem like objects. These ads make them seem less human and more like things, which makes them more vulnerable to violence.
As well, an ad showing an attractive woman doesn’t just affect how men see them. It also affects how they value her as a person. Instead, they focus on appearance, ignoring those other, important qualities. When we start to see women this way, we’re more likely to link them to superficial things.
2- Violence Against Women from Herself
When a woman’s happiness is connected to beauty and perfection, it can lead to serious mental issues. Here’s how:
- Trying to avoid serious health problems, for example, being overly focused on weight or eating disorders; skipping meals or over-exercising.
- Advertising can make you want things you don’t need.
- Trying to lose weight in an unhealthy way.
- Changing your appearance to look a certain way with the belief that this helps you achieve success.
- Focusing on external appearance instead of what the woman can do.
- For a woman who’s overweight or thin, some ads make them feel self-conscious, affecting not only their physical appearance, but their mental and emotional well-being.
- Feeling bad about themselves every day and never feeling good enough. That’s violence against themselves. And, in that situation, they try to add to what they’re missing by doing tons of beauty treatments to become like those women in the ads.
Testimonials
I used to think it was just ads, but after thinking about it I’ve noticed this is a trend in our society. When you turn on the TV, you will see that the woman is being objectified in some way, shape or form. This has been the status quo for the better half of my life.
As a parent I have to be extra careful about the media my children are exposed to. It starts as simple marketing ploys to sell things. But when you dig deeper you realize that it can be more destructive than anything.
Myth & Facts
Myth: Ads have no real impact on how we treat women.
Fact: Actually, when women are portrayed as objects or less than human in ads, it can contribute to a culture where violence against them is more tolerated or even seen as normal.
Myth: It’s just harmless fun, there’s no need to censor the creativity of advertisement agencies.
Fact: Portrayals of violence against women in ads may perpetuate harmful stereotypes, normalize abuse and objectify the people. Regulations are necessary to strike a balance between free expression and ethical responsibility.
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s that media has a bigger impact than we think. It’s not just about liking that new perfume or wanting those jeans. It’s about being aware of the messages these ads send, and challenging the ones that don’t sit right with us, for ourselves and for the next generation.
