Let’s continue our conversation about how images of girls’ and women’s bodies are used to sell products. The ad we examined last featured supermodel Gisele Bundchen selling a raincoat for London Fog. I’m betting a raincoat isn’t at the top of your shopping list, so how about an ad selling something we all buy—jeans. This ad for Celebrity Pink Jeans runs in the Dec 2009/Jan 2010 issue of Seventeen.
• What do you notice first in this ad? Why?
• Describe the models. How old are they? Which of their features are most prominent? Do they look like you and your friends? What do you like about their appearance? Does anything trouble you?
• Do you think the ad promises the consumer who buys these jeans something? If so, what?
• Do you think the company name—Celebrity Pink Jeans—relates to the content of the ad? How? Additionally, what do you think of when you hear the company name? Why do you think they picked it?
When I look at this ad, I’m drawn to the way the jeans make the girls’ legs look especially long and skinny. It’s not a bad thing to be skinny or tall, but as a girl whose figure will never be flattered by a pair of white skinny jeans, I have to wonder how other girls feel looking at this ad.
I’m also struck by how similar the girls look. Are they twins? When I go shopping, I try to look for clothes to help me send the message that I’m an individual. I’ve learned to celebrate that no one else has my body, my brain, or my personality. I’m proud of who I am, so I want to look like me!
Thoughts?
Next time, we’ll start to explore the wide world of “objectification.” If you want a head start, look for the definition of objectification in our Girl Power Words feature. Like Jordin Sparks? Check out this week’s “Girl Strong Ad” post.