Blog Assignment #11 - "Killing us softly 4" - Discussion after watching the film

We were asked to write and discuss a few questions after watching the movie and here are the three that my group (Moa and Katrin) chose. We only had to write down one answer to one question but I chose to take notes on all of our small discussions and here is what we came up with:

5. What sorts of products are sold using images of women and femininity? What kinds of products are sold using images of men and masculinity? Are these ever switched around? If so, when?

Women often sell cars and items where they can use the female sexiness to lure in the buyers and men. If one look at items and ads for gender neutral purposes they often are advertised with women and femininity. Perfumes are items that are often portrayed alongside men if the perfume is for men and with images of women if the item is for women. There might be a good looking woman in a advertisement for a male perfume which might be used to make it seem as the item smells so good that all women or at least the woman in the ad cannot "control" herself around the man and is strongly pulled towards him and his scent. 

13. What is responsible advertising? Do advertisers have a responsibility to society? Do they have a responsibility to children? Why or why not?

No, not really since they are not "parents", their main purpose is to sell the products and items displayed. They do have some kind of responsibility in not showing pictures of e.g. rape or other assaults. Also, they should not enhance the positive view of very young models wearing make-up and sexy clothes.

29. In what ways do images of thinness and advertisements for food contradict each other in the media? How might their combined effects lead to disordered eating?

It leads to disturbed thoughts about food. It says that you can stay so skinny and still eating so much junk food and sweets which totally contradict each other. Sadly this might lead to young girl or boys eating for example to much ice cream and still think they will look good and be healthy. In the long term this can lead to serious consequences and illness. I and my whole group think it is vital to talk to children about not always trusting the internet and/or TV advertising.