Jean Kilbourne wrote a very alarming piece about the use of sex and violence in ads. She didn't stop there, but addressed child exposure and sexual violence in our society. Quite honestly I was appalled as I read this piece.
The images were pornographic in nature, and left me feeling shocked. I had never seen these ads before but in thinking about it, there are many ads around us that exploit women and sex. "Sex sells" being a common philosophy among journalists, marketers, and businesses. It is terrifying to think that so much is accepted by our society.
I was deeply disgusted by the story of the Canadian judge ruling that a 3-year old girl was "sexually agressive," how could that be?! Beyond that, what are we teaching our children when a 5th grader goes to school and gropes a classmate while telling her crude things. It is disgraceful quite honestly.
I have also had the opportunity to spend a little time with battered women at the Dove Center and have seen the effect those acts have had on their lives. The children are different than normal children, they are either scared or more mature than they should be. The statistics given about women with addictions and psychological problems are startling and undoubted true, as I have also spent some time on the behavioral medicine unit. It is unfortunate to think that the media may have played such a large part in all this. When did sex and violence become so acceptable?
Strike In Geology
1 year ago
Thats interesting that you spent time at the Dove Center. I bet this story was very easy for you to relate to then. Its sad. What is more sad is that no one is disagreeing with it! Everyone agrees its a problem, why is it let go. I couldn't believe some of her stories. It made me want to throw my book.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you it is really sad that the media can influence people that much. I work with a woman who was a battered woman and it is so sad to hear the stories!
ReplyDeleteThat case about the three year old was very appalling to me as well. I have two little nieces who are both three and I have no idea how a judge in their right mind could put any kind of responsibility with the three year old. A three year old does not have any possible way of being even capable of understanding such a thing. And people wonder why so many rape victims don't choose to press charges against their assailant. It's judges and situations like this that scare them away.
ReplyDeleteI was also very appalled at some of the directions she took her essay. I have also never seen many of those ads, but moer than that it made me think of the ads I have seen. Maybe at first glance they didn't seem that bad, or maybe I just didn't catch the hidden message and that is what is scary to me. After reading this essay I have become more aware of what I watch, and I look at the t.v. quite differently now. I don't care what anyone says, a three year old can't be accused of being "sexually aggresive," that is just crazy.
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