The Manipulation of Advertisements

            

We are exposed to 5,000 advertisements a day. They come at us in many different ways, and we should know what they’re trying to do to us.

             Advertisements aren't essentially bad, but many use manipulative tactics that influence us in ways we don't even realize, despite how much we think we ignore them and how little we may believe they affect us. They use sexual imagery to hook us chemically. They attach themselves to causes we already care about; it’s called ‘cause marketing.’ Brands seem human and caring, when in reality they are often less generous than they appear. They use ways to manipulate us and they make us feel insecure about ourselves.

Therefore, I don’t watch a lot of commercials, but I am glad I found this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwb0VeYmP9Q

            Advertisements aren’t simply for interruptions. Luckily this is funny. I am suddenly craving chocolate, and I really want to find that chocolate in particular.

            While the concept of advertising isn't inherently problematic, we've moved on to cinematic messages that are designed to create significant memories of a product, whether it’s good or bad. And ultimately, that effects how we think and the choices we make. The woman sneezed with her eyes open. And it is a fact that eyelids snap shut when a sneeze comes on because it is a natural reflex. A piece of chocolate distracted her from breaking a new world’s record. It must be significantly delicious.

            There are all kinds of ads, but in general they all aim to keep you from thinking and, instead, make your buying choices based on an emotional response.

‘The whole world has its eyes on this one Asian woman.” Race is detected with the use of an Asian woman. It is a fact that the current world record for not blinking is 24 hours and a guy named Milad Khakbazan holds the title. 

             There are stereotypes of Asians that often manifest in media. For example, we often categorize Asians as over-achievers, so I wasn’t surprised that they chose and emphasized ‘Asian’ in this commercial. Another stereotype describes Asians to have small eyes. Asians don't really have "tiny" eyes; they simply have a patch of an epithelial fold above their eyes. All of our eyes are really the same size. I found that very amusing in this commercial, but how will Asians interpret it?

            Finally, she bit the chocolate, and she immediately experienced pleasure in a sexual behavior. And suddenly this ugly wide-eyed creature became a beautiful and sexy woman. This is a form of sexual harassment. Is that why they selected a female to promote their product?

            In today’s business world, women are used as an object to attract consumers’ attention to the products firms sell. They are exploited as a marketing instrument in a wide range of firms’ activities. Companies will find any reason to show some skin, even if their product has nothing to do with it.The use of women as a sexual object has a great number of negative effects on individuals and societies. The fundamental views and attitudes of society can lead to sexual assault. 

            There are effective prevention strategies that address the issues underlying these problems. They promote positive advertising that does not reinforce confusing messages and harmful gender roles. Stereotypes have mainly negative repercussions for people.  We can avoid the negative effects associated with so much of what we passively experience. We have to be careful in putting our money where our mouth is.

            In a society that profits from your self-doubt and insecurities, loving yourself is a rebellious act. Personality begins when comparison ends. Love yourself first, so you know what you deserve. You have to love yourself because no amount of love from others is sufficient to fill the yearning that your soul requires from you.