Advertisements That Tell Women Who To Be

Lately, the advertisements I've been seeing have been on my mind. So I'm taking a break from blogging about writing and switching to discussing paths to social change.

According to the advertisements I see for women, I’m supposed to be: 

                                                 in shape,

shaved,

                                                                   an alcoholic, 

                                                                 and engaged.

I’m supposed to clean my apartment with every product available and slather myself in makeup, hair, and anti-aging products. I'm supposed to be on a medicine cabinet's shelf worth of medications. I’m supposed to be buying a car but already have a fabulous auto insurance plan. I’m supposed to upgrade to all of the latest technology as soon as it comes out. I’m supposed to buy all kinds of Christmas gifts for my friends and family but only at bargain prices. I’m supposed to wear stylish clothes and fancy jewelry and make delicious dinners for my family with my plethora of kitchen appliances.

But I am none of the things advertisements tell women we have to be.

So clearly, the advertising companies are targeting the correct audience, because I obviously need to improve in all of these areas by buying their products. I am obviously not enough. Right?

Or does this mean that the marketing companies are wrong? Because despite the deluge of ads I’m exposed to every day, I have continued to resist the images they’re sending me. Instead, I have continued to be me.

Regardless, where are the ads that support reading, education, and independent thought? I want to see more ads like this one from Dove that tell women their bodies are innately beautiful and that they don’t need to be enhanced with products to feel better.



 I want ads to tell women that being single is okay and that they don’t need to primp and plump themselves to find a man if they want one. 

I want to see ads that promote financial stability and frugality. I want more ads that promote healthy foods, not for the sake of dieting but to live a long life. There should be more ads that show the value in family time away from screens. Where are the ads that promote honest volunteerism?

No wonder our culture is so materialistic, self-serving, and entitled. We learn how to act, what to wear, and who to be from the advertisements that saturate our media consumption. 

So where are the ads that are going to change that mentality for the next generation? If we don't create them, who will?