Sex and the Media

Are you buying it?

Directions: For this assignment, cut out two advertisements from magazines that directly or indirectly involve sexuality. Look at ads for clothes, cosmetics,

jewelry, fragrances, tobacco, alcohol, and others.

Answer the following questions

Questions

In what magazine did you find this ad?__________________________________

What is the actual product that is being advertised?________________________

Describe the people/background in the ad.________________________________

Is any factual information given about the product? If so, what?_______________

Who do you think this ad is trying to appeal to(“Target Audience”)?

Questions

What image or message is the advertiser trying to get across?_________________

How is SEXUALITY used to sell this product?____________________________

What advertising techniques/hooks are used? (rebellion, humor, sense appeal, slogans, fun, excitement, famous person, etc.)

Does this ad mention or imply anything about “safer sex?”___________________

Do you think this ad is effective in getting the viewer to “buy” what they are selling? Why or why not?

Example

blog.easyautosales.com/tag/advertising/

Example

In what magazine did you find this ad? Internet Ad

What is the actual product that is being advertised? BMW used cars

Describe the people/background in the ad. Scantily clad woman

Is any factual information given about the product? If so, what? Other than premium used cars, nothing

Who do you think this ad is trying to appeal to (“Target Audience”)? Men

Example

What image or message is the advertiser trying to get across? BMW are young, sex, hot

How is SEXUALITY used to sell this product? Girl looks naked, slogan conveys an experienced sexual past

What advertising techniques/hooks are used? (rebellion, humor, sense appeal, slogans, fun, excitement, famous person, etc.) slogan, excitement

Does this ad mention or imply anything about “safer sex?” not at all, sex is implied the car seems an afterthought

Do you think this ad is effective in getting the viewer to “buy” what they are selling? Why or why not?This would be especially effective for anyone influenced by the message of sexiness.

References

Dom Splendorio, Health Educator, AAHPERD 2008

Subliminal messages?

dabelklik.blogspot.com/2008/08/subliminal-adv...