Are You Buying What They’re Selling?

Sex and the Media

Name____________________________

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. Staple your ads to this page and answer the following questions.

Ad #1

1. In what magazine did you find this ad?__________________________________

2. What is the actual product that is being advertised?________________________

3. Describe the people/background in the ad.________________________________

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

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

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

7. How is SEXUALITY used to sell this product?____________________________

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

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

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

(over)

Ad #2

1. In what magazine did you find this ad?__________________________________

2. What is the actual product that is being advertised?________________________

3. Describe the people/background in the ad.________________________________

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

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

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

7. How is SEXUALITY used to sell this product?____________________________

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

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

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

Dom SplendorioPresident at Prime Time Health Consulting Greater New York City Area