Comments on: A Woman’s World: Enter at Your Own Risk

By: Songbird

Songbird — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:40:05 +0000

I agree with posters Funnyface and Pilgrim Soul. I find things on television amusing/ entertaining, etc. However, I don’t let it influence my mentality like that. I would like to believe I am not a mentally weak person that would be influenced by images. I’m not going to even waste my time discussing the foolishness that is the beauty/fashion mags that we are all forced to see as we check out at the grocery store. I have come to understand that all of that stuff is an attempt to appeal to the insecurites or fantasies of people who are impulsive enough to take the bait. Nothing more, nothing less although I may find it amusing. Ultimately if I am dissatisfied with any of it, I just do like Funnyface suggested and don’t expose myself to it.

By: peenerbambina

peenerbambina — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:01:55 +0000

This whole thing makes me want to crawl out of my skin and roll around in salt it is so bad. Especially the “escape and play” bit, with “games” that would be insulting to most 8 year olds.

By: Ariel

Ariel — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:13:32 +0000

I really hate these commercials, but my suitemate loves them. She showed me the one about springtime and I had to sit and bear it. The feminist in me just wanted to cry out all the points that have already been made here, but I know she’ll just look at me weird as if I’m up in my ivory tower. I’ve learned not to talk about feminism with my friends.

By: Unpossible

Unpossible — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:45:30 +0000

One of my main problems with this is that there ARE women out there who appear to be “like this” (or like a Cathy cartoon), but that only shows a very small part of the story. Yes, many women are on diets, complain to one another about their weight, grudgingly exercise, etc. However, this doesn’t come from a place of humor and fun and teehee, girl talk! no matter how much the media wants to dress it up that way. At the root of it is a lot of anxiety and even self-loathing. It’s an ugly thing. It is not fun, and presenting it as such masks the very real pain and struggle just beneath the surface, and prevents women from connecting in a real way about societal pressures because “eveyone’s on a diet, so that’s just normal, right?”

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:51:47 +0000

No amount of advertising for ill or good changes the fact that fritos are gross.

And I totally agree with funnyface, I’ve really cut what I watch/read/listen to so I encounter less advertising and I’m so much happier for it. When I do see the odd cable ad (mostly via ESPN from my SO watching sports) I am shocked at how insulting it all is.

By: Diziet_Sma

Diziet_Sma — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:51:45 +0000

@Pilgrim Soul: So true.

By: SarahMC

SarahMC — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:25:27 +0000

Hahah why yes, it is a Cathy cartoon!

Bittermik, I think even when we write letters complaining about this type of advertising, far more people like it, so the companies decide it’s in their best interest to continue making them.

By: maisnon

maisnon — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:54 +0000

So, basically “A Woman’s World” is … a Cathy cartoon.

(Although, I do kinda like the redhead’s boots. I’m just sayin’!!)

By: rodriguez

rodriguez — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:16:34 +0000

@funnyface
This week (Weds?) being secretaries day, (posts please, harpies!) I looked to find something for the secretaries in my life, and noticed Bobby Flay cookware. Do I need this? Hey, he cooks so well, if I buy this Bobby Flay widget, I will cook well too.

The psychology of it is really fascinating. As you say funny, “Consumer – you are not happy. Do something about it!” Perfect summary.

By: Pilgrim Soul

Pilgrim Soul — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:55:16 +0000

@bellacoker: I think that normal people ignore their own susceptibility to cultural imagery and pressure.