Killing Us Softly

Killing Us Softly is a movie, that despite its own age, should be viewed by everyone, especially marketing firms. The message this movie shares with viewers is the indirect effects of how media portrays women irregardless of the product. We see this now, possibly more blatantly, than ever before, and it has become commonplace. Yes, we agree that women are objectified and made into sexual symbols, and we know that it's wrong. But the fact of the matter is, what are we doing about it? A sense of hope arrises when I see certain campaigns that promote real women with real bodies such as the Dove campaign that promotes self-esteem in young girls, but what about the companies that simply state "sex sells." They believe sex can sell anything from cars to condoms or from watches to gum. But why? Why does "sex sell?" Maybe we should look at why our perception of sexualized images is so appealing. I think its disheartening when you flip through the magazine and all you see are thin, tall, flawless women, posed with a backdrop of everyday reality. With this juxstaposition of images placed everywhere, from tv ads to magazines, to billboards...how are girls expected to feel confident when the images that surround them, remind them (remind everyone for that matter) that reality is just not quite as wonderful as what could be...if things were pefect...but not what we would imagine as perfect...but what others show us is perfect. How far does one need to be pushed for this trend to stop, and a healthier message be proposed?