Advertisments and Propaganda
March 14, 2007 sunshine33
It wasn’t until I started University that I really started to care about how I was perceived by others. In high school or anytime before that I had never realised if I had gained weight or really even anything about myself. I don’t know if it was because I didn’t care or what. I feel that because I had such a tight group of friends in high school it didn’t really matter what I was wearing, if I chose to wear make up that day, or if I had gained weight. Since moving away from home I have started to notice the weight gain, or caring what I wear to class. But I am not one of those people who is obsessed with getting on a scale everyday to check my weight or constantly going to the bathroom to make sure my hair and make up is perfect. As a matter of fact I don’t even own a scale so even though I think I’ve gained weight I guess it is kinda hard to say.
I am not really big on getting all dressed up for class. I say as long as I’m comfortable who cares. At the beginning of school the magazines always publish there back to school editions. In these editions are the “must haves” of the new school season. Well I don’t really understand what is so “must have” about them! I mean if I were to ever get that dressed up for class I think I would feel awkward. Magazines and other advertisements push these new looks and often students feel left out or feel they have to spend the money they don’t have on something that looks “cool”. With the millions of dollars that are spent on advertisements you think they could think of something better to spend their money on.
Propaganda according to Websters Dictionary is the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person; ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing case public action having such an effect.
A day does not pass when each and every one of us is not bombarded with propaganda. Sometimes it is very obvious, or has a hidden message. For example, a clothing manufacturer is placing print and electronic advertisements where teens will see them, bus stops, malls or the back of bathroom stall doors. Their clothing, it is suggested, will make you beautiful and popular. You know they are trying to sell you the clothing. Famous or influential people tell you why they use a certain product, are voting for a certain candidate, or are supporting a certain project or concept. These messages tell you that “everybody is doing it” and you should join in. These techniques should grab your attention and hold it, give new information, demonstrate why the product is perfect for you, and persuade you to purchase the product.
I know these techniques have worked for me in the past and probably will again. I just hope that my kids won’t be bombarded with advertisements and propaganda that they think will help them “fit in”.
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1. brianfantana&hellip | March 14, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I have to agree with your comment about not caring what I look like when I go to school. Who cares. If People want to call me a slob whatever (although I am far from it).
Your point about the propaganda is a good one. It is everywhere. I could just be in my own little world on this one, but I don’t honestly think ads affect me. If I see something in an ad it doesn’t encourage me to buy it. I don’t understand why people are always trying so hard to ‘fit in’. If anything I try and find clothes that others don’t have.
I think everyone should have their own style and be commended on it. You’re right when you saw it would be great to be rid of propaganda because adolescents probably are extremely influenced by it. People should be encouraged to be themselves and have their own style. Big Companies should not be the ones who decide how we look or what we wear. Down with propaganda.
2. salena&hellip | March 14, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I agree with what you said about not caring about what you looked like until you came to the university. I felt the same way when I transferred from the uofc and it was also the first time I even thought about putting effort into my appearance. I think the big message being sent out right now is that you absolutely have to have this, whatever it may be a designer purse or glasses, and if you don’t have those things then you aren’t “cool” enough or you won’t fit in. I can see how those ads can have an effect on younger kids, especially in junior high. I think this message is also being perpetuated by other forms of media, such as MTV, that show celebrities having an awesome time with all these designer brands.
3. christine86&hellip | March 19, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Kudos to you for not being a blank slate for the media. I had a near miss hap last night. I was catching up on America’s Next Top Model (I have to watch it on Sundays because i miss it on Wednesdays for class) and I got this wave of self-consciousness. I heard myself say “oh, they look good, i need to lose weight”. Then I snapped back and told myself that there are plus-size models on this show that look fabulous. Weight is not what matters, it’s confidence.
I’ve said before that I think it’s family that can play a big part in determining one’s self-esteem. I won’t shield my kids from media but I will let them know about values that matter in the world like, oh i don’t know, honesty and ambition.
4. iliketomakelists&hellip | March 20, 2007 at 4:41 pm
I am the opposite of you, I cared a lot in high school and then when I came to university I didn’t care anymore. I noticed that once I had “wooed” my beau and he could see me in my sweats without makeup and still love me, that it was ok not to have to dress up to impress, and that he was the only one I wanted to impress. His love and support made me more confident with my body and so when I felt comfortable it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. I find that this has carried over to advertising as well. I don’t use ads so much to decide what I want to buy, but more so people (if something looks good to me I’ll seek it out) … and I guess if those people listen to the ads, then I am indirectly as well.
But even if I am one person who is not directly affected, I’ve just proven that I’m still connected in a way to advertising. It is everywhere. We see approximately 40,000 ads a year… so I guess it’s a little big of me to say I’m unaffected.
5. momin&hellip | September 15, 2007 at 3:26 am
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6. Joe&hellip | August 16, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Not to mention the phallic symbolism in the shuttle being launched into the young woman’s vagina