5/19/05
ADVERTISEMENT
Having mass media all around us, makes it extremely difficult to even turn to a
corner without having to see some type of advertisement. These advertisements that are
becoming more and more useful in selling a product have also been constantly changing
our culture. With advertisements continuously surrounding people, it is no wonder to see
how as consumers we have become an easy target towards manipulation. Advertising
creates needs, encourages over consumption, warps American culture, and makes us
insecure about ourselves through advertisement making people uncomfortable with there
own bodies while using emotional appeal, portraying dream like worlds, and turning
consumers into objects.
With mass media at an ultimate high, it is no wonder to see why some people begin
to feel uncomfortable in their own skin after watching certain advertisements. The
advertisements appear to portray dreams to which the majority of people would love to
change about themselves. Advertisers continuously show images of thinner, taller, and
towards more younger males and females on their ads. These ideals of the "perfect person
with the perfect body" are being imposed on those who do not fit into the category. By
presenting this ideal, which is a look difficult to achieve and maintain, product industries
are growing in profits. (Gerber) They portray beautiful, thin people having a great time
with whatever product that is being sold. ...