Law Book/movie review

Name
Professor
Course
Date
Gender Issues in the Media and Advertisement
Question 1
The media shapes the understanding of its audience regarding gender expectations. However, Kilbourne’s (00.00-15.50) presentation affirms that the contemporary media glorifies the objectification of women through sexually-designed ads. Suggett (n.p.) quotes the Dove and Aerie ads that align towards perfection, printing a false image of the ideal woman.
Question 2
The media today, through ads and other promotions, negatively affects the development process of people in middle adulthood. Most young women now strive to achieve the appearance of the falsified and photo-shopped ideal women. The teens fail to appreciate their bodies. Worst of all, the media presentation of sexuality through ads pins an inappropriate sexual orientation among the young adults.
The media, despite the negative presentation of women through ads, also takes a leading role in championing for the rights of women. Through the years, the media has been on the forefront in fighting for the rights of women and children, classifying them as the ‘marginalized and vulnerable’ populations. Various awareness campaigns continue to fight for measures aimed at safeguarding and defending the rights of women against all forms of oppression.
Question 3
The media presents certain prejudices and biases against growing adults. Women tend to be seen as sex objects, rather than as people of dignity. For example, the “Now Open” ad below from Pinterest makes women to appear less than human beings.

Another prejudice is that young men grow up with little respect for their female counterparts, based on the media presentation of women. Effects of Photoshop applications display the ideal women in the perfect way possible. Young girls, by viewing these ads, develop a negative attitude towards their appearance.

Fig. 1: Example ad (Nelson n.p.)
Question 4
The Strengths Potential approach is an appropriate theory that can guide clients towards making the right decisions, despite the media misrepresentation. For example, female clients affected by the nature of objectification of women in ads can be taken through sessions that help them to identify and restore their strengths, abilities, and potential.
Question 5
Erik Erikson’s psychological theory of development breaks down human growth and development into stages. In the middle adulthood stage, the young adults tend to be imitative of what they observe. Therefore, the media’s portrayal of gender bias affects the minds of people at this development stage.
Works Cited
Kilbourne, Jean. “The dangerous ways ads see women” Ted Talks: YouTube. 2014. Web. September 17, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy8yLaoWybk
Nelson, Andy. 5 ads that objectify women. 2016. Web. September 17, 2018, http://savingmamasita.com/2016/01/5-ads-that-objectify-women-womennotobjects-video-goes-viral/
Suggett, Paul. The Objectification of Women in Advertising. 2018. Web. September 17, 2018, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/advertising-women-and-objectification-38754