BLOG #1 | Sex Sells, But Should It?
by jesselsa
The ad below demonstrates the use of sexual innuendo in today’s advertising world.
From designer perfume to beverages, advertisers use sexual images to pitch their products and ideas to the masses. Yes, sex sells. Renowned men’s magazines like FHM and Maxim have experimented with the covers of their magazines. When a sexy, half-naked woman adorns the cover, it surpasses that of an image of a male icon, with the former appealing greater to male genetics. But, there’s a fine line, and all too often these days brands are stepping way over the line—search Tom Ford’s “Vaginads”—repelling customers instead.
“Smoking means being a slave to tobacco”
This particular anti-smoking campaign commissioned by Les Droits des Non-Fumeurs, a pressure group supporting the rights of non-smokers, was devised to bring a halt to the rise in smoking amongst young teenagers in France. The advert depicts young teens kneeling in front of older men as if forced to perform oral sex, with a cigarette in place of male genitalia. As discussed in the Telegraph, Les Droits des Non-Fumeurs stated in an online discussion, “the campaign targets young people who see cigarettes as symbols of emancipation, of freedom, when it really causes dependency and submission.” However, is the use of sexual innuendo even as a deterrent ethical? Admittedly, sexual appeal has the ability to grab the attention of teens, but as a teenager myself, exploiting underage sex, even for a good cause is out of the question.
Just how much sex is too much sex in the world of marketing? And for you curious minds out there, check out the video below to find out your limits.