Always popular posts on this blog (based on visits) are the ones about sex in advertising - and especially the ones about the increasing use of naked and near naked men in advertising.
The fact that naked and semi-naked men are being used more and more, likely answers the question about why we are seeing so many of them. It also tells us why increasingly celebrities and sport stars are willing to strip down to be in ads.
They must stop people and they must work?
Women used to be, and still are, frustrated and appalled at how they, and their assets, are made a cheap focus in ads. They hate the stereotyping of women and sex, and how basic and obvious it is usually treated.
As we look at men in ads, we see many of the same traits emerging more and more. One that I have noticed is the need in perfume ads to shove an unrealistically large version of the bottle down the front of a man's trousers or covering his "assets"..
It is obvious, a bit basic and do intelligent people really think a crude suggestion like this will sell make fragrances?
For me I think it shows (once again) that while you may be able to stop people, which is the first role of any advertising, you then need to engage and interest.
The best ads will stop your target, and then draw them in and let them think, engage and take a message. You do not have to hit them over the head. You do not have to shove your message into their face. A bit of subtlety, a bit of cleverness and you will likely get them to spend more time - and do a better job.
As David Ogilvy, the famous ad man used to say, never forget that the consumer is not an idiot, she is your wife.....
Stop people, but then engage and get them to think. You do not need to shove a big bottle down a man's trousers to make a point....?
Thoughts? Any other examples. Please email to me: click here or leave a comment
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3 comments:
Great post. Interesting to note how men are now exploited as well, and also how it is affecting boys perceptions of body image. And the point you make about engagement is dead on. Stopping is one thing, convincing is another, and engaging is yet another. Jim.
I think this simple maths :
Advertising + Sex = Sells (or Success)
Basic everything plus + sex = sells or success
After water > food > home > work > sex
Its the 5th basic need or better basic "instinct"
Remember back then with the simple cross leg scene they sold the movie.
Now we have the opposite, women always are better market. So we try to sell ...... f word start with d now
I don't think...so... :( For me it is so harsh!
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