Sex and Advertisement
Living in one of the most globally competitive countries in the world, companies have implemented the motto “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Everywhere you turn, whether it is the television or your local newspaper, advertisements are incorporating sex in order to increase profits. From clothing lines to perfumes, nowadays it seems as if every producer is pushing boundaries in to order to sell their goods and services. Even items completely unrelated to sex, such as water, are adopting this method. Many Americans, especially those with a conservative nature, have spoken out against this radical tactic. While many others feel that it is perfectly fine. While the morality of the tactic differs across audiences there is almost no question on whether if “sex sells”.
Using sex to sell a product is a seemingly “fool-proof” method. Many can recall the 2007 Bud Light Super bowl commercial. It featured a young couple skinny dipping while unknowingly being watched by a group of men in a bar. Although the ad was intended to be humorous, it was banned for its “over-sexed” message. Despite its short run on television, it created quite frenzy long after its debut. Proving that, even if an ad is deemed “too risqué’” or inappropriate it will more than likely provoke conversation about the associated product or service. Bax states that “even if someone does not agree with what is put on an ad, they are still talking about it. By those discussions being had, the name of your product stays in the minds of consumers longer.” As the saying goes, there's "no such thing as bad publicity". Calvin Klein is one of the most recognizable brands because of its ability to remain relevant through its “ads”. Its campaigns are just as recognizable, if not more, as the company’s products. The company’s use of risqué ads began in the 1980’s and have remained with the company ever since. It all began when Brooke Shields, who was 15 at the time,...