Sexual Appeal

As a woman and mother of two girls I believe companies need to remain ethical when it comes to their advertising campaigns.  Even though studies have shown sex appeal sells, it is an extremely effective way to draw attention to your product. With that said, I feel there is a time and a place for some companies to market their product like beer for instance. You don't want to run your ad at 11:00 in the morning on PBS KIDS morning shows or on a Religious T.V. station. 

 Companies must not only care about the opinion of the "direct" target, but also be aware of the effects on the "indirect" target also. There are two legal distinctions to be considered in an advertisement for them to be considered explicit. One being "indirect" which can be enforced if considered severe enough by enforcing "community standards". This is mainly done by using citizen or group pressure groups. The other legal distinction is considering something "obscene".  There are 3 conditions to be met to consider an advertisement obscene:

1.  Appeals to prurient or unwholesome interest
2. Patently offensive or open to public attention
3. Lacks any social value

A large concern as a mother of two teenage daughters is the effects advertising companies are having on their self-esteem when it comes to using photo retouching. As a mother I feel it is up to the parent to explain that what you see on television or in the magazine is not always factual. It may not be realistic to achieve the look of a celebrity or a supermodel.  I also feel it is up to a parent to be in tune with your child to realize if there is a self-esteem issue or eating disorder. With that said I feel advertising agencies should be required to have a disclaimer explaining that this photo has been altered. So it can help women and young girls to again regain the confidence I feel most young women are lacking in this day and age.   Examples of Retouching:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5va_Fb61ac8&feature=BFa&list=PLE71053C64714A5B0  A great link about Photoshopping and the Controversy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovpd5O6M8tQ&feature=BFa&list=PLE71053C64714A5B0