Sex. oooooh baby.

The two slightly contrasting presentations on sex--one in alcohol adds, and the other in television--showed some unique dynamics.

On the one hand, sex on sitcoms reflects more accurately our perceptions of sex. I know that perhaps the Desperate Housewives might not share my views, but the fact is, we can joke about it. These are scenarios people of both sexes can relate to and laugh at. This is why this type of sexual inuendo and jokes are used...to keep you watching.

On the other hand, sexy alcohol advertisements have a different telos. Typically, I think part of the message is this: (to the girls) if you look like this, a handsome man will buy you a drink. (to the guys): girls will want you if you drink our product. you'll have sexy women all over you, and if you buy them a drink, we bet you'll get laid. It is much more demeaning, in my opinion, than television sex. The characters on TV, first of all, generally have some sort of relationship with each other. People in magazine ads don't. It's women as an object lower than men that sells the product.

At the same time, though, I think not having sexy ads would be worse. Putting too many limits and too much emphasis on how harmful it could be would seperate women. By acknowledging it and not letting it affect you, you can (just like with book banning) take the power from it. I know not everyone is informed enough to do this. Why can't we spend more time educating our society?

Civilization bugs me. I think I've listened to too much Bill Hicks and have crossed over into this netherworld of frustration with humans. No, I still love humans. I just am bugged by their choices sometimes.

At any rate, since I've mentioned Hicks, I hope that my presentation didn't offend anyone and that the CD wasn't despised by track 5.

=)