Is this commercial sexist?

[snooper2]

[niyad]

1. yes, but then, most of them are

[qazplm]

2. I dont think using sex to sell

is per se sexist. I think it's insipid, but not sure it's sexist. If so, against whom? The man looks like a slobbering sex fiend who imagines cars as sexy women, not exactly a positive portrayal of a man. The woman comes across equally unflatteringly, so not a positive portrayal of a woman either.

Either way, I think it's just more insipid and silly and juvenile then anti-one sex.

[Whisp]

15. yah, seems like the guy wants to fuck his car.

pretty stupid overall and sexist against both men & women if you ask me.

[pipoman]

3. ...

Mail Message
At Mon Feb 27, 2012, 11:27 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Is this commercial sexist?

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

This is an obviously sexist commercial being brought to the feminist forum by a poster who continually throws jabs at the feminists.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Mon Feb 27, 2012, 11:36 AM, and the Jury voted 1-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Snooper2 posted this ad with a question. Answer it. I'm not going to vote to hide something because the alerter said, "other posts..." If snooper2 posts other things that offend you, alert on those.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Nothing wrong with this post. The group design allows for hosts to ban disruptive users. OTOH the feminist group seems to be pretty confrontational.."why can't we all just get along?"
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: whatever the motivation of the poster, the commercial is worthy of being discussed. (and criticized)
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: As a lifelong feminist, I am so sorry for the pain in this forum. It's almost as if there was a sign on the door that says, "I'm a bruise, pinch me."

Sometimes it's better to look at the message and leave the messenger alone...water off a duck's back type approach. Yes, it's obvious it's sexist and as the one response notes, most commercials are. It seems women have two roles, mother or/and whore in the eyes of "Madison Avenue"...okay probably in almost all masculine trained eyes.

Good luck in there! Try to remember the best approach is one of compassion.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[snooper2]

4. LOL, interesting, I was just wondering if folks here thought if it was sexist..

I didn't even get in the conversation yet


I saw this ad several times over the weekend and was wondering what folks here thought of it. What about the model/actress, is she just a tool or(?)

It is a beautiful little car though..

Coming to the U.S. next month (drool)




I didn't know I constantly through jabs at feminists, I do continually throw jabs at ignorant people though

[WingDinger]

5. Everything out of hollywood is a stereotype of some kind.

[snooper2]

6. Holy cow, really, with a frying pan and all

I can see the obvious sexism in this ad, but the one I posted not so much. I.E. the reason I posted it---

It seemed borderline but still overall a pretty good ad to me...(I'm sure for the ad execs too)

I didn't notice the foam dropping on her chest before though, I think that was cut out of the U.S. version.

[WingDinger]

7. My commercial is where women started to frown on referring to themselves as feminist.

Last edited Mon Feb 27, 2012, 04:48 PM - Edit history (1)

Instead preferring the title, and ambience of SUPERWOMAN. This was sold to women, and they tried to live up to it. The message was, as long as you got your other chores done, maybe.

No Superman was ever promoted. Men still belched, and scratched their bellies mostly in commercials. Again, the patriarchy runs advertizing. Watch MADMEN.

[Broderick]

8. I like that perfume

[WingDinger]

9. Do you like the superwoman sex kitten image?

Sex sells everything, even happy meals.

&feature=related

[Broderick]

11. No comment

But I suddenly want a big Mac. Sigh. I don't need a big Mac.

[WingDinger]

13. I know there is a secret sauce joke in there somewhere.

The really sexist part, is when they ask "Is the adult toy for a boy or girl.

[Broderick]

14. There is. Funny you say that.

[Warren DeMontague]

26. I don't think that second ad is really for McDonalds.

I don't know what the hell it's for, honestly, but it's not a real ad.

[kdmorris]

10. I don't think it's sexist

Over the top in the "sex sells" department and I hate this commercial, but I don't see it as sexist. They seem to be trying to say that the new Fiat is sexy and powerful.

Just my take on it though, ymmv

[Broderick]

12. There is lots of advertising geared towards women I think

That uses men as sex symbols too. Frankly I don't get bothered by the taunt well oiled men they use to sell their product but the mirror I currently use is a bit unforgiving in comparison. I need a new mirror.

[EC]

16. I don't think so.

She is supposed to be the way he sees the car. As a sexy Italian woman. For some reason cars and ships have been known as "she" - so I see the girl as a metaphor.

[Catherina]

18. That's how I saw it n/t

[Marrah_G]

17. I can't stand that commercial

[Catherina]

19. This is the first time I ever saw it

but I liked it

Marrah

[Marrah_G]

21. Hey sweetie :)

[Catherina]

22. It's good to see you again

Rock steady sister

[Rex]

20. I've seen that commercial and I am confused

was he supposed to be thinking about having sex with the car??? How does one go about offending a car? "Nice headlights". ???

[Catherina]

23. Let me watch it again and get back to you

I think that's the general idea, that the car was so sexy and beautiful it had the same effect on him a sexy woman does.

Is it just me or did that woman look like Sophia Loren to you?

[Rex]

24. Yes it did!!!

Good eye!

[Warren DeMontague]

25. She slapped him, which could be construed as normalizing domestic violence and abuse

Plus she looks like she could totally kick his ass.

[Taverner]

27. More like bait and switch...