Kilbourne's Argument

I agree with Kilbourne’s argument to a certain extent. I think she has a very good point and backs most of her argument up with sources. However, sometimes I think she goes too far or makes general assumptions based on her opinions. However, I agree with her overall concept that advertisements have made people, mainly women, become dehumanized and objectified.

Kilbourne talks about how advertising has helped cause women to be viewed as objects, especially for sex, and how this leads to violence and women getting raped or harassed. I agree with her on the topic that ads have helped cause women to be viewed as objects. The ads show beautiful women with sexy bodies to attract men. I think that because of some ads that are sexual in nature, women are seen as objects that will allow men to have sex with them and will not say “no” to men, who think they are powerful and superior. However, I do not think that advertisements that are sexual or suggestive are as big of a reason why these women experience getting harassed, raped, or abused as Kilbourne suggests. It could be a factor, but I think there are just some bad people in the world who want to feel powerful, and so the only way they can feel this way is to take advantage of women since women are generally weaker and not as aggressive.

Another thing that Kilbourne mentioned, that I agree with, was that females are held responsible when sex goes wrong. If a woman gets raped or assaulted, it’s seen as her fault for not staying out of a dark place, for wearing skimpy clothes, or for having a few drinks of alcohol. Also, if a woman gets pregnant, it is her fault for not making sure the man had a condom on or from obtaining from sex. It is never the man’s fault.