In a world where advertising shapes perceptions, it’s time to address the glaring issue of how women are portrayed. A pivotal moment sparked the passion of Lucy Harper, a New York advertising executive, who stumbled upon a disheartening online search for “objectification of women.” The results? Disturbing and unacceptable.
Lucy and her colleague, Mark Ellis, decided to take action. They created a powerful video showcasing women holding ads that objectify them, demanding a change in the narrative. The video was released anonymously on January 11, featuring statements like:
“I am your mother.
I am your daughter.
I am your sister.
I am your leader.
I am your CEO.
Don’t speak to me that way.”
#WomenNotObjects
This movement emphasizes the importance of demanding more from companies that constantly bombard us with hyper-sexualized imagery. This relentless barrage is not just benign; it influences how our children perceive themselves and others, and we have the power to change that. Research indicates that misogynistic advertising can lead to serious social issues, including violence and harassment against women, a fact supported by decades of work by experts like Jean Kilbourne.
Despite the fact that women make approximately 75% of all purchasing decisions, only a meager 11% of advertising creatives are women, as highlighted by Lucy in an interview. This disconnect underscores the importance of women’s voices in shaping the advertising landscape.
Tragically, Lucy faced unimaginable loss when she lost her three daughters and parents in a fire in 2011. “I’ve been searching for my purpose since then, and it’s definitely more significant than just making money,” she reflected. “I want to create work that has dignity and serves a greater good.”
Small initiatives can lead to monumental changes. For instance, at the 2014 Oscars, the #AskHerMore campaign emerged, challenging the status quo of how women are questioned on the red carpet. This movement has since influenced how interviewers engage with women in the industry. Similarly, #WomenNotObjects aims to shine a light on the detrimental objectification of women in ads. It’s high time we hold brands accountable and let them know that we demand more.
If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of advertising on society, check out our related blog post here. For those looking to dive deeper into home insemination, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. And for a comprehensive guide on what to expect during your first IUI, visit Parents.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to amplify our voices against the objectification of women in advertising. By pushing back and demanding representation that honors women’s dignity, we can pave the way for future generations to thrive without the burden of harmful stereotypes.