I just read the interview with Amy Poehler, of Saturday Night Live fame, and I feel a little emotional. It's very funny, inspiring and all around wonderful, just like Bust (most of the time). Here is a little quote that addresses a particular issue that I have mused about with friends recently: the softcore porn that American Apparel uses as advertising.
We were just talking about those American Apparel ads. They're fucking gross, man. Look, I love beautiful girls too. I think everyone should be free to have their knee socks and their sweaty shorts, but I'm over it. I'm over this weird, exhausted girl. I'm over the girl that's tired and freezing and hungry. I like bossy girls, I always have. I like people filled with life. I'm over this weird media thing with all this, like, hollow-eyed, empty, party crap. I don't know, it seems worse than ever, but maybe it's just because we're getting old.
Friday, September 29, 2006
I love beautiful girls too
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Goooooooo Amy! I love her. I haven't read my new issue yet, but it arrived in the mail earlier this week. I was still reading the Fashion Issue!
I am so conflicted about American Apparel because I love those clothes, but I'm not down with the advertising or the alleged sexism that takes place in that company. Argh! It is a constant battle!
It IS worse than ever. And while I somewhat agree with the feminists bitching about the ads, saying they degrade and exploit young girls, I can't say that I'm offended by the pictures of the boys with the hairy legs and sweaty armpits.
Has it not come to the point where men should also not be degraded or exploited? Is the oversexualization of men in advertising more acceptable than that of women? Is it an age thing - (the men look like real men, while the women look like young girls)? Or do I just like porn?
I agree that men are facing some oversexed media images these days, but it is not the same for several reasons. First, the advertising isn't directed at young boys, for the most part. Second, it isn't as wide-spread for men as it is for women, which is where the real danger lies. Third, it is a new phenomenon and hasn't had a cumulative impact as a result. Fourth, the advetising may be sexual, but it doesn't necessarily encourage submissive qualities - the age of the models is definitely an issue in this regard.
I have to say that I buy clothes at American Apparel too, because it is an excellent company in other ways (it pays its American workers well and provides good benefits). But I'm starting to question my support. As Sarah Silverman once said, you have to pick your battles. Ha!
I don't buy clothes from American Apparel because I hate the kiddie porn ads (that's so cool of Amy Poehler to bring that up), the owner is a pervert, and I hate their uber hipster staff. "No experience necessary, please attach a picture to your resume." Fuck American Apparel.
Erin, I'm convinced. Thankfully the impact of the exploitation of men is negligible, so I don't have to worry about the ads being pulled.
Post a Comment