Provocative / Offensive Ads #1

[mikel]

Uhm, what's really offensive about it? Fashion eds/ads are about dressing up, playing with a look. I don't get it.

Me neither, it's make up!

 

[reese06]

Me neither, it's make up!

Yes, it is make up captain obvious. Just because it's makeup doesn't mean it's not portraying a negative and innapropriate image.

 

[mikel]

Well, I don't think it's portraying anything negative!

 

[iluvjeisa]

I guess that you're right. It's not an ad.

I don't see anything artistic in it. Blackface or painting of the face with cork is a negative image in history. They'll use makeup to over exaggerate the lips (like this one did) and the eyes and the brightly colored clothing is like the "standard" of blackface performers use to wear. Blackface and minstrel shows drew in white audiences then again blacks weren't allowed or couldn't afford to see the shows anyway . White performers and later some were black performers but still dominated with white playing black characters portrayed blacks in stereotypical roles like lazy, unintelligent or clownish, and overly happy.

Thank you for explaining why this could be seen as offensive. Still, it's a long time ago, a lot of people wouldn't associate this with blackface, because they don't even know it exists. That said, I don't think that image is that good or adds anything interesting.

 

[mikel]

Maybe I'm not offended by that pic because here in Holland every child grows up with 'zwarte piet' (black peet). Shimney sweepers who are the helps from Sinterklaas (the Ducht Santa Claus) who have the same make up as in that pic.

 

[crow_watcher]

In America "black face and red lips" represents negative stereotypes and disrespect toward African Americans. That image is very much prevalent today. There aren't too many Americans of Afro decent not know what that image represents. If you truly don't know the impact of that black face image, show it to a group of African Americans from the south. Its a shame they couldn't have done without the paint because it would have been a beautiful ad.

BTW- that black face image might be a woman of Afro decent...and thats even worse. Years ago, some black performers were forced to wear such make-up to entertain Caucasians.

 

[eternitygoddess]

I don't understand American Apparel's

Sweeter than candy, better than cake. slogan.

 

[emma peel]

some of the things in this thread turn my stomach, and i don't consider myself a prude!

 

[AlmostFamous]

"From the editor (added August 24, 2007 We've received a lot of feedback about this photo recently printed in i-D magazine. Many people have been deeply offended by the photograph. We want to make it clear that this photo is not an American Apparel ad. We truly appreciate the opinions of our readers, and we'll attempt to convey your sentiments to I-D magazine."

americanapparel.net

 

[ShoeLady]

I don't understand American Apparel's

Sweeter than candy, better than cake. slogan.

Yes, does anyone know what I-d means by the whole 'sweeter than candy, better than cake' thing? I'm confused.

 

[BaroqueRockstar]

nothing is better than cake.

 

[Uchina]

I threw up a little in my mouth when I saw the American Apparel ad.

 

[AlmostFamous]

ITS NOT AN AMERICAN APPAREL AD! Its a page in i-D.

 

[Pinkey]

I don't know if these were posted before.
Some Benetton ads

From: http://www.museedelapub.org

http://comppile.tamucc.edu/comppanel_8.htm

http://www.cas.buffalo.edu/classes/dms/berna/mrd/media/syllabus_Advertising.htm

 

[Nemezide]

not offensive but these are strong

 

[hfgl]

i adore benetton ads so much,always have.

 

[min-SH]

i personally dont see offence in the Benetton ads posted.(but the last one did freak me out...)
actually some are very cute IMO.

 

[crow_watcher]

^^Too bad you didn't take notice of the black child depicting a devil whereas the white child is shown in a angelic way. Benetton usually will "play up" historical labels in their ads. I'll admit, its daring a thought provoking.

 

[joiedemode]

The Benetton ads are supposed to be jokes/making fun aren't they?

 

[eternitygoddess]

What's the first Benneton ad about? The one with the crowd of people?

and what are they trying to advertise with a baby?