Men's Men and Women's Women by Steve Craig
Explaining the different ways to grab certain audiences through advertising, Craig analyzes that there are four different types of ways to grab consumers attention. There are Men's men which are men that grabs attention towards men, Men's women which are women that attract male consumers, women's women which are women targeting women, and Women's men which are men targeting female consumers.
Well for starters I do not even watch television all that much, I only watch basketball games. I am not really familiar to commercials nor do I enjoy them, like most people I know I try to fast forward them, skip them, or leave when they come on etc. After reading Steve Craig's article I stopped and thought about all the commercials I could remember to see if I felt the same way. Sure enough after watching and recalling back to my memory, I do see why he says those things in his article. I too believe that all commercials lead towards either male or female consumers. How they do that is by using male or females to grab the attention of males and females, if that makes any sense. I guess what i am trying to say is that Craig made me think about the advertising strategies that I never really cared for much in general. It made me think about commercials in depth and it amazed me to realize that that is what advertisers do to get people to buy things. It is the certain characteristics in the main roles that make us find them relatable make consumers feel like they need that product as soon as possible. Scary, but true to think that we are all trying to be manipulated in wanting or buying products..
I never really thought of the way advertisers manipulated certain genders until I read Craig's article. I always thought that the advertisers were just trying to let the consumers know more about their products, but Craig's article definitely opened my eyes on the subject. I agree that it is scary that the advertisers are manipulating us into buying their products. Most people just see a commercial and know if they like what they see or not, but Craig's article explains to us why we are attracted so easily. As a man, when I see a man's woman I am instantly attracted, but until the article I never really thought of why. I also agree that it is insane how far advertisers are willing to go to just get more recognition for their products. They will practically do anything to gain more profits. I hate commercials as much as the next person, but when an advertiser shows a group of males bonding and getting together I feel the urge to watch the ad and figure out why they are so close. Most of the commercials I see are all fantasies, but people have huge dreams and believe these dreams can come true. Craig explains to us why we are so attracted and I am very happy that I learned more about the advertising world.
ReplyDeleteGreat initial post and very engaging comment, William. One of the fascinating things that comes from reading the articles on advertising is that they get us to truly notice how they work. But, then I realize it isn't just advertising that uses these techniques. Think of how many men's women you've seen in television shows or video games--and, of course, this is true of all of the categories Craig defines. These gender stereotypes are such a part of our culture that we usually don't notice when we encounter them.
ReplyDeleteAfter I read the article by Craig I too found myself paying more attention to the commercials. I thought "who are they targeting" I actually think it is fascinating how they take the time to understand what people like to make more profit, I would even want to take the time to learn more on how they do it and what factors they look for when creating these ads. It is impressive how they know what people like in other people and use it against us so we nut the products. I know now every time I watch TV I will over think it because of Craig. and who knows maybe in years I too will be creating TV ads to have people buy thing they do not necessary need.
ReplyDeleteXanat, there are many other articles in SOL on this topic. I especially think the article entitled "What We Are to Advertisers" is an eye-opener (and short).
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