ByAnam Kibria

How far is too far?

I've always had an interest in advertising (obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be here) but could only judge ads by how entertained I felt at the end. After spending a term at SCA, I feel that I've gained enough technical knowledge to be able to evaluate and thoroughly dissect ads for their craft and strategy. This has enabled me to see ads in a totally new light.I've spent the last 10 days travelling around India and have been extremely fascinated by the ads that I've come across. At the domestic airport in Delhi I saw a banner across the travelator for 'the world's first unisex washing machine' (You can watch it here). What is a unisex washing machine? Aren't all washing machines made for everyone? I understand the need to find a USP but surely this was taking it too far. After a bit of research, I found that sexism in ads seems to be a thing in this part of the planet. Here is an ad for a vagina tightening gel. I mean, does the ad even work? Does the product even work? Who comes up with these things?Finally, here https://youtu.be/9wy3rcJ8sco is another gem of an ad for vaginal whitening. Look at the drama, look at the man ignoring the poor woman. It seems newspapers are more interesting than non-fair vaginas. This ad is so infuriating, I can't believe this it exists. What are your thoughts about these? Looking at these ads makes me so thankful for being taught at SCA. I hope that sometime in the near future I can come back to India and help to stop the production of these poor ads.