LETTER OF THE DAY - 'Silly, archaic, ignorant' Women's Media Watch
Published:Wednesday | July 7, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
I write with sincere concern about a recent statement issued by Women's Media Watch (WMW) with regard to the use of women in the advertising of energy drinks. Simply put, I think the women's rights group is being silly, archaic, ignorant and stupid.
The statement says, "WMW contends that the portrayal of women and the images of men conjured up in energy drink ads such as those for Mandingo, reincarnation of an age-old colonial ideology and representation of African humanity as overly sexed and animalist."
Their history-laden three-page statement goes on to compare a Mandingo advertisement with an 18th century photo and subsequent actions of persons from that time.
The ridiculous commentary languishes on and on, and makes it clear that the WMW is in no way, shape or form defending or representing women of the new generation and laments the use of women by brands in order to promote their product.
I agree that there are some advertisements that are poor in taste and cross the line between 'sexy' and 'sex', but I fail to see how the WMW has taken the stance it has, and am equally confused as to what they are saying. These women are talented persons who make an honest living by participating in advertisements and activities that brands know appeal to their consumers. These activities aren't illegal. These women aren't forced to participate in them. So I'm not sure who WMW has a grouse with.
Bunch of feminist radicals
I'm beginning to think that WMW is a bunch of feminist radicals who are yet to accept that there is a new generation of women - who aren't as easily offended by things that affected and offended previous generations of women.
The first thing they should do is clarify their message and who it is exactly that they have a grouse with. The second thing they should do is recruit some young women to give themselves a fair representation of what values and attitudes are in this 21st century. The third thing they should do is realise that they have no authority to tell a brand, a woman or a consumer that what works for them is wrong.
I am, etc.,
Brandon Allwood