representation analysis

    When discussing representation in media, it is important to acknowledge some key factors. some of these factors being gender, social class, age, race/ethnicity.Having reviewed to pieces of advertising, there are some problems and parts to aspire towards in the two. The videos chosen were an ad for H&M's close the loop initiative, and an ad for tide.

     I'll begin with the advertisement for tide. The video is based on a house wife who clean her daughters clothes, which she didn't like her daughter wearing, and how well the detergent works. This advertisement is a clear depiction of negative gender norms. Not only does it reinforce the outdated housewife ideals, but it also implies strongly that a girl shouldn't be wearing a specific type of clothing. The mother is depicted as clearly having a problem with the daughters fashion choice, as her surroundings are filled with shades of pink. This ad is a clear form of gender misrepresentation.

     On the other hand, the ad for H&M is a good example of good representation in media. This advertisement had good representation all around. It showed a wide variety of gender, race, age, and ethnicity throughout the video. The video also showed some variety in social class and people with disabilities. This piece of media was able to deliver its message strongly without having to resort to misrepresentation like other companies. All in all this is what i believe most companies should strive for, in terms of representation.

     The audience's effect to these two ads would be very different. On the side of the Tide commercial, this has the possibility to misinform a particularly suggestible audience member that their way of living is wrong. If a woman was to not fall into to the normative for women, that person would be left out of the people the audience targets. They are being told that their lifestyle is wrong. On the side of the H&M commercial, there is a wide variety of people as to ensure that as little people as possible feel misrepresented. This videos goal is to let everybody express themselves in their own way.