Misogyny Bowl 2010
Sometimes the best part of the Superbowl is the commercials. Advertisers go out of their way to feature their funniest and cleverest commercials during the year’s most-watched football game. This year, a theme emerged from the commercials: how much women suck.
Example #1: FloTV ad
Example #2: Dove for Men ad
Women are roughly about 50% of the viewing audience of the Superbowl. I’m not certain if its the uncertain economic times that have led to an upsurge in Park Ave. misogyny, but new reports have shown that for the first time ever women are the majority of the workforce.
Jezebel has a more complete collection of misogynistic ads from this year’s Superbowl.
Misogyny? I don’t know UI–I see more emasculation, and stereotyping (on both sides)–and would want to address that first, before it leads to misogyny. But I guess even Park Ave. is even in a conundrum of how to market to us:)!!
I’m kinda with Joanne here. Who knew the American male was such a wuss. I watched the commercials last night shaking my head, and was insulted for my husband and son. The message was clear: Men don’t wear the pants in their relationship and the only control they have is over what beer they drink and what car they drive. Such worthy battles.
Yes, that’s the issue with sexism – it’s insulting to everyone. For men, it treats them as if they are stupid and also gives the message that there is only one way to act. It also gives the message that women (especially career women) are emasculating b*tches.
This is interesting (I saw none of these ads), because the Yahoo home page story title implies that it was the guys who took a beating in the ads.
I didn’t turn the game on until the 4th quarter (husband wanted to watch Biggest Loser) but I wne ton Hulu and saw David Letterman’s promo which was the best. I thought the lingerie bowl was stupid and sexist.
Did anyone see this Audi ad? It was the most confused ad of the evening.
“Green Police”
The message seemed to be environmentalists are fascists, buy this green car.
Okay, I’m with both UI and Joanne. The message is insulting, but it’s what happens to that message when applied to real life that’s disturbing. Are we saying that a real man is one who doesn’t let his women make decisions? And how does that idea get put into action?
And speaking of decisions… 2.5 million for those ads? And while I watched them all, and was insulted by a lot of them, other than Doritos and Denny’s I don’t remember what the product/brand of the other ads was – other than some car or beer. Which should add insult to injury.
Well, all I can say is I don’t want or need another life to run, so “my men” better come prepared to make decsions, act, and be responsible. Just like “my women”. Then they can shop with whomever they want–cause I’ll never take ’em! Oh…and the DOVE? If you didn’t pick it up yourself at the store as your choice, then yes, you will be stuck with BoBo brand that’s sitting in the shower.
How’s that for reality Park Avenue?
It is not misogyny; it is ironic self-awareness. It is funny and mock-rueful acknowledgment that men willingly defer to the women in their lives. That is actually the opposite of misogyny.
A relationship is a give and take. These commercials focused in finding humor in the “give” part. Nothing wrong with that.
anon-I know it’s light-and don’t want to dwell on 36 seconds. But it’s getting tiring in all the sitcoms, movies and media presentations. The message has clearly been delivered of bumbling idiots, and a “she who must be obeyed” mentality. I believe in give and take. But when the other guy is giving, I can do without the dose of a suffering, anguished face, or wistful imagery of bachelor life. Game face anon, that’s what I’m talking about!
From portrayals these days, why would any guy ever want to get married and have kids? That’s what my adult, and adolescent sons get to channel surf everyday.
don’t forget megan fox in a tub was hot
You’d have to have one tiny dick to buy a doge charger after seeing that ad.
I loved the AUDI ad. And the fascist part? Reminds me of years back when the US went non-smoking nuts–just talk to any smoker who was a die-hard–they were a pariah at any party and on and on. I think revolts were organized on balconies, and porches.
Betty White rocks!
i think it was the roast of William Shatner where she performed. Small old ladies telling edgy race and sex based jokes has GOT to be the funniest thing on the planet.
that said, i dont think it is sexist to suggest betty white would not be good at football, or any other little old lady. Remeber, at the end of the commercial, there was an old man (some famous guy)
i agre with anon about the dodge commercial….. can oyu imagine the backlash if it was a woman?
“you cook his diner, you celebrate Steak and a Blow Job day, you put up with cigar smoke on poker night, you dress up like Sailor Moon on his birthday…..”
you get the idea
Here is the highly-anticipated Tebow ad for Focus on the Family:
Amanda Marcotte’s take on the ad:
The old guy was Abe Vigoda, best known as Fish from Barney Miller and Tessio from The Godfather. “Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him.”
The message has clearly been delivered of bumbling idiots, and a “she who must be obeyed” mentality.
Exactly, Joanne. The ads portray women as suffocating and undesirable.
Great response to the stupidest Super Bowl ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou5Ens-qNRc&feature=player_embedded