Representation Analysis

 Representation In Media

    The representation a certain media piece decides to present can decide the overall feelings of its audience, or whether that audience feels well represented by the piece. Though in some cases certain advertisements, for example, try to be funny and appeal to the intended audience, it can impose the wrong idea or intention upon the viewers. Some advertisements, however, incorporate different levels of representation throughout their piece, including people of color, different ages, genders, etc to appeal to everyone. 

Advertisement #1: Axe

In this advertisement, the audience views one woman running in a small bikini. As she continues to run, more women join her, all wearing different color variations of the bikini the first woman was wearing. As they continue to run, a white male is shown spraying the body spray. 

Though the targeted audience for this ad is clearly the heterosexual male, it can also be seen as degrading and depicting women as savage and to go crazy for the opposite sex. Speaking of the women representation in this advertisement, all of these women have the exact same body type; skinny, big-breasted, and toned. Though one could argue that the ad used a variation of races amongst the women, they were all chosen to be cast in the advertisement because they supposedly fit society's standards on what men think is attractive, and therefore the consumers of Axe bodyspray will obtain these women if they use it. 

The representation in this advertisement is just simply horrible. Though it may boost the ego of the white male (oh how we so need more of that), the women representation is wrongfully executed. This may show younger girls watching that in order to be attractive they need to look like the women in the commercial and that a women's purpose is to compete for a man's attention and satisfy his needs. 

Many categories of representation are left out, including older men/women, LQBTQ+, plus-size individuals, etc. This advertisement may have done more harm than good, for those who don't fit into what the commercial is putting out may not like the feeling that they may never look like what the commercial is saying is attractive. 

Above, we can see a group of women wearing strictly bikini's running and chasing one another.

Here, we can see the male, shot from a lower angle that makes him appear in a stronger, more confident viewpoint as he sprays the bodyspray. 

Advertisement #2: H&M

This commercial is in very high contrast to the previously mentioned advertisement. The purpose of this commercial, though sponsored by H&M, is to make a change in the environment and to recycle your clothes, where H&M states that you can go to their stores and recycle your clothes there. 

The range of representation in this commercial is very large. The advertisement showcases individuals who are straight, gay, people of color, older individuals, younger individuals, men, and women. The point is that no matter who you are, you are able to express your fashion freely as well as recycle your clothing. 

In contrast to the Axe commercial, the apparel shown in this ad also has a broader representation than the previous advertisement mentioned. All types of styles are shown, chic, goth, older individuals dressing in "teen" clothing, men dressing in pinks, etc. It gives the impression that all are welcome and accepted no matter what you look like or your style. This commercial doesn't rely on stereotypes to get their intended message across, which allows the audience to feel more represented. 

Above, a man wearing a skirt is shown. This sets the premise that gender roles don't matter and individuals should wear what they want to wear. 

Here, an African- American woman is standing, showcasing her unique outfit. POC representation can be seen throughout the entire advertisement.