The Media Should NOT Define our Self-Image

Do we choose to define ourselves? Everyday we turn on the television; we are subjected to advertisements about what we are supposed to be, what we are supposed to wear, and even what we are supposed to drive. Ultimately we choose the vehicles we drive, but the media has a huge influence on us. Three television advertisements reveal the vehicles women and men are believed to drive. The Honda Odyssey is shown in advertisements with a woman driving around kids to their daily functions. The Ford F150 and the Chevy Silverado are shown with men four wheeling through the hills. Advertisements tell us what roles we are “supposed” to play in society. In reality men and women’s roles in society have greatly changed from the past, but television advertisements do not represent these changes.

Vans are depicted as “mom vehicles” and trucks are “dad or man vehicles.” When a vehicle manufacturer comes out with a new model of van they usually depict a women driving around, with a vehicle full of kids. She drops the kids off and picks them up, she then proceeds to move around all of the seats illustrating to the consumer all that this new van has to offer. It is all work and no play for moms in the working world. When a new model of the Ford F150 or the Chevy Silverado comes out, advertisements usually depict a man four-wheeling through the hills demonstrating the durability and power of the vehicle. Ford’s motto is “Built Ford Tough” and Chevy’s motto is “Like a Rock.” Thes...