Stay Sweet As You Are analysis

The essay has a very clear message, that adverts in the past were targeted towards women, and further making them an object of men's desires. The audience can be a wide variety of people, either women who are learning about the past misogyny of American advertisement, or men who are being educated on the structural male dominance in this country. It is a powerful piece for either group to read up on. I believe the purpose is to show how women are objectified, and that their only goal in life should be to get married, or be in many romantic relationships. The authors stance is clear, that this type of advertising is wrong, and a gross reflection of the advertisement industry. I only wish she had tackled some of the ads today, that really aren't much better. The larger context is the structural male dominance in this country, and she is contributing to the bigger picture by showing more detailed analysis examples of these ads. The media she used to get the message across is mostly written, but I think the images of the ads were important in backing up her statements. She appeals to the readers emotions by stating the sad truth that advertisements like these are a debilitating factor in women's struggle for equality with men. As well as that "pleasing men is the prerequisite to happiness." I think she does very well in proving her point, and using the analysis of the ads to her advantage.