English Language and Literature Blog

Advertising exists primarily to persuade people to buy things—it is not there to educate; it is there to persuade. However, as a form of mass media, with huge reach, advertising has an unignorably real impact on how people think and feel about certain groups in society. I feel that advertisers do have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people. Due to media and the easy access people have to the internet allows advertisers to create adverts which create new stereotypes and reinforce existing stereotypes into young children. Adverts play a large role in television, and all forms of media as this is how free forms of social media; such as Facebook and Instagram can continue developing. From the development in social media, advertisers are now able to create ads which are extremely stereotypical and because these types of ads are becoming increasing acceptable. Due to this, I feel that the creators of these adverts should have a moral responsibi

What does the ad reveal about the cultural/ social/ or historical context of its production? -         Historically India is a poor country. Socially it is uncommon for girls of Hirabai’s age to continue schooling. -         Culturally, Indian girls are expected to leave school and start a family when they hit puberty, which is most likely the reason ‘childfund” have used a girl of 14 in this ad. From the ad, it insinuates that “childfund” has helped to prevent cultural traditions that the audience see to be negative from prevailing. According to the ad, what values or characteristics are the most important?   -         The organization values girls’ safety and their education. -         The organization want to reduce poverty and improve gender equality. -         They value the ability to read. Without the ability to read English the viewer will be unable to process the information. -         Hirabai’s is happy in the ad as she is smiling. Happy is not a product, but