Do Breast Exams Because Boobs Are Hot

These two images were part of the campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer at my college this year. I think it is fascinating that, even when spreading a message about women's health, the images include sexualization and objectification (on the right) and a woman posed to look insecure, vulnerable, and maybe slightly scared (on the left).

Posted by Lisa Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 11:27 AM Labels: , , , ,  

4 comments:

  kristina b

March 30, 2008 at 5:17 PM

this is interesting. on first glance, i couldn't figure out why you were calling out the one on the left. it's interesting because i was raised to think such claims are bullshit. i think my entire hometown, if faced with your analysis, would probably laugh and roll their eyes < / vast over-generalization>. so it's been an interesting and tough task for me to retrain my mind to see the types of things you're talking about on this blog. thanks for doing it. it helps me see the world (and my life) differently.

  Anonymous

March 30, 2008 at 6:08 PM

While I generally, myself, call out ads that sexualize or de-individualize women, I'm not sure that the one on the right would qualify here. It is certainly reminiscent of many an ad selling cologne/cigarettes/cars/houses/whatever. However, I think that the image is appropriate in this instance. The ad is to educate about breast cancer and getting an exam - therefore, breasts. I also don't mind the fact that it is ONLY the woman's breasts that are shown. In this case, they don't want you to worry about the body of the woman used in the photograph, they want you to worry about your own body or that of someone you love. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

  xenobiologista

March 30, 2008 at 6:18 PM

Could you please explain how "Keep in touch with yourself" and a photo of someone wearing a fairly boring-looking bra (yes, it's got some lace, but it's not particularly sexy) constitute sexualized imagery? I don't see it.

  Anonymous

April 12, 2008 at 7:29 PM

I agree with the last two comments. I think you are making two much of it, particularly to say that the woman on the left is made to look "perhaps even a little scared!" Oh heavens, no!

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