Blog Seven
The first image is of a skinny black model. The lighting and the patterns of her clothing make her look exotic. The leopard print alludes to the animal/human dualism, making her, of course, wild and inferior. A smaller detail is that she is actually pinned to the wall – her wrists and elbows are held back by the ties. She’s also really skinny, probably unhealthily so. This is a common image in the media, for all women. In all honesty, I have no idea what this advertisement is for. Possibly for the clothes? It is important to note that this is also a black woman. Black women are portrayed as exotic, again striking on the animal/human dualism.
The second image is of a husband and wife, advertising for Kenwood Chef – a kitchen appliance. The statement says that the appliance does everything but cook, and that’s what wives are for. The wife in the picture looks really happy – happy to please her husband, is the message. The couple looks perfect and happy, and somehow, we get the idea that this is how things are supposed to be. The wife cooks for the husband, and all is well.
Of course, both of these images also play into class roles. You have to be able to buy something to get to these points. You have to buy the clothes to be sexy and exotic. You have to buy Kenwood to make sure your family life is smooth. What if you don’t have money for these sorts of things? Too bad. The slogan on the bottom of the Kenwood Chef advertisement also states, “I’m giving my wife a Kenwood Chef.� Basically, you have to have enough to be able to give your wife a Kenwood Chef in order to ensure happiness and order around your home.