Gender in Music Videos

After watching the video in class yesterday about women's sexuality and roles in music videos, I immediately remembered a popular music video from several years ago, Bootylicious by Destiny's Child. This video portrays three females who present themselves as too much for a male to handle.  Apparently, their bodies and sexualities are just too much for any male.  Throughout this video told from the female perspective, the females dance sexually while wearing revealing clothing.  However, it is unusual that the males in the video are also portrayed wearing little clothing and dancing sexually.  Overall, the women seem to be trying to empower themselves by having a dominant and independent role.  They actually try to use their sexuality to their advantage and to take control.  On the other hand, it can be suggested that by exposing themselves, the women are actually losing any control or power.  Basically, this video is different than many others discussed in the class video.  Instead of the women being submissive and willing sex machines, the men are portrayed dancing sexually and the women try to gain power and control.  Enjoy the video and catchy song!

Bootylicious by Destiny's Child

The Effects of Social Media Campaigns

Different types of Social Media
By: Asthma Helper

In the past several years, social media campaigns have become increasingly popular because of sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.  In fact, it is quite remarkable that millions of people from all over the world use Facebook today!  With the increasing number of social media users, many ad campaigns have realized the significance of using social media to their advantage.  They use different strategies and techniques to place advertisements on these social media sites to lure consumers into purchasing their products.  Honestly, from the advertisers perspective, this appears to be an ingenious strategy.  One article published by Forbes agrees that using social networking sites to display ads is an excellent idea.  Even looking at the website for this article, one will see several ads displayed around the screen.  This article specifically mentions Proctor and Gamble's Old Spice's technique of using Twitter and Facebook to establish a rapport with their consumers.  Not only could consumers pose questions, they would be answered.  These simple "q and a's" let consumers have a personal connection with the company.  Additionally, Forbe's believe that this is merely the beginning of social media campaigns.  After describing some of their personal favorite social media ad campaigns, they went on to give the qualifications for an effective social media ad.  According to them, it takes creativity, perfect timing, and an understandable or relatable message. 
Being a user of many different social media sites, I must admit that different ads have lured me in.  Although I cannot think of an actual time when I bought something because of an ad, when I have time I check them out.  If nothing else, they are often times at least amusing or interesting.  One ad campaign I do specifically remember is for Starbucks.  On tax day, they offerered free treats through Twitter.  I thought this was a very effective way to get customers into the stores.  Overall, social media will continue to grow as long as social media usage does, which appears to remain strong for a while!

Comm 406 Ad Campaign Blog

Photo by: mukund76 

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fan of Nike.  Although they make many different products, I really only buy their tennis shoes.  Shoes are very important to me and, because I wear children's shoes, finding a nice pair of shoes can be difficult. Therefore, when I started buying my tennis shoes from Nike I was very pleased.  Not only is the quality of the shoes high, the styles, even children's styles, are great as well.  
When considering the reasons why I have always been interested in the Nike brand, I realized it was a result of the many ads I viewed as a child.  The catchy slogan, "Just do it" and check mark symbol are associated with the brand.  In addition, their ads are generally colorful and/or intriguing.  For example, the ad in the picture states, "Yesterday you said tomorrow."  This phrase challenges viewers of the ad to be proactive and productive, something that does not necessarily benefit the company, but rather the consumers.  This ad is more intriguing, not colorful or eye-catching.  This ad can be viewed from two different perspectives.  The first is the viewers who are familiar with Nike.  For them, Nike is using their name to encourage and motivate people.  On the other hand, the viewers who are unfamiliar with the brand may like the message and therefore be interested in the brand.
Personally, the most intriguing and interesting aspect of any Nike ad is the slogan, "Just do it."  I often wondered, "What is it?" and "Why should I be doing it?"  Once I matured, I understood that "it" may not have one universal, concrete definition.  In fact, because such a variety of people buy and use Nike products, it would be impossible for the slogan to have one definition.  For example, for the athlete or trainer, possibly Nike's biggest target, "Just do it" may refer to a sport or training.  For someone who is not an athlete but wears Nike products, the slogan may mean something entirely different.  However, the actual individual meanings of the slogan is not what is important.  The reason I like Nike ads is that they encourage individuals to do something, whatever that something may be.