So I saw a post on how American Apparel markets unisex clothing, but I couldn’t actually find a unisex section on their website. I did however notice this. The sweatshirts one is particularly illuminating.
Selling men’s clothes to men, and selling women’s bodies to… ?
American Apparel is really fucking horrible for many, many reasons, but here’s another example.
American Apparel’s advertising is a PERFECT example of the way that we sell products to men through advertisements and sell women’s bodies to men even though they’re being used in advertisements for women’s products. It’s a fantastic example of how the female body is treated differently than the male body, how it’s seen as intrinsically sexual, and how this is totally normalized within our culture. To be clear: i’m not saying there’s anything wrong with women’s bodies being sexual, or women being seen as sexual beings. We are sexual beings! What I am saying is that there’s something deeply problematic when that sexualizing is only happening for women, and when that sexuality turns into objectification through a male gaze. To illustrate, here’s a screencap from the AA homepage right now:
because a picture of a woman’s ass that she is spreading with her fingers and the slogan ‘get wet’ is not an objectification of women’s bodies for the male gaze AT ALL, and we would totally see these types of images and ads for male swimsuits too! -________-
Yeah, if you’re still spending your money there, stop.
Reblogged from The New Women's Movement
Though we both know that the worst part about it is I would be free when you wanted me. If you wanted me.
In an infinite universe, we’re walking around capable of communication and emotion. Also, we invented crayons. I’d say that’s a lot to be excited about.
For them.
You want it. More than anything in this world you want to be up on that stage with the rest of them. Singing. Being a a goofball. Making people laugh and smile. Making people stop and think.
Doing it for yourself doesn’t seem to be enough. And you know what? That’s okay.
But do it for them.
Do it for the people that believe in you.
For your parents who’ve been behind you at every turn. Who heard their bright young daughter, who had the potential to do anything, say “I want to be in theatre!” and supported her every step along the way to support her lofty dream.
For your directors who’ve stuck their neck out for you to showcase your talents, even in the unlikeliest of places.
For the strangers who’ve approached you after shows to tell you you’re special.
For your professors who pulled you aside after classes to assure you you’d chosen the right career path.
For your friends. For Charlie and Andy, all your Bubba’s buds, who’ve given your more encouragement in the past few months than you could’ve hoped to have in a lifetime.
For Marc. Who never had any obligation to carry you the way he does, yet he greets you every day with the promise of his support and admiration. Don’t let him and his incredible talents down.
Get out there. Show the world what you can do. If not for yourself, for all the people who deserve to see their support validated and taken on the adventure of a lifetime.
