Ads are bad

The podcast I’ve chosen to emulate is produced by one of my favourite magazines, Bitch, a feminist critique on today’s popular culture. Their podcast, Popaganda, provides an alternate view to what’s found in mainstream media, discussing with experts on current topics, and including interviews with everyday people. Bitch Media creates two podcasts a month to address the current events, from a feminist point of view, taking place primarily in North America. It begins with their opening theme music and often an anecdotal hook. It uses informal, conversational language, keeping the mood casual and approachable, even when very serious subject matter is sometimes being discussed. It is hosted by Sarah Mirk who narrates throughout, with multiple breaks that include interview clips and questions. 

I think the nature of the magazine, and it’s podcasts, relate closely to the topic I have chosen to create my show on, Under the Influence. By choosing to discuss advertisements in today’s culture I will reveal the prominent male gaze that is projected onto women and men, and how it is problematic for how men look at women and women see themselves and others. The ad campaign I’ve chosen to discuss is by the clothing brand American Apparel. While the store emphasizes its versatility of unisex clothing it portrays them in drastically different light. In most cases men are showcasing the clothing item in full ensembles, while the women on the other hand are wearing nothing but the item being advertised. I will discuss how the male gaze is projected through advertisements and how it influences the way men and women look at women’s bodies and how women see themselves.