Decoding & Discussing Vintage Ads (Intermediate Feminism)

Advertisements are everywhere, and viewing them with a critical eye is so important! Often, ads sell more than just a product or service--they also sell and promote ideas.

In this 50-minute class, we look at a collection of vintage print ads from the 1940s-1980s for a variety of products, including cars, beauty items, coffee, and appliances. As intersectional feminists, our goal is to identify any sexist or otherwise problematic themes and messages that the ads were spreading. 

For example, when all the ads for cleaning products show women happily--joyously!!--cleaning their home, and the men are nowhere to be found, what does that say about who was "supposed" to be cleaning? When an ad claims that blowing smoke in a woman's face will "make her follow you anywhere," what does that say about women? What about ads that objectify women by turning them into literal objects instead of allowing them to be human beings? 

This class is discussion-based. I share my screen to show these images, and we discuss them. I have a collection of about 20 images to choose from, and we decide as a group which ones capture our interest. There is no homework and no prep work. The class is fast-paced and fun. 

Students should have a basic understanding of intersectional feminism before enrolling. This class affirms trans and non-binary students, believes in the anti-racist goals of the Black Lives Matter movement, and encourages students to think about the intersections of gender, race, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, economic status, and ethnicity.