The Valpo Core Reader
 

Document Type

Cause and Effect Essay

Publication Date

1989

Excerpt

Television advertising plays a major role in shaping American lifestyles. It helps us decide what products to buy. But even more importantly, it shapes our desires, our standards, and the goals we set for ourselves. Take, for instance, the exaggerated roles of women on television, especially in the commercials. Television commercials place women of all ages in makebelieve worlds which have little meaningful relationship to daily living. These advertisements set unrealistic expectations for women in terms of what they should look like and how they should behave. Essentially, these commercials prompt women to strive for outward beauty and perfect bodies, as well as to become obsessed with cleanliness and youthfulness.

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