I have come across a viral ad that I consider worthy to share and talk about with my students. It an advertisement from Swedish Railways (SJ) by TBWA\Stockholm which challenges gender roles with Paul's transformative journey.
1. Can you describe what you saw? 2. What is the main purpose of the ad? 3. Why do you think this video has gone viral? 4. How does it make you feel?
"Whoever you are, wherever you want to go, for the bigger journeys and the small, SJ will be there for you" this is the main message of the campaign. Would you travel with them?
On December 9th, 2016 Madonna was regarded Best Woman of the Year at Billboard Awards. It wasn't something new for her as she is used to getting all kinds of awards all along her 34 years as an entertainer, but this was a special one to be cited. When she got on stage to receive her award she stood in a man-like position and gave a powerful speech.
She talked about misogyny, abuse, sexism and feminism. We found an unusual Madonna who almost broke into tears remembering long ago sufferings. I want to highlight some of the things she said about the following and give some food for thought.
MISOGYNY AND SEXISM
“I stand before you as a doormat… Oh, I mean, as a female entertainer"
What do you think she wanted to say about being " a doormat"?
“Thank you for acknowledging my ability to continue my career
for 34 years in the face of blatant sexism and misogyny and constant bullying
and relentless abuse.”
"If you’re a girl, you have to play the game. You’re allowed to be pretty
and cute and sexy. But don’t act too smart. Don’t have an opinion that’s out of
line with the status quo"
What happens if you have an out-of-line opinion or you don't play the game?
"To age is a
sin"
Why are women rejected in some jobs when they age?
"Women do not
have the same freedom as men.”
"Women have
been so oppressed for so long, they believe what men have to say about them,”
“They believe they have to back a man to get the job done.”
Why would you back a man or a woman? In what ways?
WOMEN HATING/HELPING OTHER WOMEN
“Be what
men want you to be, but more importantly, be what women feel comfortable with
you being around other men"
What do you think she means with this last sentence?
"As women, we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s
worth. Seek out strong women to befriend, to align yourself with, to learn
from, to collaborate with, to be inspired by, to support, and enlightened by.”
Why is this so important?
This year the International theme is #BeBoldforChange to help forge a better world- a more inclusive, gender equal world
To celebrate woman's Day this year I've chosen two videos I hope you like
A beatiful song by Alicia Keys "Superwoman" (2007)
and another one as a tribute to George Michael who passed away on December 25th "Freedom" (1990).
They talk about being yourself and don't care about others' opinions on you. It's like Madonna said in her speech: you have to fit a stereotype or an imageto be counted.
