Commercials!!

So, my comedy troupe and I are currently working on a show about commercials. Now, most of my troupe members see only the comedic side of the commercials, or currently, how they can be mocked or how we can turn it into something really funny. However, I am stuck analyzing every single one that is mentioned, because apparently, I can't turn my Advertising side off. For example, not to give too much away, for those of you who might come to the show, I was thinking of Mr. Clean commercials. They can easily be turned into a skit for obvious reasons, but as a regular commercial I was thinking about how it stood in the market. Personally, I hate commercials that are aimed at middle-age mothers and have a middle-aged mother in the commercial. It's as if the person is saying, "Here, this is you. This is the prototype of all middle-aged women out there. You should pay attention and buy this product." What makes me want the magic eraser is how well it cleans, how effective it is, not seeing a mom clean her kitchen with a bald cartoon character. Obviously, though, something is working or Mr. Clean would no longer exist.

I guess it's more the stereotypes of people moreso than anything else that really gets to me. Why does every woman in a cleaning commercial have to weat capris? Why do all their pants have to be light? Why can't I see a mom in jeans and a leather jacket hanging out with Mr. Clean. Apparently moms who wear leather jackets allow their children to live in an unsanitary environment. Maybe I'm overreacting a little, but commercials have been reinforcing stereotypes for over 60 years. Just watch the beginning of the Stepford Wives and you'll see what I mean. Most of these stereotypes are driven more towards women then men. Just observe next time you watch TV. See what kind of mother advertisers would like everyone to be.

I wonder what the future of advertising and commercials will be. In another twenty years will we still be displaying commercials which reinforce stereotypes? For all you Ad majors who plan on making commercials, please, when I'm middle-aged don't my market appear obsessed with cleaning products and my perfect sweater and light capri pant. I don't think I could handle it.