Sex Appeal...Not Only for the Use of Men

Susan Bordo explains the physical appearance and attraction of women in today’s culture.  This blog is a statement that the same goes for the appearance of males in today’s society.  Abercrombie and Fitch ads are essentially the same as Victoria Secret ads.  They both target crowds by the appearance of the actors in the pictures.  While Victoria Secret ads use gorgeous women with giant breasts and tiny waists to promote “sexy” lingerie, Abercrombie and Fitch use’s younger women and men with “ideal” bodies and appearances to promote teen clothing.  In the particular photo posted, this ad appeals to women in a sense of soft core porn.  Many women, even myself, are drawn towards this ad on an attraction level.  This man has extremely defined figures such as abs and other muscles.  He is wearing low rise unbuttoned pants in order to drawn in women.  The advertisers target is to attract young women and lure them into their store along with males to purchase items that will attract girls if worn.  This advertisement portrays men in a sense that all people care about is appearance and sex appeal.  People are so focused on their bodies and appearance that they forget who they are and try to become someone they are not.  Everything is mainly centered around physical appearance.  The ideal bodies for men are portrayed as strong, defined, toned, and muscular.  This directly correlates with Susan Bordo’s visions of the female appearance.  The advertisement is showing men of all ages exactly what the perfect body should look like and what attracts girls. Back in the olden days, men never wore low rise pants that showed off their figure, but due to the uprising in sexual appeals from the media, men and boys of all ages have been influenced to wear more provocative clothing to help boost their sex appeal.  This has led men to become ashamed of their bodies and attempt to change themselves by any means possible.  Its advertisements like these that from bad habits such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety because it forces people to attempt to become the “perfect” person.  No one accepts themselves for who they are and advertisements are there to provide a guide to perfection.  Advertisements such as this one for Abercrombie and Fitch, have helped shape the way for new trends and pathways.