Representation Analysis

     Representation in media, especially representation in advertisements and commercials can greatly impact how certain companies or products are viewed and used. Good representation of varied people can really bring light to a company and expand the amount of consumers, while negative or lack of representation can do the opposite. Moreover, we should analyze how well some adverts are able to create positive representation and attract more people.

1. Tide

Some things we will notice in this advert are:

• One young mom and her daughter
• Most likely a middle-class family
• Both white
• Lack of interaction

    This advert may seem okay at first glance, but, for some people, including me, there is one thing that sticks out. You may not have guessed it right away, but gender and self expression could be seen as a major issue. 

    For one, we are shown a mom who sits pristinely in her bubble gum colored dome of femininity, which is perfectly okay; however, her hints of dislike for her daughters choice of clothing is very problematic. Young children, even at that age, have their own thoughts and opinions on many things, clothing and style being one of them. The choice to wear gray and green shorts instead of a pink skirt and playing with blocks instead of dolls should not have to be demeaned by anyone. We should be more concerned with erasing the standard of being a girl as determined by dressing a certain way, than promoting a gendered stereotype through an advertisement.

    It should also be seen as problematic that this commercial lacks anyone of any other race than white. Yes, it is a story of a mother and her daughter, but there could have been more inclusion because- guess what- we all use detergent.

2. H&M

Glad to say that this advertisement has:

• Variety of ethnicities
• Variety of races
• Variety of genders
• Variety of ages
• Oh, and of course, VARIETY

    I don't see any issue with this advert at all. Overall, H&M did a great job in trying to reach representation of so many people. Even though there was mostly young adults in this advert, it makes sense since H&M typically has clothes suited for that age group. The inclusion of different body sizes and people with many different gender expressions expands their intended buyers to everyone and makes their shop much more appealing to the public.

    The representation of people in this advertisement shows a positive and accepting atmosphere and will make audiences feel more inclined to shop or donate clothes to their store.