Pathos in "Throw Like a Girl"
It is common amongst most people the need to be wanted or desired, and this birth control ad appeals to that desire. The actress pictured, Annette Funicello, is surrounded by four men who seem infatuated with her. A woman of the 1960s viewing this ad would most likely want to be desired the way Ms. Funicello appears to be, and the first step to being more like the actress is to do something that she does. In this case, the actress is promoting that she takes birth control, therefore linking the usage of a contraceptive pill with the quality of being wanted by men. It seems almost contradictory to this desire, but the ad also promotes a sense of independence in women. The quote that is displayed across the top of the ad, “That’s right boys… I’m on the pill!” comes off as an exclamation rather than a statement. It can be presumed that it is Ms. Funicello who is saying this, and it seems as though she does so with confidence. The creation and accessibility of a birth control pill during the 1960s gave women control of their bodies, therefore a sense of strength.Hailey Wilberger
It's very interesting to see how this pill appealed to people then versus now. It was clearly being portrayed as something very sexy where as now i don't think many people see it as sexy but see it as a safe and mature pill they can take that allows them to take complete control of their lives.
ReplyDeleteThe author appeals to pathos through targeting women's desire to be admired and take control of their own fate. And with celebrity effect, it further enhances women's desire to be like the charismatic Annette Funicello. Overall, this advertisement focuses on the overall women's yearning of becoming more significant in the society, and in household decisions.
ReplyDelete-Ruoping Li