For ages, advertising has been a part of our lives whether we like it or not. While many of us might prefer to not see quite so many ads, in some ways modern-day advertising is much more tolerable than in the past, as you’ll be able to tell by the vintage misogynistic ads below.
Take, for example, these extremely questionable vintage ads featuring women. These are real advertisements, all depicting heavily misogynistic attitudes. Some of these ads aim to make women feel insecure about their looks or desirability, placing the highest possible priority on pleasing men. Others encourage men to abuse or dominate women in order to assert their own masculinity.
The ads are shocking to modern eyes, but they’re also a comforting reminder of how far we’ve come as a society. We may not be perfect, but most of us would never allow misogynistic ads like these to see the light of day.
1. Domestic Violence Is “Daring”
Van Heusen shirts will, apparently, give a man the confidence he needs to commit multiple forms of assault and suffer no consequences. Audacious!
2. Horror of Horrors
Here we have an example of the pressure on women to appear youthful. Judging by her expression, this is the most troubling possibility a woman could ever consider.
Here’s another “fun fact” advertisers wanted you believe — women were riddled with disease. Check it out…