Why do commercials always seem to make 'men' seem like the dumbest people...

[Tammy]

It always seems 'men' look to be so stupid in commercials. I can't think of ONE where it is the other way around.

 

One in particular.....the 'husband' took care of some weeds in the yard...but guess what....? the 'dumb man' killed the GRASS along with the weeds...thus leaving big dead spots in the yard. But....never fear....'wife' arrives with the PERFECT weed killer that doesn't kill the grass. If she was so smart....why didn't she do it in the first place, LOL!

 

Am I the only one that notices....?

 

.

[Crissy]

Am I the only one that notices....?

 

.

 

Nope. I have long hated the Dad=Doofus sterotype.

Unfortunately, I sometimes notice the same thing when groups of women get together. Man bashing is common.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Crissy

[Guest janainaz]

They are marketing to women - women are the typical shoppers and most men don't care about furniture, home decor and unless gardening and lawn-care is a cherished hobby, they only do it because we make them.

 

Not all, but most!

[AndyJoy]

This is why I got rid of my Bernstain Bears books. Mama bear always has the perfect solution and Papa bear does or says something dumb then goes along with Mama.

[Happy]

This is why I got rid of my Bernstain Bears books. Mama bear always has the perfect solution and Papa bear does or says something dumb then goes along with Mama.

 

Yup.

 

Dumb guy/dad commercials make me tired.

[Plucky]

The beer commercials are the worst. The men look so shallow. I always ask my dh why he tolerates the commercials on sports channels. He just chuckles and says that they are stupid but what can you do? Men just don't get riled like us women I guess.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

The commercial that currently drives my husband crazy is a shower gel commercial featuring a guy who is a centaur. I have never seen it, but I always know when it comes on because I hear him shout from the man cave how stupid it is.

[Dobela]

It came from the women's lib movement. Before Maude women were quiet and men intelligent. Granted the men treated the women with respect and such. But the best way to make women look good is to make men look bad - you know, build yourself up by tearing others down... (tongue in cheek)

 

You can't make a (insert minority, ethnic group, or race herr) look bad without all kinds of lawsuits. You can't make women look bad because that is sexist and groups exist to file lawsuits on their behalf. Men are the only thing left and they can't organize because that would be discriminating against women....:glare:

[mommaduck]

My husband said, "THANK YOU!" for asking this question. Granted, he doesn't get riled about it either, but it does rub the men wrong. It's demeaning. Many of the tv shows are the same: dad's an idiot, dad's lazy, dad is a selfish bozo...and mom or grandma have to fix everything.

[Dobela]

shout from the man cave

 

My dh hates any reference to "man cave". He said it is just another way men are presented as primative and lacking in sense.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

My dh hates any reference to "man cave". He said it is just another way men are presented as primative and lacking in sense.

 

Well then the term it is perfect for us, because when my dh is in there he does act primitive and lacks sense. :tongue_smilie:

[Dobela]

Well then the term it is perfect for us, because when my dh is in there he does act primitive and lacks sense. :tongue_smilie:

:lol: I told my son I was going to turn the basement into his cave. It has solid concrete walls and nothing that will break. And I won't care how bad he can stink it up :tongue_smilie:

[Guest janainaz]

I don't think my dh finds his own personal identity as a man in how they are portrayed on TV.:D

[Crissy]

I don't think my dh finds his own personal identity as a man in how they are portrayed on TV.:D

 

It doesn't bother my husband either. Just me.

 

I've said,"...but they make men look like idiots!"

He replied, "Some men *are* idiots."

[Michelle in MO]

This is why I got rid of my Bernstain Bears books. Mama bear always has the perfect solution and Papa bear does or says something dumb then goes along with Mama.

Wow! You said exactly what I was thinking when I started reading this thread. I never liked those books for the same reason: I got tired of "Papa Bear" (and dads in general) being portrayed as buffoons, while the "Mama Bear" always had the perfect solution.

[mcconnellboys]

I think we saw all this starting in school books in about the mid-70's and it continues today. It can be hard to find a Caucasian male doing anything worthwhile in any book read in a typical school year around this country. I know that we needed to even things out more, but it seems that there was waaaay too much of a backlash and that it's gone on for way too long. My husband has come to feel during the past decade somewhat as if the WASP male is an endangered species!

[LUV2EDU]

They are targeting and catering to women. Women are their biggest shoppers.

[Carol in Cal.]

I think that it is because it is startling and gets your attention, because in general men are in charge of everything.

[JustGin]

It always seems 'men' look to be so stupid in commercials. I can't think of ONE where it is the other way around.

 

One in particular.....the 'husband' took care of some weeds in the yard...but guess what....? the 'dumb man' killed the GRASS along with the weeds...thus leaving big dead spots in the yard. But....never fear....'wife' arrives with the PERFECT weed killer that doesn't kill the grass. If she was so smart....why didn't she do it in the first place, LOL!

 

Am I the only one that notices....?

 

.

 

I totally agree and not just commercials but tv shows in general, especially sitcoms. The commercial I hate the most right now in this regard is the one for some cereal where the guy is out by the trash can, supposed to be throwing away his favorite cereal because according to his wife, if he likes it it can't be good? Ugh! Maybe this not so much dumb man, as whipped man, which is just as bad or worse.

[FlockOfSillies]

Well, in that case, lemme know when the "stupid woman driver" commercials flood the airwaves. I don't have cable.

 

Funny, most of the lawn-care product commercials I have seen are aimed at "typical" guys who want a manicured lawn. But then it's all about showing off to the neighbors.

 

I think "they are marketed to women" proves the op's point -- marketers either believe the stpuid man stuff, or they know that the typical woman believes it.

[runninmommy]

I think most of these commercials cater to Feminists. It seems to me that most of these commercials do exactly the same thing to men that was done to women years ago.

 

Feminisim started out to be a very good thing but has turned ugly. Mean. Spiteful. Demeaning.

 

It is a classic example of repressing one group to make another stronger.

 

Our society takes advantage of men. We do not honor or respect them enough.

 

This, ultimately, harms families.

 

Just my .02

[Maria from IN]

I had reached my limit when I realized that the PBS show Between the Lions had just such a family. We never watched some of the newer sitcoms because it always seems like men, especially Caucasian men, are portrayed as the dumbest things alive. I don't understand it. It seems we are still allowed to bash men and overweight people (and sometimes homeschoolers) in that manner.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Feminisim started out to be a very good thing but has turned ugly. Mean. Spiteful. Demeaning.

 

It is a classic example of repressing one group to make another stronger.

 

Our society takes advantage of men. We do not honor or respect them enough.

 

This, ultimately, harms families.

 

The same could be said of religion. But certainly not all religious people take things to the extreme of repressing other groups or being ugly, mean, or spiteful. There are all kinds of feminists. Personally, I really like men :tongue_smilie:and I like TV shows with strong male figures. But I still want my dd to know she can grow up to have a family without a man. And even though men are taken advantage of in some cases, women haven't totally shattered the glass ceiling- yet.

[runninmommy]

But I still want my dd to know she can grow up to have a family without a man.

 

 

Your kidding me, right?

 

I know that there are many, many, many situations that are beyond control for a man to be involved in a family. But are you telling me you would want your daughter to grow up and aspire to having a family w/o a male figure?

 

Please explain.

[Stacia]

I can't think of ONE where it is the other way around.

 

I can. It's for a 'male enhancement' product. That guy is presented as brilliant for ordering & using said product. Even his tv commercial 'wife' is pretty impressed. ;)

 

LOL.

[Ibbygirl]

I can. It's for a 'male enhancement' product. That guy is presented as brilliant for ordering & using said product. Even his tv commercial 'wife' is pretty impressed. ;)

 

LOL.

 

 

LOL Haven't seen that one, but the Cialis commercials drive me nuts. They always seem to show them during dinnertime too.

 

The only commercials with men in them that I think are balanced and actually kinda funny are the Verizon Wireless ones. :)

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Your kidding me, right?

 

I know that there are many, many, many situations that are beyond control for a man to be involved in a family. But are you telling me you would want your daughter to grow up and aspire to having a family w/o a male figure?

 

Please explain.

 

While my daughter clearly likes boys and I would be surprised, I would be just as happy if she decided to have a family with a female partner as I would her having a family with a male.

 

I also would be happy if she decided to be a planned single parent.

 

I'd be happy if she decided she didn't want kids at all and focused on her career.

 

I'm glad my daughter has a lot more choices even than I did, and certainly many more than my mother did.

[melissel]

This is why I got rid of my Bernstain Bears books. Mama bear always has the perfect solution and Papa bear does or says something dumb then goes along with Mama.

 

Wow! You said exactly what I was thinking when I started reading this thread. I never liked those books for the same reason: I got tired of "Papa Bear" (and dads in general) being portrayed as buffoons, while the "Mama Bear" always had the perfect solution.

 

This is so funny! I can think of three off the top of my head where Mama Bear flies off the handle and Papa Bear comes in, all calm and reasonable, and saves the day or calms her down with his words of wisdom! (We just got a slew of them from a friend, and while they're not my favorites, DD3 loves them.)

 

I think most of these commercials cater to Feminists. It seems to me that most of these commercials do exactly the same thing to men that was done to women years ago.

 

Feminisim started out to be a very good thing but has turned ugly. Mean. Spiteful. Demeaning.

 

It is a classic example of repressing one group to make another stronger.

 

Our society takes advantage of men. We do not honor or respect them enough.

 

This, ultimately, harms families.

 

Just my .02

 

Ugh!!! Those darn feminists! They're everywhere, with the voting and the equality and the wanting to be vice president. I'm so sick of it!

 

My favorites are the TV shows and the commercials where the woman looks like an uptight, strident &itch throughout. We should definitely have more of those.

 

Advertising is all about extremes. Marketers will take any trait and caricaturize it for attention's sake. Make me a list of TV shows and commercials that buffoonize the male figures, and I'll give you a list of those that portray the female ones as brainless bimbos or dull, joyless control freaks.

[runninmommy]

 

 

Ugh!!! Those darn feminists! They're everywhere

 

 

Tell me about it. :glare:

 

with the voting and the equality and the wanting to be vice president. I'm so sick of it!

 

Like I said, it started out to be a good thing. When the feminist movement first started, it was a wonderful thing. Women have won rights and as a result are treated much better, hold better positions and have more respect.

 

Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role. Family dynamics have changed and not for the better.

[runninmommy]

While my daughter clearly likes boys and I would be surprised, I would be just as happy if she decided to have a family with a female partner as I would her having a family with a male.

 

I also would be happy if she decided to be a planned single parent.

 

I'd be happy if she decided she didn't want kids at all and focused on her career.

 

I'm glad my daughter has a lot more choices even than I did, and certainly many more than my mother did.

 

We are polar opposites on this topic.

 

I am thankful that we live in a country where we can make our own choices and raise our children the way we see fit. I am so thankful I can home school my children.

[Danestress]

Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role. Family dynamics have changed and not for the better.

 

Who has stood against women choosing to be stay-at-home Moms? I don't know any feminists who do that (and I know a LOT of feminists and consider myself among them). Sure, there are always going to be extremist nut cases in any group. But by and large, I think feminists want women AND men to have more choices, not fewer. Young people especially can be strident, but as we age and have children ourselves, reality sets in, and I think we get more flexible and understanding of differences.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Who has stood against women choosing to be stay-at-home Moms? I don't know any feminists who do that (and I know a LOT of feminists and consider myself among them). Sure, there are always going to be extremist nut cases in any group. But by and large, I think feminists want women AND men to have more choices, not fewer. Young people especially can be strident, but as we age and have children ourselves, reality sets in, and I think we get more flexible and understanding of differences.

 

I know a lot of SAHMs who say working moms consider them to be inferior. I have never experienced this either, but you're right about extremist cases existing in every group.

 

I do know the "mommy wars" are very real, and the most hateful stuff I see comes from militant SAHMs who appear to feel threatened by the idea their children really won't be ruined if they go to daycare. Or the women don't understand that a woman can have a career and not even use daycare. It's not just good enough for them that they have made a choice, they have to feel as if it is the only choice.

 

But things have been this way for a long time. When women were trying to win the right to vote, other women were as much an obsticle to overcome as anything else.

 

I think it's a wonderful thing when a woman can financially and emotionally afford to stay at home. I am so lucky to have that choice. So many women do not have the choice. And I'm lucky that that choice for me does not mean I have to turn into June Cleaver.

[runninmommy]

I have run into many women who feel this way.

 

Here is one quick example.

 

Linda Hirshman

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=1648502&page=1

[runninmommy]

I know a lot of SAHMs who say working moms consider them to be inferior. I have never experienced this either, but you're right about extremist cases existing in every group.

 

I do know the "mommy wars" are very real, and the most hateful stuff I see comes from militant SAHMs who appear to feel threatened by the idea their children really won't be ruined if they go to daycare. Or the women don't understand that a woman can have a career and not even use daycare. It's not just good enough for them that they have made a choice, they have to feel as if it is the only choice.

 

But things have been this way for a long time. When women were trying to win the right to vote, other women were as much an obsticle to overcome as anything else.

 

I think it's a wonderful thing when a woman can financially and emotionally afford to stay at home. I am so lucky to have that choice. So many women do not have the choice. And I'm lucky that that choice for me does not mean I have to turn into June Cleaver.

 

I could not resist..Militant June Cleaver..

[Danestress]

If you are looking for it, you can find it. I hear SAHMs say the most incredibly obnoxious things about working mothers ("I didn't have children so I could stick them in a warehouse all day" lol).

 

There will always be women who have to attack other women because it makes them feel better to do so. There will always be working women who insult SAHMs for not 'having a life' and there will always be SAHMs who truly believe that mothers who work are selfish and materialistic, and who look for opportunities to say so.

 

I don't think the anti-SAHM position is in anyway representative of what the vast majority of feminists believe, any more than I think the, "my daughter isn't going to college because women dishonor God and men by preparing for a career" crowd represents Christians.

[Free Indeed]

And I thought I was the only one who noticed these things. :tongue_smilie: That said, I believe it is an attack on families in general. God created men to be the leaders of their families. If the media (which children spend quite a bit of time with) can make dad look like a blubbering idiot then it undermines his authority in a way. Especially in the eyes of the kids. Where are the dad's like Bill Cosby? I do not watch much TV anymore, but of every sitcom I can think of the man is an idiot, and does not have a leadership role in his family. It is sad.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Free Indeed

[melissel]

Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role. Family dynamics have changed and not for the better.

 

Yes, you're right. That is indeed the stereotype of the ugly, man-hating, bra-burning feminist. And we all know how accurate stereotypes are. I seem to recall the majority of the professors and students in my women's studies department in college arguing and working for women's ability to make choices, not actively converting them into anti-SAHMs.

 

As Danestress and Academy pointed out, there are extremists in any group. I've worked from home since my first daughter was born so I have a foot in both camps, and I've been treated to some of those extreme viewpoints from both sides. Not infrequently on this very board, in fact.

 

And it seems to me that family dynamics were on a downward spiral long before the feminist "movement" was born. It's not like this country was perfect before the 1960s began, and suddenly those mouthy broads rose up and ruined everything. I do agree, though, that life would certainly have been a lot easier for some people if women had just kept their unhappiness to themselves and stayed in the kitchen.

[runninmommy]

If you are looking for it, you can find it. I hear SAHMs say the most incredibly obnoxious things about working mothers ("I didn't have children so I could stick them in a warehouse all day" lol).

 

There will always be women who have to attack other women because it makes them feel better to do so. There will always be working women who insult SAHMs for not 'having a life' and there will always be SAHMs who truly believe that mothers who work are selfish and materialistic, and who look for opportunities to say so.

 

I don't think the anti-SAHM position is in anyway representative of what the vast majority of feminists believe, any more than I think the, "my daughter isn't going to college because women dishonor God and men by preparing for a career" crowd represents Christians.

 

Well, one does not have to look very hard. I was just giving an example as asked.

 

Your right, there are obnoxious things said on both sides.

 

Again, I'm thankful to have the choice to raise my children the way I see fit.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Linda Hirshman

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=1648502&page=1

 

 

"A good life for humans includes the classical standard of using one's capacities for speech and reason in a prudent way, the liberal requirement of having enough autonomy to direct one's own life, and the utilitarian test of doing more good than harm in the world," Hirshman wrote.

 

ITA with this.

 

"Measured against these time-tested standards, the expensively educated, upper-class moms will be leading lesser lives."

 

I agree with this too, partly. What Hirshman is talking about here is a certain segment of the female population. I think if a woman gives up her well earned career to stay at home out of fear or obligation, there is an increased risk of depression, resentment, and other issues. A woman who makes the choice based on her own wants and needs is more likely to reach out in an effort to continue to find ways to fill her own wants and needs outside of the home.

 

Hirshman argues that Klett's children would be fine if she worked outside the home. Statistically there is no difference in the happiness levels of the children whose mothers work and the children whose mothers stay at home, she said.

 

This is true.

 

So while I think Hishman has approached the issue a bit narrowly, I can totally see her point.

 

I found it weird that they used the mom who runs a magazine out of her home an example of "The other side." :001_huh:

 

:lol::lol: At June Cleaver BTW!

[melissel]

I have run into many women who feel this way.

 

Here is one quick example.

 

Linda Hirshman

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=1648502&page=1

 

Well sure. And if I didn't have to start working now, I'd dig up some alternative views for you. Again, I don't believe she represents feminists as a whole. You can be for equality and options and protections for women and not be anti-SAHM. I know it's hard to believe, but I promise you it's true. Watch where you're pointing that broad brush.

[runninmommy]

Well sure. And if I didn't have to start working now, I'd dig up some alternative views for you. Again, I don't believe she represents feminists as a whole. You can be for equality and options and protections for women and not be anti-SAHM. I know it's hard to believe, but I promise you it's true. Watch where you're pointing that broad brush.

 

:001_rolleyes:

 

Again, just giving an example as asked. No broad brush painting. Fortunately, I am not ignorant. I actually look up opposing viewpoints, weigh the information and think for myself. Aren't you glad I saved you the trouble of looking up links?

[HRAAB]

Feminisim started out to be a very good thing but has turned ugly. Mean. Spiteful. Demeaning.

 

It is a classic example of repressing one group to make another stronger.

 

Our society takes advantage of men. We do not honor or respect them enough.

 

This, ultimately, harms families.

 

Just my .02

 

Please don't lump all feminists together. I respect and honor men on an individual basis just as I do women. They are people. My dh and childrens' father is treated with the utmost respect and honor because he deserves and has earned it. Just like women. I know many, many feminists who are anything but mean, spiteful and demeaning.

 

Janet

[runninmommy]

Please don't lump all feminists together. I respect and honor men on an individual basis just as I do women. They are people. My dh and childrens' father is treated with the utmost respect and honor because he deserves and has earned it. Just like women. I know many, many feminists who are anything but mean, spiteful and demeaning.

 

Janet

 

Well, I am not so much lumping feminist together as I am the movement. The movement in general has gone off track. (Just my opinion) I do know some women that are feminists that are not hard-core.

 

Please, take my opinion as just that. I am set in my beliefs, so are you and the other women on this board. This, like many topics can be debated back and forth. At the end of the day, we will still feel the same way. I am not set out to change minds. Only to offer my viewpoint.

[melissel]

No broad brush painting...

 

Aren't you glad I saved you the trouble of looking up links?

 

Actually, you said, "Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role."

 

And my point was that they actually don't. Some feminists do, yes. But the vast majority simply want the ability to make the choices.

 

And I'd actually much rather be looking up links than pounding out these stupid Illustrator files :glare: :lol:

[Danestress]

Actually, you said, "Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role."

 

And my point was that they actually don't. Some feminists do, yes. But the vast majority simply want the ability to make the choices.

 

And I'd actually much rather be looking up links than pounding out these stupid Illustrator files :glare: :lol:

 

Right. I think the statement that feminists stand against something implies that is the "feminist view" - just as if I said, "Christians hate gay people and persecute them." Well sure, some Christians do. You actually don't have to look far. But the vast majority of Christians want nothing to do with that kind of hate, and even though technically it's true that "Christians hate gays" because yes, some do, it somehow makes it sound like that's how Christians generally are.

 

Feminists generally support the idea that men and women should have more opportunities to make more choices rather than be confined to "roles" that don't make them happy.

[runninmommy]

Actually, you said, "Over time, the feminists have taken it too far. Reversing the roles on men. They stand against women who *choose* to take on the stay-at-home role."

 

And my point was that they actually don't. Some feminists do, yes. But the vast majority simply want the ability to make the choices.

 

And I'd actually much rather be looking up links than pounding out these stupid Illustrator files :glare: :lol:

 

Yep, "they" and "feminist" as a group = movement. Thats they way it played out in my head anyway. Maybe I could have been a tad bit more clear. Couldn't we all?

 

Choice is good. I am so glad to have the ability to make them.

 

Illustrator files eh? Are you and illustrator as well as a writer?

[LisaNY]

Who has stood against women choosing to be stay-at-home Moms? I don't know any feminists who do that (and I know a LOT of feminists and consider myself among them).

 

HILLARY CLINTON: I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life.

 

I am not saying that she stood against women in the true sense of the term, but she sure was insulting and denigrating to women who choose to stay home.

[melissel]

Yep, "they" and "feminist" as a group = movement. Thats they way it played out in my head anyway. Maybe I could have been a tad bit more clear. Couldn't we all?

 

Choice is good. I am so glad to have the ability to make them.

 

Illustrator files eh? Are you and illustrator as well as a writer?

 

I hear you. I can agree that there are members of any group who give it a bad name. I'm so glad we all have the ability to make choices too. Ironically, I have a degree in women's studies and am a proud, liberal, card-carrying feminist (I know you're shocked :scared: :D), and I would give just about anything to be able to just be home with my girls :(

 

And no, I'm actually an editor (but don't judge me by my posts here!). I'm just working on a bazillion graphics today--definitely my least favorite part of this job *sigh*

[PinkInTheBlue]

My husband I have talked about this several times. It annoys me SO much! A huge amount of sitcoms and other weekly shows are the same way. It makes me actually feel slightly sick and mad.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

HILLARY CLINTON: I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life.

 

I think what she is referring to is the social world she experienced as a young woman. Upper middle class/affluent women were expected to be wives and hostesses. Even women who were sent to college were sent for the purpose of finding a husband. Once that was done, the young lady was expected to drop her studies and tend to her wifely duties.

 

I can agree that there are members of any group who give it a bad name.

Homeschoolers included. I cringe every time I see someone with the attitude that homeschooling, just because it is the superior choice for themselves, is the superior choice for everyone.

 

And what I find really strange is that some homeschool moms who were once friends with other moms when their kids were little and the moms were *JUST* SAHMs will end relationships just because the other moms send their kids to school - even though the moms continue to be SAHMs. :001_huh: