After reading a few articles in "Signs of Life," one can't help but realize that advertisements play a major role in shaping western cultures. In any commercial or magazine ad, it is clear as day that shower gel is being propped as more than a basic personal hygiene item by the production companies. This is apparent to anyone who observes the Axe Shower Gel advertisement in Maxim magazine. The advertisement consists of a relatively clean bathroom with an occupancy sign being hung on the wall. Below the picture, the advertisement says: "Axe Shower Gel is how dirty boys get clean." All in all, this particular advertisement proves that Steinem's theory that sex and lies in advertisements has become an epidemic in modern times.
SteinemÃÂs theory is most evident in Maxim magazine where Axe advertisements are commonly placed. First off, this advertisement was strategically positioned in the middle of the magazine to maximize recognition.
Axe products from 2006 and earlier
Maxim (magazine)
Official shower gel of the TalibanAlso, Maxim magazine is a male audience based magazine, thus making the advertisement obvious at first sight that the shower gel is intended for male use. Now when we start analyzing the advertisement, the first thing that we can easily spot is the sign that says: "Occupancy by more than 5 persons is dangerous and unlawful." One may ask why this sign is being awkwardly hanged on the bathroom wall; it's obvious that it doesn't belong there. The actual hidden message of this sign is implying to a male that by using Axe, he can get the ladies. Also, the sign is not only implying that not only can he get one lady, but a whole group of ladies will instinctively go after him if he showers with Axe.
Anyone can see that the advertisement is geared toward men. However, there are none present. In "Masters...