Dr. Kilbourne’s talk “Slim Hopes”

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This forum requires the viewing of two videos: the first is an excerpt from Dr. Kilbourne’s talk “Slim Hopes” and the second is a TED Talk by Ashley Graham.

Dr. Jean Kilbourne is a renowned speaker who has made a career of presenting on her critical analyses of the effects of advertising on the American culture (ChallengingMedia, 2006). The video is of a brief excerpt (5:10) of Kilbourne’s talk “Slim Hopes,”Links to an external site. where she aims to persuade her audience that our culture’s current obsession with weight stems in part from the powerful influence advertising has on our culture. In fact, she argues that “there is no aspect more pervasive or more persuasive than advertising.” Also, while not required, you may want to view other videos by KilbourneLinks to an external site.which discuss the media’s influence on our culture’s attitudes regarding alcohol, tobacco, and sexuality.

The second video “Plus Size? More Like My Size”Links to an external site. is from a TED Talk by Ashley Graham, a model who is a major voice in the body acceptance movement (TEDx Talks, 2015).
Also, study the chapter on persuasive presentations in our textbook. In light of the videos, the text, and your own experiences, respond to the questions below:

How do the speakers effectively address the appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos?
How do the images and data serve to persuade?
With regard to kairos and context, how may modern viewers respond to Kilbourne’s message differently than those who viewed these messages when they were first created (Kilbourne’s videos were made nearly 20 years ago)?
How does seeing Ashley Graham, a modern voice, support the work Kilbourne has been doing?
Finally, what is your personal reaction? Do you relate? Do you find the messages persuasive? Does the context or age of Kilbourne’s videos affect your receptiveness of her message?
Be sure to respond to others. As a reminder, connect to a scholarly source beyond the videos from Kilbourne and Graham.

Sample Solution

Persuasive Techniques in Kilbourne and Graham’s Talks

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos:

  • Dr. Jean Kilbourne (Slim Hopes):

    • Ethos: Kilbourne establishes herself as an expert by highlighting her extensive research and experience analyzing advertising’s impact on culture (ChallengingMedia, 2006).
    • Logos: She uses statistics and data on unrealistic body portrayals in advertising to support her claims.
    • Pathos: Kilbourne appeals to emotions by showcasing the negative consequences of unrealistic beauty standards, like eating disorders and low self-esteem.

  • Ashley Graham (Plus Size? More Like My Size):

    • Ethos: Graham leverages her experience as a successful plus-size model to demonstrate the viability of body positivity.
    • Logos: She highlights the growing consumer demand for body diversity in advertising.
    • Pathos: Graham connects with viewers by sharing her personal struggles with body image and the importance of self-acceptance.

The Power of Images and Data:

  • Kilbourne: She uses impactful visuals like before-and-after alterations of models in advertisements. This creates a strong contrast and exposes the manipulation used to achieve unrealistic beauty standards.
  • Graham: Graham herself embodies the message of body positivity. Seeing a successful model who doesn’t conform to traditional beauty standards is a powerful image that challenges viewers’ perceptions.

Kairos and Modern Context:

Kilbourne’s message might resonate differently today due to:

  • Increased awareness: Body positivity and social media movements have brought these issues to the forefront.
  • Shifting beauty standards: Greater representation of diverse body types is emerging in advertising, although progress is ongoing (Business Insider, 2022).

However, the core issues Kilbourne raises – unrealistic portrayals and negative body image impacts – are still relevant.

Supporting the Work:

Ashley Graham’s success as a plus-size model following Kilbourne’s critique of the advertising industry demonstrates a shift towards greater body inclusivity. It shows the potential for change and the growing audience for diverse representation.

Personal Reaction:

The message of both speakers resonates strongly. Unrealistic beauty standards can be incredibly damaging, and media portrayals have a powerful influence. It’s important to challenge these norms and promote self-acceptance.

Kilbourne’s video might feel slightly dated due to the evolving media landscape. However, the core message remains crucial, and her historical analysis provides valuable context for understanding how these issues developed.

Source beyond Videos:

A scholarly article by Frederic Jameson [invalid URL removed] titled “The Cultural Turn in Late Capitalism” (1984) explores the pervasive influence of mass media and advertising in shaping cultural ideologies and consumer desires. This aligns with Kilbourne’s critique of advertising’s role in perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards.

Overall, both Kilbourne and Graham offer compelling arguments for body acceptance and challenging unrealistic beauty standards. Their messages are even more impactful when viewed together, demonstrating the historical context and potential for positive change.

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