written task #2 HL

·   The aims of this written task are:     

          1)  to consider in greater detail the material studied in the four parts of the language A: language and literature course

·      2)   to reflect and question in greater depth the values, beliefs and attitudes that are implied in the texts studied

·      3)   to encourage students to view texts in a number of ways

·      4)   to enable students to give an individual response to the way in which texts can be understood in the light of the prescribed questions.                                                                                                                          

    Question chosen: How could the text be read and interpreted differently by two different readers? 

       Ad chosen : 

   Men: When men view this advert, they immediately feel addressed, as the focus of the picture is a man. The catch phrase of this advert "Milk for real men" will further imply the target audience, and therefore have a mans full attention, wether they agree with the rather sexist view of this ad or not. Depending on the man, some would feel appreciative towards this ad as they identify with the figure and its lifestyle , thus deciding on the necessity of this product. Other men whose lifestyle and physique is entirely different, and are comfortable with it,  would feel offended to have their gender being stereotyped into the given descriptions of the ad, throwing out narrow assumptions and making them feel inferior as well as intimiated. However some men who are generally neutral could be inspired to follow into the footsteps of the advertised man, solely for their own good by using the product.

   Women:  A woman might not be thrown off by the image of the man hanging off the cliff, as many advertisements contain one gender but include both for the product. Rather the title of this ad would seal out any hopes for women being meant for the product. Upon viewing what the ad discusses, none of those activities mentioned (work out, mountain climbing) are something women are incapbale or prohibited of carrying out, so really a woman has the right to feel excluded from the audience of the ad.  What the product promised is in no way harmful to women, so again the excluding of women and stereotyping them to be incapable of harder physical activites was unnecessary. Women who follow a fit lifestyle or overcome great challenges would feel offended and insulted by this ad.