Posts Written by Elizabeth S.

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By Elizabeth S. Mitchell • 9 years ago

Why We (Shouldn’t) Love Christian Grey: Romanticizing Abuse

Since 50 Shades of Grey skyrocketed to popularity  — and now that the film version has been released — I’ve found myself taking part in the occasional discussion about the series with other women (many of whom are swooning fans), and when I express my utter lack of excitement and, in fact, my concern about the story’s message, the response is often something to the effect of, “What, whips and chains aren’t your thing?”
By Elizabeth S. Mitchell • 11 years ago

Cover Girl: Going Out Without it Means You’re Naked, Crazy, and Unnatural

At least that’s what their latest ad featuring Sofia Vergara would have you believe. But this message is delivered in such a seemingly non-threatening, girl-talky way that the more sinister side of it is easily swallowed. Like the razor blade in the Halloween candy the mean neighborhood kid always told you you’d find in your plastic pumpkin.

I know Ms. Vergara is almost impossible to find offensive; she’s funny, cheerful, and just so damn likeable. And advertisers clearly realize this. The marketable combination of sex appeal and likability has her pushing everything from Pepsi to her own line at Kmart. I also know how many times we’ve all heard that advertising is chipping slowly away at our self esteem and poisoning ...

At least that’s what their latest ad featuring Sofia Vergara would have you believe. But this message is delivered in such a seemingly non-threatening, girl-talky way that the more sinister side of it is easily swallowed. Like ...