It is too simplistic to suggest the only indication of appropriateness for public viewing is 'naughty bits'.

Pray tell what image you think Calvin Klein was trying to portray.

Thanks Helen and others who continue to raise these issues and refusing to be dragged into the PC age where one can't comment about anything that might be considered unfashionable or against the 'trend'.

Houlley
I am happy to invite ridicule when it is clear that the pro-Ad arguments are distracting from the real issue, but I will continue on nevertheless. I think the Ad is as explicit it as it could be without actual 'naughty bits' revealed which would place it in the 'R' category as regards public display.

If you think explicit depiction with naughty bits is all that is needed to simulate rape then perhaps you need a reality check.

*Pray tell what image you think Calvin Klein was trying to portray.*

That depends on what is going on in your very brain, to give you
your perception. So the problem is not the ad, but your mind.

I just saw a group of young actors/models, obviously staged and
artificial, so typical of an ad. And then I noticed the girl
with really long legs on the right. That's it.

Nothing naughty on the billboard, all the naughty bits in your
brain, Pelican. That is the reality of it.

pelican I agree with a point that Helen made that they are selling something more general than just the jeans. In answer to your question

"Pray tell what image you think Calvin Klein was trying to portray."

I think that they are selling the message to young women that CK products will enhance womens sexual power over men. They will be in control, able to have their pick of hot men. A reversed (and steamier) version of the Lynx add's.

I didn't answer one of Suzie's questions earlier in the thread. I'm not inside enough other peoples heads to say for sure which gender the add would appeal to more but given the add seems to be targeting women's jeans I think it's reasonable to assume that the advertisers made it for women. If they were targeting men then there would be less men in the add and more women.

If I'm going to have fantasies about group sex they definitely don't need to include other men.

R0bert

Pelican,

And others who see a rape scene, try the Rorschach ink blot test, and see how many violent acts you can determine.

Those that do generally have had violent experiences, or have been prompted (as was the ASB review).

The rest of the population were blissfully unaware of the imaginary rape scene.

Well pelican,

As I said, if you see rape in that image, I think you have problems.

It seems in your world, if a woman is depicted getting amorous with three men, then it is fait accompli she is being raped. I think that shows a very narrow view of women and an unfair view of men.

Is it so improbable that men in a position of power will not abuse that power? Is it so improbable that a woman may fantasise about and enjoy sex with multiple male partners? Are you so threatened by a picture showing a woman being desired by three men at once that you envisage rape? Are the men in your world so corrupt that you cant see these three men as innocent or harmless? You cant see this woman with any power here ?

'Pray tell what image you think Calvin Klein was trying to portray.'

Desire, and the thrill of being desired. It's a bloody long way from rape.

Dear Shadow Minister,

ASB FAQs:
Is the Advertising Standards Bureau a government body?
The Advertising Standards Bureau is not a government body. It is the secretariat for the Advertising Standards Board and the Advertising Claims Board. The Bureau is governed by a Board of Directors and is funded by a levy.

Now unless you know something I don't about its secret relations with the government, I suggest we accept this self-description.

I do not "suggest that a request to remove an advert is a friendly suggestion with no consequences". I simply said it is not the same thing as "banning".

Helen

Helen