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.
Full Answer Section
- Pathos: She appeals to viewers' sense of self-worth and empowerment, encouraging them to embrace their bodies.
The Power of Images and Data
Kilbourne: Shows juxtapositions of "ideal" models with the average woman's body, highlighting the gap and its negative impact.
Graham: Presents images of diverse models and uses data on the growing market for plus-size clothing, demonstrating a shift in consumer preferences.
Impact of Kairos and Context
Kilbourne: Her message may resonate less strongly today as body positivity movements have gained traction. However, issues like unrealistic Photoshopping and the pressure on celebrities to maintain extreme thinness remain relevant.
Modern Viewers: May be more aware of the constructed nature of media images but could still benefit from Kilbourne's historical perspective and analysis of advertising tactics.
Support from Ashley Graham:
- Reinforces Kilbourne's message: Shows progress made in body acceptance and the growing demand for diversity in media representation.
- Updates the conversation: Reflects the current state of the body positivity movement and challenges remaining stereotypes.
Personal Reaction
Relatability: Many people, regardless of age or gender, can relate to the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Persuasiveness: Both talks are powerful. Kilbourne's historical analysis gives context to the issue, while Graham's positive message offers hope and inspiration.
Impact of Age: The age of Kilbourne's videos doesn't significantly affect the core message, but modern viewers might crave more nuanced discussions on body image beyond just thin vs. not thin.
Scholarly Source:
According to a study by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) in 2019, "[up to] 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will have a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life" (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/). This data supports Kilbourne's argument about the negative consequences of unrealistic body image.
Overall
Both Kilbourne and Graham offer valuable perspectives on body image and the powerful influence of media. Kilbourne provides historical context and critique, while Graham offers a hopeful and empowering message. Together, they create a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and its evolution over time.