Are Beauty Ads Going Too Far? A Texas Dad Thinks So

These trends might be going viral, but not in my home. I know who they're trying to appeal to, but think about it for a second, guys are watching television also.

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A Dad, a Husband, and a Man of Respect

As a father of five beautiful daughters and the proud husband of a strong, graceful woman, I’ve got something weighing on my heart. Lately, it feels like every time I turn on the TV or scroll through social media on my phone and the internet, I’m hit with another half-naked woman in a commercial, not to sell bikinis, but body wash, perfume, lotion, pills for him, and even air fresheners.

I’m not a prude. I’m not judging. But I’m also not blind to the message this sends. When we turn women into objects for advertising, we lose sight of who they really are, someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother.

Why I Mute the TV

When these commercials come on, I either mute the TV, head to the kitchen, or just leave the room altogether. I don’t want to be part of it. Not because I’m ashamed of the human body, but because I respect it. I respect women, especially the ones I love most. And I can’t help but ask: Where did we leave our values? Were we mugged somewhere along the way?

We wonder why our culture struggles with the abuse of women and children. Maybe it starts here, in how we portray them on screen and in social media.

The “Booty Beauty” Trend

There’s a new viral trend being marketed as “Booty Beauty.” Personal care products for intimate areas, sold with images and names designed to shock and sell. It’s everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and now mainstream TV ads.

Read More: The 8 Body Parts West Texans Should Avoid Touching At All Costs

Some of these products are probably helpful, I’m not denying that. But when the marketing leans more on sex appeal than self-respect, I think we’ve gone too far.

The Cowgirls at the Classic

Not long ago, during the Western Heritage Classic and Clydesdale parade at the West Texas Fairgrounds, I saw something that brought a smile to my face, and pride to my heart.

There were cowgirls walking up and down the midway, wearing jeans, western shirts, boots, and cowboy hats. It was hot outside, real hot, but they still showed up looking classy, strong, and yes, beautiful. I even commented to another DJ and one of my bosses that it was refreshing to see the young ladies dressed with both pride and self-respect. That’s the kind of beauty worth admiring.

 Let’s Start a Real Conversation

Do you think today’s beauty ads have gone too far?

I’d love to know what you think. Not because I want to stir the pot, but because I believe we need to talk about this. We need to stand up for values that put respect before ratings.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time we get back to a little West Texas common sense.