I realize that it was a different time back then and I probably came off very bitter and serious but really, it’s very interesting and entertaining to see ads from decades past.

I’m not by any means a feminist and a few of the ads I actually enjoy. The “Don’t worry hunny, you didn’t burn the beer” is really funny but I don’t think it’d ever fly today. People are waaaay too sensitive.

You’re absolutely right about the target marketing too. Ever watch the show Mad Men? It’s one of my favorite shows now and they actually have an episode where the guys at the ad agency decide to market Heineken to housewives and they use Betty Draper for research.

When I was an intern at an ad agency in college I worked on a campaign for an adult education program and our whole message was “you don’t have to work that crappy minimum wage job. It’s not too late to do better.” One of the billboards we put up had a picture of a fictional restaurant sign and said “Burger World - Now Hiring” and then the message “DO BETTER” … it was up about a week before we got calls and letters from outraged fast food workers groups and activists telling us how offensive and wrong we were. We ended up taking the billboard down but you know what? We got a ton of attention for the program and it was fun. Sometimes advertising goals are best accomplished by pushing the envelope and testing the waters.

Cheers to that!

I still enjoyed the article.

Choice is what the future has going for it, but too many choices leaves many folks undecided and unhappy thinking about the options they picked versus the options they are missing out on. Is Ignorance bliss? Are people happier in a city or a small town. Not a new idea. Somewhere in the middle is best for me. You decide what’s best for you!

I’ll take the person who equally manages the house to make it comfortable, who shares in the work and the fun, and the spirit of service! (or kindness). Who is “ready” for me when I see them (As I should be “ready” for them). That existed in the 1950s. We should be careful not to stereotype the past, although there are lessons from a common experience.

Sure these ads are one-sided, but they serve a different general audience. You can watch TV tonight and see ads for cleaning products dominated by Women. Does that mean women today are subservient? I don’t think so. The more things change the more they remain the same. I buy bleach because I need it, not because a Man or a Women told me to in an ad. To think that ads control our lives or reflect anything super-real 100% is a bit silly. Ads serve a buying public. They are designed to sell. That’s it. There is no deep message here.

The “Radio Broadcaster” above, is a HAM, operating short-wave out of his home. (That chair is not Steal-Case office equipment in gray enamel that would last through 4 wars). I say “his” home because back in the 1950s, it mostly likely was “his”. (Actually it’s the bank’s home, and the bank won’t loan to a women without a J O B :). No, I take that back… it could have been a partnership and who knows maybe her parents helped with some money. Or maybe she had the money herself? My mother did in the 60s, and she had to work hard for every penny of it!

(Notice the call letters on the QSL cards on the wall and the Amateur Radio booklet). He reminds of my dad and all his gear, which was better put away in the small room or “shack”. My Mum would say the beers in the garage, and my Dad, he wouldn’t ask because he bought it and put it there.

But he would bring a peace of pie to my mum after she is done watching the tele, always with a napkin.

People didn’t wear suits at home all night either in the 1950s, unless guest’s were over. A lot of this is “done up” for the photos. It may not represent anything real. Most likely the women is not a subservient progressive worker (she needs to show more cleavage)… but his “understanding” wife, just coming downstairs from a nap, no wait she’s wearing a uniform…

I guess we just don’t know. Radio stations did not look that. The women does appear to be in a server’s attire with a serving tray and cloth to wipe any spills, I’ll give you that. Maybe she’s “playing the part”.

She could be his mistress… trying to loosen him up so she could have fun, the kind of fun she could never admit, being the 1950s and all, wink.

Much love. Cool Ads! - Joe

PS Thanks Brian. Those tips are good for anyone. More people should read and follow that. You never know what someone else has gone through in there day, Man or Women.