Nymphos
Background: Many commercials and ads construct femininity as a form of pure sexuality—nymphomania. The infamous Herbal Essence shampoo commercials and print ads have largely contributed to this form of objectification and dehumanization. The Ads: Included in the selection of ads on this page are a number of shampoo commercials. As you analyze each of the ads, like you might with other forms of objectification, focus on why women have been selectively targeted, in this case through their sexuality. Discussion Questions: (1) Based on the following ads, can you suggest why it is that females are connected to obsessive sexuality and not males? (2) What is the political effect of the portrayal of women as nymphomaniacs? (3) Have any of the images of women acting as nymphomaniacs changed in recent years?
