Yo, are ads still sexist? I’m legit sitting on my sagging couch in Brooklyn, coffee gone cold in a mug that’s seen better days, scrolling my phone and getting pissed. Like, one second I’m vibing with a 2025 ad for some tech gear with a fierce woman running the show, and then—BAM—a perfume ad hits me that’s basically a Victoria’s Secret rerun. What the hell, 2025? I legit spilled my coffee on my jeans yesterday (yep, I’m a mess) while ranting to my roommate about a car ad with women just… lounging on the hood. My cat, Muffin, gave me this look like, “Chill, dude.” But I can’t chill. This whole “are ads still sexist” thing is eating me up, so here’s my hot mess of a take, straight from the US of A, flaws and all.
Why I’m Low-Key Obsessed with Sexist Ads
I’m seeing ads everywhere—on my cracked phone screen, on those giant Times Square billboards while I’m dodging selfie sticks, even on the subway where it smells like old pizza and broken dreams. Back in the day, I’d giggle at those retro ads with housewives all jazzed about vacuum cleaners. Now? I’m over it. Some 2025 ads are straight fire, like this one clothing brand that’s all “wear what you want, no gender rules.” But others? Sneaky as hell. They’ll toss in a “girl power” slogan but still show models who look like they’ve never eaten a carb. I’m just here in my tiny apartment, where the Wi-Fi drops every five seconds, wondering why we’re still dealing with this crap.
Sneaky Sexism in 2025: What’s Got Me Heated
Okay, real talk. I was at this bodega grabbing a bagel—cream cheese smeared all over my sleeve, classic me—when I saw a magazine ad for a cleaning spray. It’s a woman, grinning like she’s living her best life with a sponge. I almost yeeted my bagel. Are ads still sexist? Uh, duh. I read somewhere (okay, I Googled it after burning my toast again) that Brandsplaining by Jane Cunningham and Philippa Roberts says 85% of women in ads are still “conventionally hot” and usually stick-thin. Like, I’m not saying every ad needs to star me—short, clumsy, coffee-stained—but can we get some variety? Show a woman who’s got wrinkles or a dude who’s not ripped, you know?
Here’s what’s pissing me off in 2025:
- Fake Fempowerment: Brands are all “you’re a queen!” but it’s just lipstick with extra steps. Like, don’t patronize me.
- Old-School Gender Vibes: Car ads still got guys driving and women just… posing. Saw one on the subway and wanted to scream.
- Tokenism City: Some ads throw in one “diverse” face but keep the same tired story. It’s lazy, not progress.
Some Ads Are Actually Kinda Dope
Okay, I’m not all doom and gloom. I was scrolling X the other night—procrastinating, as usual—and saw this skincare ad with a trans person, a curvy model, and an older lady with actual crow’s feet. I was shook. My heart did a little happy dance. A CreativeX study I stumbled on said inclusive ads boost brand stock by 44% in two years. That’s not just warm fuzzies; it’s smart. I burned my toast again this morning (I’m hopeless), but I was too busy grinning at an ad for a clothing line with all kinds of bodies, no gender BS. Are ads still sexist? Yeah, some, but others are finally getting it.
How I Screwed Up and Got Woke to Sexist Ads
Here’s some tea: I used to think sexist ads were NBD. Like, “It’s just a picture, relax.” Then I got into it with my friend Jess at this sketchy bar in Williamsburg. She was like, “These ads make me feel like I’m not enough.” I felt like a total tool for shrugging it off. Went home, tripped over Muffin (sorry, bud), and fell down a Google rabbit hole. Found out the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned some ads for harmful stereotypes. Now I’m, like, hyper-aware, and it’s wild how much sneaky sexism I spot in 2025 campaigns. My advice? Call it out. I posted about a dumb ad on X, got some hate, but it felt good to say, “This ain’t it.”
Tips for Spotting and Calling Out Sneaky Sexism
So, from my coffee-stained, cat-hair-covered life, here’s how I handle the “are ads still sexist” thing:
- Trust Your Spidey Senses: If an ad feels icky, it probably is. Like that diet app ad with a woman pinching her waist? Hard pass.
- Read the Fine Print: “Empowerment” sounds cool, but if the ad’s still pushing skinny vibes, it’s sneaky sexism.
- Big Up Good Brands: I’m all about hyping ads that nail it. Share ‘em, buy their stuff, tell your crew.
- Get Loud: Post about it, like me on X. It’s messy, but it starts convos. Check out #WomenNotObjects for some fire inspo.
Wrapping Up My Chaotic Thoughts on 2025 Ads
Alright, Muffin’s glaring at me for food, and my coffee’s basically sludge now, so let’s call it. Are ads still sexist? Some are, and it’s infuriating, but others are stepping up, and I’m here for it. I’m just a hot mess in Brooklyn, yelling about ads, but we can all nudge things forward by dragging the bad ones and hyping the good. What’s your take? Hit up X or whatever and let’s keep this chat going. Oh, and peep the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media for more on how ads mess with our heads.
