Critical Analysis of Absolut Vodka "Perfect Man

Everyday consumers are exposed to the Medias ideology of what is considered beautiful. In magazines we see attractive, happy people, with air-brushed perfect, flawless, bodies posing to sell a particular item or idea. Who is the media to say what constitutes as beauty and an attractive person? Why are certain attributes associated with attractiveness, beauty, likability and social skills? We are force feed images and told what beauty is and have thus formed our own ideas and opinions. However, are those ideas and opinion really ours or were we constructed by media to think and feel a particular way without even realizing it? It is important to examine messages rhetoric purpose and not be persuaded by the wrong messages. If not, consumers’ thoughts, actions, beliefs and feelings will be easily influenced. Absolut Vodka, a leading brand of premium vodka sold in 176 countries, constructed advertisements as part of its “In an Absolut World” 2007 campaign with images of situations that the target audience would think constitute a perfect or “Absolut” reality. Absolut Vodka marketing (2011) stated the target market is men and women ages 25-45 who want to succeed in their life both personally and professionally. The brand equity is associated with fun, joy, self-esteem and social approval. In 2007, they crafted an advertisement called “the perfect man” which featured in Greek Elle magazine (admin, 2007). According to Elle magazine media kit (2014), the audience is women between the ages of 18-49. Their goal is to inspire women in all aspects of their lives and encouraging readers to cultivate not just personal style, but the success that comes with personal power. The advertisement, “a perfect man” is an image of a woman sitting on a rug, holding a manikin arm that has red flowers in its hand. The woman has adorned herself in a red necklace, shoes, belt, bracelet and is not wearing a wedding ring. There is a box next to her with the words, “The Perfect Man” written

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