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Teen girls: You have a reputation as starvation experts
Questions to Consider:
- Why did the man think the girls would be good helpers for him?
- What does this say about how girls think about food? Is it true of most girls?
What We Think:
In this spot, Geico switches its familiar gecko spokesman with a trio of three girls, portrayed as the “popular” crowd, who follow around a man who has decided that the best way for him to save money (given how expensive his car insurance is) is to not eat. And what’s the best way to stop yourself from eating? Why, shame, of course! The saddest thing about this ad is that girls really are often taught (by adults unknowingly, by their friends, by TV and Internet) to think of food as disgusting, shameful, and gross. We think this ad gives teen girls a bad reputation. It makes it seem normal to think in a disordered-eating way. — Larkin Callaghan and Jennifer Berger
Go to our blog for more on this piece of media.
Where we saw it: CBS during Super Bowl XLVI: February 5, 2012
Denise on 11-30-2012
We have REALLY got to stop this "weight loss at all costs" way of thinking that leads women and girls to think that starving and shaming yourself is a healthy attitude. It's NOT!!! Give me a break!amy on 11-30-2012
I didn't think the ad was saying don't eat. My perception was it was saying don't eat gross food. The food shown was a waffle topped with gross sugary toppings and a gross fast food burger. It was too bad that didn't show the guy switching to geico while consuming yummy fresh fruit or vegetables.Beth on 12-01-2012
Really, you get all of that in this ad? you people really believe that young girls are so stupid and vulnerable. these are the mean girls at school, these are their behaviour. In fact his menu choices were gross, all young girls should follow him around and do this, it would be a lesson in making healthier & better food choice, not a bad way to loss a few foods. most of us goes to the gym because we either look gross or is afraid to look gross. eating this diet will get you looking gross or already made you look gross eating disorders are mental health issue and family dynamics. Young girls should join in solidarity against these foods in this ad and force parents to feed them healthier food.jenjennijennifer on 12-04-2012
Well, yeah, I guess we do get that all from the ad, but we definitely don't think girls can't think for themselves. We all need some help being aware sometimes. Maybe we should also consider what constitutes "gross" food. Why is eating a burger or waffles every once in a while gross? We have no idea whether that was his ENTIRE diet or what. The judgment about what makes food "gross" is usually based on how much fat it has in it. We need fat to live! Being unhealthy on purpose is "gross", not eating food in moderation.Kat on 12-15-2012
I normally side with your views, but not sure about your interpretation of this ad. I actually thought it was quite humorous, it did not sexualise the girls, and honestly - don't think it was about these girls being "anorexic" but rather moody and snappy as teenagers are. Sorry but don't agree with you on this one.Jenna on 03-12-2013
Agreed. I have two (perfectly normal) teenage daughters and cannot count the number of times I've heard the exact words, "Ugh. Seriously... that is so gross."