If Republicans do not run ads with stereotypical masculine themes, then have all their ads have been directed at males, except the ones featuring distinctly feminine themes?
By Sara O’Connor
I think the “Say Yes to Rick Scott” ad is cute. I enjoyed it. As a young Republican woman, it held my attention for 60 seconds. The ad seems like an effective way to make young female voters pay attention to the gubernatorial election. It clearly illustrates a generational political divide, caused in large part by the 2008 financial crisis, and thrown into sharp relief by topics such as social security and federal income tax.
In this context, it communicates millennials’ focus on fiscal responsibility and the role that will play in elections for the foreseeable future. Importantly, it shows a young woman making her own decision, not saying, “Mom, who should I vote for?” That said, the ad was callous and out-of-touch. It seems the College Republicans think every woman wants to get married, and every woman derives immense joy from finding “the dress.” I like shopping and dresses and weddings. A lot of women don’t, and to throw such a stereotype at women, and on women, is insulting. See the ad below…
How did the College Republicans not foresee the blowback on this? The “Say Yes to Rick Scott” ad begs the question: Why don’t Republicans run ads with golf clubs and sports cars, specifically for men? After all, they’re reaching out specifically to women with the latest ad.
If Republicans do not run ads with stereotypical masculine themes, then have all their ads have been directed at males, except the ones featuring distinctly feminine themes? Do women need to be messaged to this way in order to draw their attention to politics? It seems like nowadays, all you need to do is say the magic words (“birth control”).
The College Republican National Committee must think the only way to get young women to care about politics is to equate candidates to dresses, and that is a condescending viewpoint. But I don’t know if it’s wrong. Most people would rather watch Say Yes to the Dress than a political ad.
This commercial delivers a message to a specific demographic in a fun, easy to digest way. Even if it is condescending, it’s effective. CosmoVotes is a joke, however, they’re right: This ad is condescending. But it’s not going to change my vote.
PS, that’s totally a basic bitch wedding dress.
Sara O’Connor was born and raised in east Central Florida. After graduating with honors from Florida State University, she moved to the Great White North. After eight winter months, she came to her senses and moved back to where she could enjoy 105 degree weather.
