I find Joelle McGinnis’ column from Jan. 21 on “tastelessness” in advertising interesting, but I am disappointed that she blurred over the point that the use of women as sex-objects (or portrayal of women as “bitches”) in advertising not only indicates a “lack of tact and subtlety,” but is outright sexist.

McGinnis printed a quote by a woman, Neala Schleuning, who accused the producers of the “Bitch, Bitch, Bitch” advertisement for “Dynasty” of perpetuating “negative stereotypes of women.” But instead of commenting on the truth of this statement, Joelle continues her column by pointing out the “lack of responsibility and professionalism” in the advertisers’ responses. Never does she make the point that both the advertisement and the advertisers’ responses are clear indications of sexist attitudes and an unwillingness to face the idea that sexism is wrong.

In an age which some term “post-feminist,” while women in every facet of society are still treated as inferior to men, advertisements such as the one for “Dynasty” (as well as the program itself) serve only to make women’s struggle for equality more difficult. Is it not the responsibility of our columnists, when writing on the topic, to make this clear?

Julia Stege

SA Welfare Advisor