#WomenNotObjects

A recent video has sparked conversation on the objectification of women in the advertising industry. The #WomenNotObjects campaign, which has taken the internet by storm, released a two-minute video highlighting the harsh treatment of women in advertising.

The objectification of the female body in advertising and media ultimately shrinks women to an object for a man’s desire, perpetuating sexism. Women are portrayed as lifeless bodies, puppets and sexual props, sending a harsh message to girls everywhere. This has a negative affect on their self-perception and personal esteem, making them feel as though they are only worth what the media tells them they should be.

The reality is the objectification and dehumanization of women is everywhere, from fast food promos to beer campaigns to appliances. Take a look:

Campaign creator Madonna Badger explained that while none of the brands criticized in the video have responded to her since the release, "Brand participation was not the goal here. It was never an objective of ours," she said. "We simply wanted to start a conversation and that is what we consider successful." The video has been shared by UN Women as well as HuffPost Women and spread across social media.

The message emphasizes that objectifying the female body to sell products is disrespectful, demeaning, and has to stop. At the end of the video they ask what if this woman was your mother, daughter, etc., but at the end of the day these women should be respected because they are human beings. It's disheartening and wrong that it takes relating a woman to someone you know just to make you respect them, but sometimes that's what it takes to get through to people. This is why advertising and media has to change. Become a part of the conversation.