We live in a world saturated with images of beautiful women. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with beauty and sex appeal, sometimes marketers take their use of that sexiness to inappropriate, unnecessary and just plain disrespectful levels.
Often, when images of women’s bodies are used to sell products — from cars and candy to children’s toys — it’s not only offensive, but it also makes absolutely no sense.
The images below show moments when a woman really, really does not need to be sexy. Be a little more creative next time, marketers!
1. When she’s just trying to be a piece of chocolate…
Current M&M mascot, Mars Inc.
This Green M&M thought she was supposed to be selling chocolate, not erotic appeal.
2. Or a bottle of beer.
Miller Coors ad seen in Esquire, 2006
This beer bottle wants to be celebrated for her personality, for once!
3. When she’s just trying to make her way in an isolated, male-dominated society.
Sony Pictures Animation, 2013
Smurfette is sick of being eye candy for all the Smurf bros.
5. When she’s trapped inside a shopping bag, and it’s unclear whether or not her legs are attached to a body. 
Marc Jacobs ad, 2008
Disembodied legs = high fashion, apparently.
6. Or when she’s trapped inside a giant, hairy lampshade.
Vogue Japan, 2013
It’s hard to become a self-actualized lampshade when you’re always forced to pose naked.
7. When she’s a doll intended to be gifted to a small child.
“Bratz Strut It! Dolls” by MGA Entertainment, 2012
The Bratz should be learning and playing outside!
8. When she’s a tree-woman hybrid.
Curel ad, 2002
As Curel Body Lotion transformed her from tree to woman, any junk in this tree trunk was definitely photoshopped out.
9. Or a hamster with a woman’s body.
Kia commercial, 2014
These lady hamsters from this year’s KIA car commercial are sick of catering to your male gaze.
10. When she’s just trying to be the best accessories closet she can be.
Details Magazine, 2009
Respect her for what her body can do — like display shoes and sunglasses — not for what she looks like.
11. When she’s trying to figure out which of these eight identical boobs belong to her.
Mercedes Benz ad, 2006
This is an ad for a Mercedes Benz vehicle that features eight airbags, airbrushed to perfection. Because apparently even airbags need to be hot.
12. When she’s a video game character heading into virtual battle.
“Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2″ by IGN’s Tecmo Games, 2009
Video game warfare is dangerous, but this sexy armor will keep her safe-ish.
13. When she’s a non-human 1980s video game character who navigates ghost-filled mazes for a living.
Ms. Pac-Man by Namco Limited, first released 1982
Ms. Pac-Man has worked too hard chasing down Pac-Dots to still be treated like a sex symbol.
14. When she’s actually a barnyard animal.
Skinny Cow mascot, Nestlé
No cow should have to live with a tape measure wrapped around her waist.
Shoutout to the Gender Ads Project for many of our image inspirations!
