'The 4 Isms!

The four isms have been a recurring issue since the beginning of time. Sometimes, it can be ridiculously difficult to avoid using words that are sexists, ageist, hetaerist, and racist in our writing. Some words we use everyday such as “congressman” and “mailman” have been in our vocabulary since we were youngsters and sound so natural to us. The media is one source that has used words, phrases or pictures for advertising that often fall into the isms category.

Sexism:

This ad is highly sexist because it implies that for a woman, the only job the really matters is cleaning. 

Racism:

Apparently a law suit was filed toward Pepperidge Farms for the human figures on the right side and the use of the words "dark chocolate" and "light golden" to reference people's skin tones.

Ageism:

This ad is clearly ageist because it is singling out younger girls and implying that they are better looking and more fun. 

Heterosexism:

Almost all of the premium brands advertise that good looking men and women belong together; as if a homosexual couple couldn't represent Dolce & Gabbana. 

Editing Mistake of the Week:

This is an interesting editing mistake I noticed while watching Netflix this weekend. Technically in the episode description where it says the relationships between the staff of Sacred Heart Hospital the correct word should be "among" instead of "between" because between is comparing two things. In the description, it is concerning a group of people; not just two, therefore it should say among the staff.