Racist Stereotyping in Advertising

Stereotypes in advertising serves the job of grouping people and therefore, ideally reaching a broader audience. The stereotypes quickly and easily differentiates what that product or ad is for, as well as who it isn't suitable for. Although from a purely marketing standpoint that would be desired, stereotypical images are not always true. Many of them are actually created fictionally by agencies and cultures through assumptions and ideas that aren't proven to be true.

I think it is wrong to racially stereotype for advertising purposes, however there is a small window in which I think it is okay. To me, as long as the racial stereotype isn't in a bad light or negative tone, it is fine. An example of such is this ad:

Here, the stereotype is that women love cuddling however here the company is taking a very humorous approach to this by presenting a ridiculous fictional invention of the "Axe Morning After Pillow" to satisfy the women's needs for cuddling.

Today I think racism in advertising should be a thing in the past because we have worked so hard to fight for our rights and to become a better society. There are so many new and alternative ways to present a product or an idea and it does not require the use of a racist stereotype. For example I've noticed in some ads today people are replaced with inanimate objects or animals. Those figures do not represent any one race or culture and it becomes neutral

Advertisers should have ethical responsibilities, because their messages are going to reach someone. And they do have the power to alter the exact message or how the message is portrayed. I think all ads should be tasteful or not offensive, especially since they will be public for the world to see.