I don’t know if “subliminal” is a real thing or just a layperson idea, but when I talk about media in intro I show some images to show just how carefully advertisers are steeping their material in raw sex. I start with the image below.

I ask: Notice anything interesting about this image? Even in very large classes it usually takes a long time for anyone to see…

…that the shadow of the liquor bottle is pointing directly between her nearly bare breasts.
Here are some more:

This is a picture of an ad at the Burbank airport.  Notice the profoundly phallic shape of the foaming surf that happens to be pointing directly at the woman’s crotch.  The foam mimicks the crown printed at the top of the Budweiser bottle (in the upper left hand of the image in red).

And where is the rocket going?

This ejaculating bottle is in an ad for clothing in a magazine aimed at gay men:

What image accompanies the word “come”?

That’s Salma Hayak and Campari… or should I say Salma Hayak’s boobs and an ejaculation fantasy.

I love this one. Just underneath the banner you see two nuts, a thick pour and, let’s face it, a chocolate introitus.

Craig T. sent in this Nestle Quick ad.  “Happy place”?  That little splash?  (Found here.)

aa bb saw this ad in Cosmo. Word on the street is that it is meant to look like a vulva.

NEW! A vintage ad for Bright and Clear lipstick (found here):

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I also think Gwen’s post here is great (“testees” anyone?)

Consider also the Gillette Vibrance website. The Gillette Vibrace razor may or may not be a razor, but it’s definitely a vibrator.

1. Go to the website.
2. Watch the umbrella penetrate the v (v is for vulva) shaped lines on the screen.
3. Click on Go to Venus Vibrance (there are a number of razors on this site).
4. Note the shape of the product.
5. Look at where the model’s hand is.
6. Click on the message-in-a-bottle for a “GoddessTip.” Notice how it spurts out.
7. Click “Learn More.”
8. Click through the information bytes.
a. The second one shows the vibration. “Push of a button,” eh? “A whole new shaving experience”? I bet.

Students love this.