Critical Thinking Takes a Back Seat to Nostalgia Marketing

Critical Thinking Takes a Back Seat to Nostalgia Marketing


Recently I watched Cape Fear and could shake my head at the outdated premise of the need to bury a report of a victim’s promiscuous past, so that the sexual assault charge would stick. Wow I thought, how things have changed. Or not.

Movies, ad slogans, slang...perhaps we haven’t come very far at all. We can’t just blame the media however, as we must all take responsibility for critical thinking and that seems to be in short supply. An American brewery, whose billboards are showing up north of the border, essentially says buy x brand and get the girl. Discussion around this billboard has included statements such as “well, I don’t agree with the message, but the girls have been a part of their ads for a long time.” Or one comment indicated that the ad was iconic because of the way the women were displayed. Yes, displayed. Since the “girls” are clothed in classic 50’s garb, this is passed off as harmless and somewhat nostalgic. What exactly are we nostalgic about?

Second Hand Smoke Kills, So Does Gender Inequality

One woman told me that the ad is a classic icon of a time gone by. Would there be a similar fond amusement if we were to post a picture of that same can of brand x with a black man holding shoe shine supplies and a caption that read buy the beer and get a shoe shine. Shoe shines and the eager black “boy” is offensive; why is the 50’s willing gal any less so? Are we really ready to continue the messaging that anyone is available to be given or won?

What’s the harm you say, it’s just an ad? Really? Is that why smoking is no longer promoted? Just as the invisible waft of a cigarette makes its way to our lungs, so too does the implications of people who can be “won”, permeate our minds. Unless we, men and women, stand up and take notice and speak out against these messages, we will continue to suffer the effects of gender inequality.

Frances Hickmott

Join us for Maxi Monday on June 13th

Don't forget to join us on the patio at The Duke in downtown Strathroy as the ladies from the Strathroy BIA host this month's Maxi Monday networking event.

See you there!

Volunteers wanted for Saturday mornings!

We are embarking on a special summer project and are looking for volunteer support.

The project will be selling fine teas at the Strathroy Farmers Market- as a fundraiser for WRRC.

The market operates Saturday mornings June to October.  You do not need to be available every Saturday to help. 

Please call Frances for more information at 519-246-1526 ext 239

Thank you! 

Urgent need-Soap, shampoo, conditioners and deodorant

We are very low in our supply of personal care items for women in shelter. If you can help, please drop off your donation to WRRC anytime!

We ask that you donate only unopened items please.

Thank you for your support!

Welome to Laura- our new Program Manager!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of  Laura Dunlop-Dibbs to the staff of the Women’s Rural Resource Centre.  Laura is our new Program Manager, and brings many years of experience to her work.  We look forward to exciting  things with Laura!  

Welcome to our new Rural Development Officer

We are pleased to welcome Frances to the Women's Rural Resource team. Frances position is funded by the Foundation for Rural Living. The Foundation supports rural organizations with resources to increase their capacity in the communities they serve. Frances will be providing support to the Resource Development team as well as further developing our volunteer program.

Welcome Frances!

Seeking Board Members

WRRC is seeking expressions of interest from local women and men who want to leverage their strengths in influencing, innovation, collaboration and strategic leadership in a governance role on our board of directors. We recently refreshed our strategic plan – it is ambitious, exciting and achievable. And we need people with diverse skills, connections and interests to make it happen. It takes a time commitment of about 5 hours/month and a passion for our cause. Contact WRRC at 519-246-1526 or info@wrrcsa.org for more information.