Jean Kilbourne Quotes
- Activist
- 1943
Jean Kilbourne is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and filmmaker who has been at the forefront of the movement to end violence against women for over four decades. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on the image of women in advertising and her award-winning films Killing Us…Read More
Jean Kilbourne is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and filmmaker who has been at the forefront of the movement to end violence against women for over four decades. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on the image of women in advertising and her award-winning films Killing Us Softly and Slim Hopes. Kilbourne has written several books, including Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel and So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids. She has also been featured in numerous documentaries, including Miss Representation and The Mask You Live In. Kilbourne has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Council on Crime and Delinquency’s Changing Lives Award and the National Organization for Women’s Woman of Vision Award.Read Less
Jean Kilbourne is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and filmmaker who has been at the forefront of the movement to end violence against women for over four decades. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on the image of women in advertising and her award-winning films Killing Us Softly and Slim Hopes. Kilbourne has written several books, including Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel and So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids. She has also been featured in numerous documentaries, including Miss Representation and The Mask You Live In. Kilbourne has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Council on Crime and Delinquency’s Changing Lives Award and the National Organization for Women’s Woman of Vision Award.
Jean Kilbourne Career Highlights
- Kilbourne’s career began in the 1960s when she worked as a model and actress. However, she soon became disillusioned with the industry and its portrayal of women, which led her to pursue a career in media criticism.
- In 1979, Kilbourne created the groundbreaking documentary film “Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women,” which examined the ways in which women are objectified and sexualized in advertising. The film was a huge success and has been updated and re-released several times, making it one of the most widely used educational films in the world.
- Kilbourne has written several books on the subject of advertising and its impact on women, including “Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel” and “So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids.”
- She has also given numerous lectures and presentations at universities, conferences, and other events, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of advertising and media on women and society.
- In 2015, Kilbourne was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame for her pioneering work in media literacy and her efforts to promote gender equality.
Key Contributions by Jean Kilbourne
- Kilbourne’s work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the harmful effects of advertising and media on women’s self-esteem, body image, and overall well-being. She has been a leading voice in the fight against the objectification and sexualization of women in media.
- Through her films, books, and lectures, Kilbourne has challenged the advertising industry to take responsibility for the negative impact of their messages and has called for more ethical and responsible advertising practices.
- She has also been a strong advocate for media literacy education, emphasizing the importance of teaching critical thinking skills to help individuals resist the harmful messages perpetuated by advertising and media.
What Sets Jean Kilbourne Apart
- Kilbourne’s work is unique in that it combines her personal experiences as a former model and actress with her academic research and analysis. This gives her a unique perspective and credibility in the field of media criticism.
- She is also known for her engaging and thought-provoking speaking style, which has made her a sought-after speaker at various events and conferences.
- Kilbourne’s work has had a lasting impact on the advertising industry, leading to changes in advertising practices and increased awareness about the harmful effects of media on women.
Takeaways
- Jean Kilbourne’s work serves as a reminder of the power and influence of advertising and media in shaping our perceptions and beliefs about gender roles and beauty standards.
- She highlights the need for media literacy education and critical thinking skills to help individuals resist the harmful messages perpetuated by advertising and media.
- Kilbourne’s work also emphasizes the importance of holding the advertising industry accountable for their role in perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and promoting more ethical and responsible advertising practices.