I grew up with a manipulative, abusive parent; so, I've always been sensitive to manipulation. It always amused me, when watching game shows, that, whenever the prize of an automobile was featured on a rotating dias, your first glimpse of it was almost always from the rear, which seemed clearly sexual (and directed toward males) to me.
I don't think I'm less sensitive to female-directed advertising; but I think I care less about it because I care more about what they're selling and how it might benefit me than I ever did watching male-directed advertising when I thought I was male -- and the reason seems clear: I'm much more fully-engaged in life than I was then, open to possibilities, happiness and joy. I am hyperfocused on my appearance now; and it's natural, not forced at all. I compare myself to other women constantly and reflexively. Objectively speaking, it's kind of amusing.
If this is how most women are geared -- and I suspect we are -- then advertisers must absolutely love us. We're born suckers!
