MTV's new 'Invisible Ads' campaign tackles rape culture by brilliantly pointing out that doing nothing to combat harassment merely perpetuates the dangerous cycle of sexual violence. While there have been a number of efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault, this campaign goes a step further and points out our own complicity when we ignore these issues.
The Invisible Ads consist of a series of posters adorned with phrases such as, "If I'm raped, my outfit will get more blame than my attacker" and "Sexually assaulted? Witnesses are standing by reluctant to report it." The text not only draws attention to the issue of victim-blaming, but it also tackles the issue of rape culture more generally. Specifically the ads demonstrate that by saying nothing, we are only perpetuating the cycle of violence. As the Invisible Ads website explains, "Ignoring rape culture the way we ignore ads doesn't make it go away."
The ads ultimately send the message that although we can ignore these kinds of issues, we cannot hide from the way they impact women in our society.
Anti-Harassment Ad Campaigns
This Campaign Tackles Rape Culture and the Ubiquity of Victim-Blaming
Trend Themes
1. Rape Culture Awareness - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative campaigns and initiatives that raise awareness about rape culture and its impact on society.
2. Victim-blaming Elimination - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create solutions that challenge and eliminate victim-blaming attitudes and behaviors through education and awareness.
3. Combatting Sexual Violence - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop technologies and strategies that actively combat sexual violence and provide support for survivors.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising and Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Provide creative and impactful anti-harassment ad campaigns for brands and organizations looking to raise awareness and change societal attitudes.
2. Education and Training - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop educational programs and training initiatives focusing on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention to address rape culture and victim-blaming.
3. Safety and Security - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative products, services, and technologies that enhance personal safety and security, particularly for individuals at risk of sexual violence.