Utterly and completely retarded.

I picked this up because the cover amused me (I was not sexually aroused by the cover).

The best part about this book was the introduction by Marshall McLuhan who actually had something interesting to say about media and culture in the modern world and how it relates to advertising but as soon as Wilson Bryan Key opened his mouth this book it became ridiculous.

The basic idea that advertisers provoke eroticism and disguise pornography within adverts to boost engagement is more or less true. When Key sticks to this he seems quite sensible. Not that it’s a very novel idea.

He starts to degenerate quickly when he brings up an advert and traces the word “SEX” in some ice cubes.

They’re in the glass on the right if you were struggling…

But Key has handy a whole gallery of adverts where he’s found various penises and vaginas along with a selection of naughty words supposed to excite any viewer. He’s completely insane!

It’s a shame because maybe a third of what Key says makes sense. In the above picture it absolutely is erotic and designed to excite but beyond that nothing more… they do not need to hide the word “SEX” for you to think of sex with this image. The image already does that.

He also has an annoying habit of referring to studies without citing them. Most likely made up. For a man decrying the dishonesties of the advertising industry he’s very wishwashy himself.

I need to stop reading retarded books. At least I have a fun ornament for future house guests.