Two Utah sisters are pushing back against a Carl’s Jr. advertising campaign they say objectifies women. The ads feature bikini-clad women eating the fast-food chain’s burgers in a seductive manner. Lindsay and Lexie Kite hold doctorate degrees from the University of Utah and run a nonprofit called Beauty Redefined, focusing on issues surrounding women’s body image and media influence. Their social media campaign uses the hashtags: “#CutTheCarls” and “#MoreThanMeat” They are asking consumers to boycott Carl’s Jr. in order to involve the company in conversation about sexual objectification in advertising. Carl’s Jr. has said the ads, which began in 2005, are aimed at catching the attention of young, hungry boys (ages 18 - 35). The company said it respects the contribution of women to society.
We’ll talk with Lexie Kite, PhD, Co-Director of Beauty Redefined. We'll also talk to Utah State University Journalism and Communication Department, Candi Carter Olson.