"In the peaceful era we live in, it's easy to forget that someone is always lurking outside, planning to rape you," says Sarah Haskins in the latest Target Women video (below). This one skewers Broadview Security ads that educate women about how high-risk behavior -- like hanging out in our houses and backyards with no men present -- makes us sitting ducks, but a top-notch security system will offer the peace of mind that can only come with loud noises and calm-voiced dudes in a call center!
"You may call these commercials," says Haskins, "But I like to call them rape fables."
There was a time when every satire from Current TV's Sarah Haskins found a quick and happy home on Broadsheet. We posted her "Target: Women" videos lampooning the dumbassery of women's marketing so often, with such predictable, cooing fangirl fervor that we backed off entirely, and I for one, think that's a damn shame. So I'm reverting back to our old ways by posting her latest video about "Lady Friends" -- you know, those good-looking, high-spirited gals with whom you share all your secrets about cooking, shampoo and the complications of birth control while waiting on bottle service at high-end night clubs? Here, I'll let Sarah explain:
Oh, this video brings back fond memories of Faberge shampoo's "And they told two friends..." commercial. Remember this one? Gosh, imagine how many women would have had soft, luxurious Faberge hair in the 80s if they'd only known how to tweet.
Anyway, Haskins is also interviewed for this month's Mother Jones, in which she talks about her ironic use of the word "ladies," the marketing of Sarah Palin and why Maureen Dowd drives her nuts. And Jezebel points out some good news: Amy Poehler has been tapped to star in the movie Haskins co-scripted, "Lunch Lady" -- now that's a serious comedy sandwich. You know what? I'm telling all my well-heeled girlfriends about this, stat!
I trust that Sarah Haskins' "Target Women" videos no longer need an introduction around here, since I can't seem to stop posting them. Please enjoy the latest, on Botox, below. "Express yourself -- by paralyzing small muscles in those problem areas!"
She had me at "It's that 'I have a master's but then I got married' look!" in the yogurt video I wrote about a few weeks ago. But when she stripped down to bike shorts and a sports bra to demonstrate her resemblance to a computer-fattened contestant on "Bulging Brides" (video below) she, um, had me even more. I am officially girl-crushing on Sarah Haskins something fierce.
Who is Sarah Haskins? Good question. Google doesn't turn up much on the creator of "Target: Women" -- a segment of the generally hilarious "InfoMania" show on Current TV -- even though she has become the toast of the feminist blogosphere after just two outings. From the opening montage of cocktail glasses and tampons to Haskins' perfectly timed and executed "WTF?" face, "Target: Women" satirizes vapid lady programming so brilliantly, every woman I know wishes "The Daily Show" would offer Haskins a job already. Even if we had no idea who she was a month ago and haven't seen any of her work other than two three-minute videos. She's that good! Private island good! Cute best man good! Who serves yogurt at their wedding good!
If you haven't seen her latest, "Target Women: Wedding Shows," check it out below. I'll just be over here in my gray hoodie, watching the We channel and eating Activia while impatiently awaiting the next installment.
