Where Does Rape Fit in to Advertising

I recently discovered some controversial ads by Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana.  Both ads contain a single scantily clad female surrounded by shirtless males in aggressive stances.  The public backlash of these photos describes them as promoting violence against women and rape.  I realize that the United States is known for its proliferation of sex in the media and advertising.  It is part of our cultural history and is now a societal norm.  But where do we cross the line -- some would agree, with the Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabanna ads.

It is the American ideology to push the envelope and go where no one has gone before.  That is what makes America what it is today.  But I would have to agree that these ads push the line between art and sadism.  Even if rape and violence against women is an extreme view (which isn't a stretch) of this photo, it definitely is promoting aggressive hegemonic masculinity and male dominance over women.  This seems odd in an era where women have almost reached parity with men in terms of the wage and gender gaps in our society.  However, maybe the shock is what these advertisers were looking for.  The motivation might have been to create controversy in order to promote their name, but unfortunately not their image.

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2007/03/stefano_gabbano.html
http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2010/10/calvin-klein-ads-banned-for-promoting-rape.html