[bpsdb] The following is the introduction to a recent BBC piece titled "'Glass hold' reveals personality." I've highlighted the crucial phrase:
The way you hold your glass can reveal much more than you might realise, a psychologist has warned. Dr Glenn Wilson, a consultant psychologist, observed the body language of 500 drinkers and divided them into eight personality types. These were the flirt, the gossip, fun lover, wallflower, the ice-queen, the playboy, Jack-the-lad and browbeater. Dr Wilson, who carried out the work for the Walkabout bar chain, said glass hold "reflected the person you are".
Yes, either Walkabout are now major supporters of science research, or once again we are seeing the effects of 'churnalism' - a press release from some unknown PR company abusing science for promotional ends, recited by media outlets as if it represents some sort of serious research.
The categories listed are quite telling: 'playboy', 'lad', 'flirt', 'ice queen', these are heavily gendered, and indeed under each category Dr. Wilson (or his employer) helpfully gives a tip on whether you should or shouldn't approach the person in question. Curiously there are no categories for "pissed", "angry" or "hysterical", but that's because this advertising is all about sex, and in case that wasn't clear enough in the first new reports, the PR company stepped up a gear by bringing in gorgeous, pouting blonde actress Somethingummy Person to present a video guide to flirting, while an awkward looking bloke at the bar behind her appears to be literally paralysed with indecision over what drink to get.
Apropos of nothing, I'd just like to quote ASA Code rule 56.9:
"56.9 Marketing communications must neither link alcohol with seduction, sexual activity or sexual success nor imply that alcohol can enhance attractiveness, masculinity or femininity."
But of course, this isn't an advert, it's a news story, that just happens to have been written by a PR agency. And that's what's so insidious about this story. It's carefully designed and packaged to slip under the radar and pop up where Advertising Standards can't touch it, like Steve McQueen emerging from the tunnel and giving a two-fingered salute to the powerless German guards on the other side of the fence. Walkabout have made a mockery of advertising regulations.
They (whoever 'they', the agency that Walkabout presumably employed to do this, are) have also made a mockery of science, and science communication, and in this they've been ably assisted by psychologist Dr. Glenn Wilson, a man with previous form for this sort of thing. There are no published results from this anywhere, presumably because even the Answers in Genesis Journal would laugh at such an absurd piece of 'research'. Sadly, the BBC and other media outlets didn't.
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What I don't understand is why legitimate news organizations like the BBC publish this kind of junk. I mean, the BBC's health editor should know that this is a rubbish press release cloaking itself in the robes of science. Anyone with half a brain should. And though I hate to sound conspiratorial, because I detest conspiracy theories, but do they get paid to publish this tripe or are they just happy to have any old thing to put up that they uncritically accept press releases at face value much like American local TV news stations are famous for running Video News Releases without so much a mention of their origin?
And there's me thinking that "taking short sips from bottled drinks" was indicative of a taste for pale beer or alcopops, and "holding a wine glass by the stem" meant you fell into the category of "wine drinker".
Shows what I know.
(Also, as a female chronic fidgeter, I'm made distinctly uncomfortable at implications that my restless hands are being marketed as an excuse to harrass me in bars)
Also, as a female chronic fidgeter, I'm made distinctly uncomfortable at implications that my restless hands are being marketed as an excuse to harrass me in bars
Well quite, or that if you happen to be holding your glass in front of you it's an invitation to stare at your chest, while if you cross your arms you're clearly frigid. The whole thing reads like something out of FHM.
Martin is the editor of layscience.net.
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I think that whether or not a woman wants to be approached depends a lot on who is approaching. "Flirts" might become frigid if a man with poor hygiene comes over, and frigid women might warm up for a nice enough face. So what if a woman is holding her glass in front as a single that she wants a pretty boy to approach her, but then a less attractive guy sees that signal and thinks it's for him?
Also, I would like to see some objective measurement(s) as to how they decide who fits into which group.
I am afraid while the "serious" media continue to demand "light-hearted" fluff like this PR's are going to supply it. Perhaps the key problem is that it has succeeded in becoming a "science" story rather than an "and finally" item.
Hi Martin,
The comments so far for this article are all valid and carry excellent grounds for debate
They all struck me as interesting:
Well spotted and very funny; “curiously there were no categories for ‘pissed’, ‘angry’ or ‘hysterical’.”
Also the comments by Debi and catgirl offered insight and a contradictory equation to the article.
Just goes to show that we cannot possibly place all behaviors in to one box and label it….
But the best of all was:
“Marketing communications must neither link alcohol with seduction, sexual activity or sexual success nor imply that alcohol can enhance attractiveness, masculinity or femininity."
This article has caused quite a stir and I think whoever is responsible will appreciate the interest.
It was amusing yet controversial.
Thank you
Regards
GaryGraye.com
What I want to know is what Dr Glenn Wilson stood to gain from this. Money? They must have paid him a lot because his academic reputation just plunged into the mud. Or maybe he's reached that stage of his career where it doesn't matter any more (tenure)...
Advertising Standards can't touch it, like Steve McQueen emerging from the tunnel and giving a Online health science degree two-fingered salute to the powerless German guards on the other side of the fence. Degree Walkabout have made a mockery of advertising regulations.Nursing school
Perhaps the key problem is that it has succeeded in becoming a "science" story rather than an "and finally" item.occupational safety school | Online Natural science School