Start by asking critical questions as to why advertising is portraying something in a particular way. It could be a particular identity; i.e. gender, age, race, class, sexuality, able/disabled bodies, Canadian identity it could be a particular issue or topic; i.e. education, family, religion, science, aging, celebrity, politics, motherhood, love, it could be a particular type of product/activity i.e. smoking, cars, alcohol, gambling, condoms, organic food, children’s food

What is happening socially, culturally, politically or economically that would warrant such a portrayal? What does this portrayal reveal about contemporary society. You may want to ask how such a portrayal reinforces or contests particular ideologies?