Virginia Slims Feminist Advertising Campaign

The Virginia Slims Feminist Advertising Campaign was launched in the 1960s and 1970s to promote cigarettes to women, using themes of independence, empowerment, and rebellion. It aimed to associate smoking with women's liberation and modernity, often featuring slogans like “You've come a long way, baby.” While successful in marketing, the campaign also raised ethical questions about promoting smoking with messages of feminism. It reflects how advertising can blend social themes with commercial interests, influencing cultural perceptions of gender roles and independence during that era.