Using sex to sell? Is this right or wrong?

I refer to the commentary written by Fiona Cher (15/07) which highlights the arguments of using sex to sell, dated 31st July 2007. Personally, I strongly agree with the author that using sex to sell a product is a wrong approach to gain the audience’s attention. She uses the example of the recent television advertisement for mocca.com where the female models used were wearing bikinis, and at the very end, the male lead was completely nude, using a mere piece of cardboard to cover his privates. Such commercials have caused some controversy over the use of sex in selling or promoting products and services. This example of the mocca.com advertisement emphasizes the idea that sexy advertising on commercials is seen as both acceptable and unacceptable. Sexual advertising is viewed acceptable because it encourages awareness of the products and in this case increases the desire for the product. On the other hand, viewers also feel that using sex appeal to sell a product is not acceptable. As stated in Cher’s commentary, the use of sex in television commercials is in bad taste and should not be aired, especially so considering that the people sitting in front of the television are not just adults, for among the audiences there are children too. The use of erotic imagery and sexual suggestion in the commercial pose a negative influence to young children. This is due to fact that they are unable to think rationally unlike adults. They readily accept whatever that is shown on the screen without putting in much thought.
The problem with using sex as a selling point is sex becomes the product being sold. When the commercials flashing half-naked women come on TV, they may be advertising shampoo or beer but they're selling sex. And sometimes the sexiest shampoo may not be the best choice. Sex is fundamentally great for advertising. Through the designs of naughty Mother Nature our eyes are automatically drawn the sight of an attractive, scantly clad female/male form. However, is it possible to use the benefits of sex and stand out from the rest while maintaining a respectful image for your product/service? Yes, I think it is, but not in the way you’d expect. People are drawn to sexual images because they are attracted to what they see. It appeals to their senses and triggers off sexual desires and feelings. Because of the mysterious way in which our brains work, we subconsciously form an association between our desire for sex and whatever product is being advertised. However, the phrase "sex does sell" in advertisement which often portray women as a sex object can also be used as a creative technique for it can attract peoples attention for the longest moment as possible. Furthermore, it can increase the sale of a certain product. This is the arguement that men would present when faced with accusation of exploiting women as merely nothing but sex objects. I, as a woman stand by my rights and disagree absolutely that ''selling'' women's body is the best way to increase their sales revenue. Advertisers need to take responsibility for their own actions and to end this type of exploitation. If they do not, we as the consumer can always force them. After all, we have the dollars and cents.