It has little to do with 'phoniness' and more to do with powerfull, effective marketing strategies.
The bottom line is, women/girls appeal to any & every sane (and non homosexual man). Naturally (and yoummay not realize this on a conscious level) but is a pretty woman/girl is the head of promoting a certain product...you (us, men that is) will be EXTREMELY more likely to remember the product, fell good about the product and actually BUY the product.
I wholeheartedly agree with women being equal to men. However, as marketing tools, women are more powerfull, beautiful and appealing. Bottom line is, whether your marketing to Men OR women, it all boils down to the WOMAN as the key factor in the sale.
How is this so you ask. Well....the majority of women make household purchases (i think the number is roughly 75% of the purchases). On the flipside, women (when marketed to men) are by far the strongest selling tool as well.
SO both ways, or either way...women dominate the market place.
I'd try to look at 'phoniness' in a different light, rather than upset or cynical....just think 'sexy.'
Take care.
-Mike