http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nfGQ0FVooU&feature=related
The commercial that I chose to analyze is a Suave commercial. Suave is a line of beauty products sold for men, women, and children. This commercial is specifically geared toward mothers, and what one might consider the “typical” mother. The commercial begins with a woman who is about college age. There is a blank background, so all that we gather from this woman is because or her clothing. She is wearing an engagement ring by her fourth outfit, followed be her wearing a wedding dress. Then she goes through the stages of her first pregnancy and gives birth to a boy. This is followed by her second pregnancy with a girl. By watching this commercial you can see that the mother has her hands full. We see her children are interested in the normal activities of small children, such as playing dress up. We also see that the mother takes care of the family dog as well as other household responsibilities such as sweeping, washing the dishes, cooking and taking out the trash. These visuals are followed by a statement that,”89% of moms admit they’ve let themselves go.” Some of these ways of letting go are shown through sloppiness, inability to upkeep hair and facial routines and the silly ways moms dress up for certain occasions. This statement is counteracted when Suave proclaims that, “100% can get themselves back.” After this claim, the mother’s hair gleams, and she is proudly holding her stomach displaying her third birth while her children and dog run around her. Suave finally says, “Say yes to beautiful, without paying the price.”
I see that the cultural myth the ad is telling us is that if we, as women decide to become mothers we will not have the time, the money or the patience to maintain our beauty. I think that this commercial is also speaking to men in that sense. That if they marry, their wife will eventually lose her radiance and ability to look as good as she used to. The commercial also shows us the narrative of the American dream. The woman has all that she wants in the sense of the American dream. She has her 2.3 children, a family dog, and she completes all the tasks that are expected of a good housewife. She may not look like June Cleaver, but she is performing seemingly well for American culture. The cultural knowledge that is required to understand this is the importance of one’s self image in society. Culturally you would have to understand that for a mother to step foot out of her house looking the way that the mother in the commercial did, is unheard of. Mothers are mothers after all and they have to be the ultimate role models next to athletes and movie stars. They can not let their guard down or look incomplete or unfashionable. This statement ties in with the idea that women who are not mothers and have other professions are expected to look presentable, so why would mothers be able to get away with frumpiness. I do not agree with this myth whatsoever. I believe that all women are responsible in their professions. I do not believe that mothers should always be expected to look glamorous everyday; we are all entitled to bad hair days, dress days, and so on. The way that the commercial advocates that mothers do not keep up with themselves is untrue in my opinion. I have seen plenty of mothers who do look very nice each and everyday and who do take a second to look at their reflection before walking out of their home. This commercial does advertise well for the company, and how their products are affordable for the busy mother, and how busy a mother is and can be. Finally, the myth that they portray is just a myth and while mothers are busy, they are women who live in our American culture and society where it is difficult to separate yourself from at least a minimal routine of beauty enhancement.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
response 3
Aaron Noice
English 100
Reading Response #3
Military Ads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZaWvE0xiB8
This is a commercial aimed towards every teenager in America, it is an Army recruitment ad that airs on television daily. This 30 second clip shows a series of different events that may occur while you are in the army. It starts out with army soldiers speeding down a desert road in hummers, to soldiers saluting, explaining what the army can do for you. The commercial mentions ways in which to be strong, whether it’s physical strength or strength to push yourself, showing events for each. Wrapping it all up stated that they are not just strong, but ‘Army strong’, implying that it will make you better then strong. In this 30 second clip, everything in it is designed to show to everyone who sees it that, as is they are not as strong as they should and could be, that the army, will add strength you cannot gain elsewhere. That everyone who joins will all become better people, with no mention of the actual threat to life the army can bring.
For America, we have an overall love for our army. Huge support from all over our nation. We are a military nation who has used its army to help police the world. This commercial nestles snuggly into this, praying on the love people have for country and wanting to support and fight for it. A lot of the country can plead ignorance, because for most, it seems that people feel strongly connected to our country, but never really knowing what it is doing, especially with its armed forces. Through the past 50 years, numerous wars have been fought, many ending in failure due to poor reasons to even fight, from Vietnam to the current war in Iraq. Even with these events, America still believes everything its army does is for a good cause, even if we lose thousands of lives, it’s always justified. The commercial uses the ideas Americans have about its army always being right, by playing into the feeling that by joining, you become better then you are, because you’re not good enough now. This commercial is geared towards the more conservative side of America, which tend to have the most American pride, which isn’t a bad thing. But the commercial glamorizes the army making it seem like something truly wondrous.
English 100
Reading Response #3
Military Ads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZaWvE0xiB8
This is a commercial aimed towards every teenager in America, it is an Army recruitment ad that airs on television daily. This 30 second clip shows a series of different events that may occur while you are in the army. It starts out with army soldiers speeding down a desert road in hummers, to soldiers saluting, explaining what the army can do for you. The commercial mentions ways in which to be strong, whether it’s physical strength or strength to push yourself, showing events for each. Wrapping it all up stated that they are not just strong, but ‘Army strong’, implying that it will make you better then strong. In this 30 second clip, everything in it is designed to show to everyone who sees it that, as is they are not as strong as they should and could be, that the army, will add strength you cannot gain elsewhere. That everyone who joins will all become better people, with no mention of the actual threat to life the army can bring.
For America, we have an overall love for our army. Huge support from all over our nation. We are a military nation who has used its army to help police the world. This commercial nestles snuggly into this, praying on the love people have for country and wanting to support and fight for it. A lot of the country can plead ignorance, because for most, it seems that people feel strongly connected to our country, but never really knowing what it is doing, especially with its armed forces. Through the past 50 years, numerous wars have been fought, many ending in failure due to poor reasons to even fight, from Vietnam to the current war in Iraq. Even with these events, America still believes everything its army does is for a good cause, even if we lose thousands of lives, it’s always justified. The commercial uses the ideas Americans have about its army always being right, by playing into the feeling that by joining, you become better then you are, because you’re not good enough now. This commercial is geared towards the more conservative side of America, which tend to have the most American pride, which isn’t a bad thing. But the commercial glamorizes the army making it seem like something truly wondrous.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Reading response number the third
Kelly Wilson
The commercial I have chosen is a Coors light commercial from several years back with both R. lee Ermey and John Wayne. The commercial starts out with R. Lee Ermey questioning a platoon of soldiers about a case of beer found in there barracks. While questioning the men the commercial shows us pictures of the Rocky Mountains and the soldiers imagining themselves drinking the beer with beautiful women. After questioning them John Wayne shows up playing the role of a general and tells them that the beer is his. He then demands his beer back and asks where his pretzels are at this point the commercial fades to black and shows the words “Tap the Rockies”.
This commercial is most likely made to try to sell to men and isn’t necessarily trying to sell the beer itself but the image of manliness. Most people who know both John Wayne and R. Lee Ermey know that they always play roles as tough guys in movies either cowboy’s, soldiers or marines. Most people also consider most of the men in our armed forces to be tough which is probably why they had R. Lee Ermey addressing a platoon of soldiers. They also showed several beautiful half naked girls with the beer. All of these things are aimed not to sell the beer but to sell an idea most people are already familiar with. That idea is masculinity or being tough. By showing all of these things together they’re trying to make us think that if we drink there beer we too can be manly like the guys in this commercial and girls like the ones in this commercial will be attracted to us. Coors light might not be able to reach everyone with this commercial most likely women or people unfamiliar with the characters. But they know that almost all Americans know who John Wayne is. He was a living legend an American icon almost a symbol of American strength. By associating John Wayne with there beer there almost saying that it’s America’s beer. Another important image they associate with there beer is the Rocky Mountains. When most people think of the Rockies they think of pioneers or mountain men brave tough people who faced extreme weather and challenges. This is just the last of the myths they try to connect with there beer.
Kelly Wilson
The commercial I have chosen is a Coors light commercial from several years back with both R. lee Ermey and John Wayne. The commercial starts out with R. Lee Ermey questioning a platoon of soldiers about a case of beer found in there barracks. While questioning the men the commercial shows us pictures of the Rocky Mountains and the soldiers imagining themselves drinking the beer with beautiful women. After questioning them John Wayne shows up playing the role of a general and tells them that the beer is his. He then demands his beer back and asks where his pretzels are at this point the commercial fades to black and shows the words “Tap the Rockies”.
This commercial is most likely made to try to sell to men and isn’t necessarily trying to sell the beer itself but the image of manliness. Most people who know both John Wayne and R. Lee Ermey know that they always play roles as tough guys in movies either cowboy’s, soldiers or marines. Most people also consider most of the men in our armed forces to be tough which is probably why they had R. Lee Ermey addressing a platoon of soldiers. They also showed several beautiful half naked girls with the beer. All of these things are aimed not to sell the beer but to sell an idea most people are already familiar with. That idea is masculinity or being tough. By showing all of these things together they’re trying to make us think that if we drink there beer we too can be manly like the guys in this commercial and girls like the ones in this commercial will be attracted to us. Coors light might not be able to reach everyone with this commercial most likely women or people unfamiliar with the characters. But they know that almost all Americans know who John Wayne is. He was a living legend an American icon almost a symbol of American strength. By associating John Wayne with there beer there almost saying that it’s America’s beer. Another important image they associate with there beer is the Rocky Mountains. When most people think of the Rockies they think of pioneers or mountain men brave tough people who faced extreme weather and challenges. This is just the last of the myths they try to connect with there beer.
Pepsi and the Chinese monks
Sheila McElroy
Pepsi commercial with Chinese monks -- “ASK FOR MORE”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DykbPa4Lc&NR=1
This Pepsi commercial was a real challenge. You do not have the luxury of any narrative to tell the story. It is the music and monk’s culture that tells us the story. We have a cultural knowledge of the life of the monks, ie: the remote location, the extremely tall door with the symbol of their beliefs on it as you enter the temple, old men with shaved heads, the master with a long white beard, silence. The music is what we would expect from a monks’ temple, very shoalin, spiritual. It is steady throughout and then intensifies as the story becomes dramatic.
It is the story of a young boy wanting to become a monk. He walks up a long stone staircase to the door of the temple. He is welcomed in, but to become one of them, he must dress as they do, have his head shaved as they do, become a student of their spiritual ways and train in martial arts. As an adult student he must now prove his worthiness to become one of them. The music crescendos’ as he shows them the skills he has mastered. Upon completion of his exhibition, every monk picks up the can of Pepsi before them. They open it and raise it as if to toast him for a job well done and they all drink. It makes the student smile. It is satisfying. He sets it down and looks around at the other monks. He notices that they all have the same markings on their foreheads. He looks confused and then notices that it is the same as the insignia on their flag. He looks down at his Pepsi can and realizes that the top of the open soda can is the same as the markings. He smashes his forehead onto his Pepsi can, crushing it; creating the marking on his forehead…..for it is their symbol of worthiness and acceptance.
Even though the story doesn’t really have anything to do with Pepsi, they know that if they can make the commercial unexpected, memorable, their product will sell itself. Using Chinese monks, who live in a remote location, are very rigid in their teachings and spiritual, tells us that Pepsi is everywhere. In reality, Pepsi is probably not used as some sort of ‘custom’ to acknowledge worthiness or acceptance. But in the monk’s case, it was the marking the can left on their foreheads that proved their worthiness. So wouldn’t any brand of beverage in a can work? I think not….Pepsi is the best!
I could never figure out what “ASK FOR MORE” has to do with the commercial. More cans to make more markings elsewhere on your body? More kung-fu fighting to get more Pepsi? I just don’t know.
Video Analysis: New Old Spice Ad
It opens up with a well built man wearing only a towel, in a bathroom, with a hot steamy shower running, addressing the ladies. Who knows where that could go? That gets everyone in the rooms attention! He commands us to look at our "man" then look at him, then, look at our "man", sadly our man isn't him! I actually did this and we all thought it was funny. It's one of the first interactive ads that I've seen.
The narrative in this ad is surprisingly simple at first, if your "man" stopped using "ladies scented body wash" and started using Old Spice, he will "smell" like the gentleman in the ad.
The myths keep coming, next you'll be on a yacht in the ocean "your on a boat with a man your man could smell like". He's got an oyster filled with 2 tickets to "that thing you love" and magically the oyster turns into hundreds of diamonds and finally you could be riding on a horse with this man.
There are many connotations, your man will also have that deep voice and be very muscular! You'll have the resources to spend time on your yacht and horseback ride like he does. (this is what your missing out on, because your man doesn't currently wear Old Spice) Also, "anything is possible when your man smells like Old Spice and not a lady"!
The ad starts out in a low budget bathroom and quickly we move to a yacht which symbolizes wealth and status. Lastly we are riding on a horse with a beautiful ocean background. Not only does the horse symbolize having the money and time to ride leisurely, the bold blue and white
stripes on his shirt represent high end and he has a calming, relaxed voice.
Even though the ad represents wealth, it also represents youth and wildness. The presentation definitely contributes to the meaning of the ad. It is presented to show the wealth and status that you will have if your man wears Old Spice. He is a fantasy that can be attained as long as you run to the store and get some Old Spice!!!!
I love that the ending has the written text, "Smell like a man, man" This ad is geared to women, with just the ending speaking to the men who are going to be wearing it. Could that be just another hint that women make the purchasing decisions in the home?
Analysis of Video Text
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Su0fJb_NhY
This particular United States Marine Corpse recruiting ad starts by showing an American flag followed by different clips of Marines serving our country. A voice over narrator described how the Marines carry out duties of everything from invading beaches to freeing countries. The ad bounces back and fourth between the compassionate side and the violent side of the Marines. The ad showed powerful images of young kids from different countries thanking the Marines, reinforcing the compassionate side of the Corpse. It went on to present images of the U.S. defeating the Japanese in World War 2, showing the more typical side of the Corpse. Before ending, the commercial showed clips of the American Flag a few more times.
The ad is telling the cultural narrative that it’s a duty as an American to serve our country and it’s something to be proud of. One of the highest levels of patriotism in our country is serving in the Military. As the ad goes into describing the caring side of the Corpse it expands the narrative by associating the Marines and being American with compassion and power. It emphasizes that the military are the “good guys”, not only do they protect the United States, but they protect other countries. The cultural knowledge this add requires is the understanding of what the American flag symbolizes to our country. It represents pride, honor and a duty to protect America. The commercial reinforces the cultural narrative that as Americans we have a duty to uphold our country and be proud of the way we do it. Marines not only protect our country but are compassionate in doing so.
The government doesn’t want people to question if joining the military is the right thing to do. Our country has developed an ideology that not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s your duty. It’s a way to make your parents proud, secure your future, and protect your country. The ad hopes you’ll surrender to the idea that every aspect of the military is honorable. Defeating evil, protecting the weak, and carrying out the American duty.
I agree with this ad. Serving in the Military is one of the biggest ways to pay back our country for every thing it has so freely given us. It’s worth it to die for something you believe in. On the other hand, it’s wrong to join the Military just because of the benefits you’ll receive. I would fight for free, if it’s a cause I believe in, but you couldn’t pay me all the money in the world to fight for a cause I don’t agree with!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Su0fJb_NhY
This particular United States Marine Corpse recruiting ad starts by showing an American flag followed by different clips of Marines serving our country. A voice over narrator described how the Marines carry out duties of everything from invading beaches to freeing countries. The ad bounces back and fourth between the compassionate side and the violent side of the Marines. The ad showed powerful images of young kids from different countries thanking the Marines, reinforcing the compassionate side of the Corpse. It went on to present images of the U.S. defeating the Japanese in World War 2, showing the more typical side of the Corpse. Before ending, the commercial showed clips of the American Flag a few more times.
The ad is telling the cultural narrative that it’s a duty as an American to serve our country and it’s something to be proud of. One of the highest levels of patriotism in our country is serving in the Military. As the ad goes into describing the caring side of the Corpse it expands the narrative by associating the Marines and being American with compassion and power. It emphasizes that the military are the “good guys”, not only do they protect the United States, but they protect other countries. The cultural knowledge this add requires is the understanding of what the American flag symbolizes to our country. It represents pride, honor and a duty to protect America. The commercial reinforces the cultural narrative that as Americans we have a duty to uphold our country and be proud of the way we do it. Marines not only protect our country but are compassionate in doing so.
The government doesn’t want people to question if joining the military is the right thing to do. Our country has developed an ideology that not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s your duty. It’s a way to make your parents proud, secure your future, and protect your country. The ad hopes you’ll surrender to the idea that every aspect of the military is honorable. Defeating evil, protecting the weak, and carrying out the American duty.
I agree with this ad. Serving in the Military is one of the biggest ways to pay back our country for every thing it has so freely given us. It’s worth it to die for something you believe in. On the other hand, it’s wrong to join the Military just because of the benefits you’ll receive. I would fight for free, if it’s a cause I believe in, but you couldn’t pay me all the money in the world to fight for a cause I don’t agree with!
Reading Response #3
Chandra Thompson
English 100 Section F
Reading Response #3
The advertisement I decided to analyze is a Snickers commercial with Betty White. The opening scene has a group of guys playing a game of football. One guy throws the ball at Betty White and she doesn’t catch the ball and gets tackled. The group of guys gets into a huddle and one guy says to Betty White, “Mike what is your deal, man?” She replies “Oh, come on man. You’ve been riding me all day.” He responds, “Mike, you’re playing like Betty White out there.” The girlfriend runs up to Betty White and gives her a snickers candy bar and Betty White turns into Mike, the guy. At the end, a different guy is shown as an old man.
The narrative being told in this advertisement is that football is a manly sport and sometimes when guys aren’t playing well they make fun of each other by saying they are playing like girls or old women as a joke and that with the help of a Snickers in this case the guy can get his game back by eating it. The cultural knowledge this ad requires is the knowledge of football and America. The myth is that women aren’t good at playing football in this advertisement.
In this particular ad, young and old are the oppositions shown. Young is more favorable than old and it’s shown by all the young guys playing with Betty White acting as a guy who is off his game and kind of playing like an old woman and another guy playing like an old man towards the end of the advertisement. The effects of using younger guys in this commercial are to get their advertisement across to young men and women. They also use a famous older woman such as Betty White to get their advertisement across to older people. The audio component of the video influences the myth by having nature sounds and not having any added music.
In conclusion, I feel like the advertisement is saying that no matter how old you are or maybe feel with the help of a snickers candy bar, may be able to make someone feel young again. The myth in this advertisement was that without this product some people may not be able to play the best they could or play like an old woman or old man.
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