Naughty... but Nice!

In this particular advertisement, (which happens to be from Britain), it uses a twisted comedic approach in order to grasp peoples attention. It is marketing cream cakes and using two heavy, and old cross dressing men to do so. The slogan they use, (“Naughty…but Nice!”) is used referring to both the “men” and of course the cream cakes that the company is advertising. The scene is set in what seems to be a nicely furnished room with a beautifully set table, making the cakes particularly appetizing. They do this in order to appeal to a classy middle class crowd. Throughout the commercial the two “women” are looking through a picture album and commenting on pictures while stuffing themselves, one of which was a picture of the heavier ones birth. They refer back to this probably in order to allude to the fact that “she” is a cross dresser, which ties into the naughty… but nice slogan. The same “woman” is also constantly adjusting herself inappropriately, playing into the similar idea of naughty… but nice. At the end of the commercial the camera focuses in on the appealing spread of cream cakes while one of the “women” recites the company’s slogan, which we all know is “Naughty… but Nice!” It’s clever humor and pleasant display leaves a vivid memory in its viewers’ minds, which the company hopes will drive them to go out and purchase this product. Although it was a bit crass, I enjoyed the commercial and it certainly made me laugh. I know that if I was to see this product in the supermarket one day, (instead of just walking by it, probably without it even grabbing my attention), I would recognize it due to the ad and perhaps be more inclined to buy it. Overall it was a witty ad which was really due to its catchy slogan.

Myths in ads

Myths in commercials are commonly used to "trick" people into believing what they hear or see. Often in ads you'll see an exaggeration of a certain place or event, used to create an image in the viewers’ minds that they will relate the product with. An example of such would be Burger King’s commercial wherein the company uses the myth that “real men” are meat eaters and can not be satisfied by simple “chic food,” like quiche for example. If you’re a man you need meat and if you really want to be satisfied you need Burgers (from Burger King of course). The ad plays on the assumption that all men love meat. It creates this world for men by incorporating a body builder into the ad and tipping over a mini van, (because those are only for soccer moms). It makes you feel that in order to be a “real man,” you must eat meat. By creating this myth it targets male viewers who due to this commercial feel obligated (in a sense) to be meat eaters; because they feel that if they don’t, they may be looked upon as a weak, effeminate, and often cowardly man, otherwise know as a pansy.

Pringles (Jingle & Slogan)

Just felt like posting this.

Garnier Frutis commercial

The ad opens up with a girl who has lifeless hair. She looks dull and somewhat depressing, until she discovers Garnier Fructis shampoo. Once she used the shampoo the picture changed from grey to color and the atmosphere became more lively. The company is trying to convince their customers or portray an image to them, saying that your hair will be more “lively” due to their shampoo and therefore your life will be happier and more “lively”. The commercial takes place on the beach once she had used the shampoo, probably because the beach generates feelings of happiness and excitement. They are implying that if you enrich your hair with their shampoo, you’ll also be enriching your life. Basically if you have nice hair you’re more likely to have friends, be the life of the party, be more upbeat, happier, etc. If your in a slump Garnier Fructis is what you need.

POP TARTS!

In this Pop Tart commercial, they company uses a jingle throughout the ad. It most likely does this, in order to catch the attention of the children who this ad is targeting. The catchy tune resonates within the minds of the children even after the ad is over. They do this so that they will remember to ask their mom to buy them delicious Pop Tarts, which according to the commercial do not even need to be refrigerated. The ad also has a man’s voice in the background, which is probably more directed to the adults who may come across the ad while watching TV. It also uses caricatures of children with Pop Tarts making it a “cute” and friendly ad, while once again catching the children’s attention. It makes the Pop Tart experience look warm, fun and delicious. By the end of the commercial children are probably craving the “crispy” and “delicious,” anytime treat.

Race in ads

Race in ads can be and is an effective method of advertising. It has been used in different forms over the years. Back in the old days, many used race connotations in ads in negative ways (by bashing certain races). However in our days it is used more positively or respectively, by perhaps suggesting certain products compliment particular races or by using people from an array of different backgrounds in an ad to show that their product is not bias and suits all. The companies advertising their products hope that by doing this they will attract people from across the spectrum (so to speak). In the old days companies may have come off a bit racist in many of their ads (Uncle Ben’s Rice for example), but that is what attracted the customer base they wanted at the time. Times however have changed and if they were to produce ads today like the ones they did back then, they probably would have a difficult time selling their products and get a mouth full from the public due to how racist their ads come off. If used properly race in ads can prove effective for companies and has over time.