Project 3ad Critique: 50 Points Total After Reading The Arti
Project 3ad Critique 50 Pts Total1after Reading The Article Of Me
After reading the article by Merlo, select a commercial that supports your position on the influence of advertising on society. Your essay should analyze what the ad teaches about societal values, behaviors, and perceptions. Describe the ad in detailed observational and creative terms, focusing on characters, physical attributes, and the groups they represent, ensuring you include sufficient detail to convey a comprehensive understanding. Then, interpret the underlying worldview promoted by the ad, considering how it may reflect core American values, societal norms, and implications for culture if widely adopted.
Your analysis should evaluate whether the ad reflects societal truths or distortions, and discuss potential cultural consequences. Maintain a third-person perspective throughout and adhere to MLA formatting, including citations. The paper should be 3 to 3.5 pages plus a Works Cited page, referencing the ad and at least two outside sources. Avoid using the examples provided (such as Budweiser and Jeep ads) and ensure that your selected commercial is approved before submission.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Advertising plays an influential role in shaping societal beliefs,values, and behaviors. As Merlo articulates in her analysis of media influence, commercials serve not merely as promotional tools but as cultural manuals that instruct society on norms, expectations, and what is deemed desirable or acceptable. For this critique, I have chosen a commercial that exemplifies and perpetuates specific American values. Through detailed description and contextual analysis, I will explore how this ad constructs a worldview with implications for societal identity and behavior.
Description of the Commercial
The selected commercial depicts a diverse group of young adults embarking on an outdoor adventure. The scene opens at dawn with a wide shot of a vast open landscape—rolling hills, a clear blue sky, and sprawling fields that evoke a sense of freedom and possibility. The central characters include a muscular man with sun-kissed skin, sporting casual athletic wear and a confident smile; a woman with long, flowing hair, dressed in rugged outdoor gear, radiating enthusiasm; and a wiry, energetic teenager with a mischievous grin, wielding a camera. Their physical attributes—healthy, active, and vibrant—are prominently displayed, emphasizing vitality and capability. The characters are from different ethnic backgrounds, representing inclusivity and the American melting pot.
As the commercial progresses, the group engages in various activities: hiking, setting up camp, and sharing a meal around a campfire. Their interactions are lively and spontaneous, showcasing camaraderie and independence. The camera captures close-ups of their faces, highlighting expressions of joy, determination, and connection. The setting is adorned with natural elements: logs, tents, and a roaring campfire, all suggesting a rustic yet modern lifestyle. The characters’ clothing and gear imply a readiness to embrace outdoor pursuits—a metaphor for adventure, resilience, and self-reliance.
Throughout the ad, the characters are portrayed sympathetically; viewers are encouraged to admire their adventurous spirit, individualism, and sense of community. The advertisement invites identification with the characters’ aspirations for authenticity, exploration, and freedom.
Analysis of the Worldview and Cultural Implications
The commercial ostensibly promotes a worldview rooted in American individualism and self-empowerment. It reflects core values such as independence, resilience, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The depiction of multi-ethnic characters engaging in universal activities subtly underscores the heterogeneous yet unified nature of American society—celebrating diversity while emphasizing shared ideals of opportunity and adventure.
In a broader context, this commercial propagates a belief that success and happiness are attainable through effort, resilience, and a connection to nature. It echoes the "rugged individualism" archetype historically associated with American identity—encouraging viewers to see themselves as capable explorers and doers who carve their path regardless of societal constraints.
Viewed from an international perspective, this ad might project an image of Americans as free-spirited, industrious, and adventurous. However, it could also be interpreted as reinforcing a somewhat idealized, even romanticized version of American life that neglects internal social inequalities or environmental concerns.
The ad’s underlying philosophy emphasizes traits such as independence, self-reliance, and a pioneering spirit—values that support a capitalist ethos emphasizing personal achievement and perseverance. It implicitly advocates that societal progress depends on individual effort, aligning with a broader narrative of American exceptionalism.
Societal Reflection and Future Implications
If such values are embraced widely, the culture may become increasingly competitive yet also more individualistic, potentially at the expense of community cohesion and environmental sustainability. The ad promotes a lifestyle that prioritizes outdoor adventure and self-sufficiency—values that resonate with the American Dream but may overlook social responsibilities or ecological impacts.
Additionally, the commercial's portrayal of diversity and inclusion suggests a move toward more equitable societal norms; yet, the focus remains on individual achievement within a capitalist framework. As society internalizes such advertisements, there could be a reinforcement of gender roles, consumerist attitudes, and the pursuit of individual success as the ultimate goal.
In the spheres of family and community, these values could lead to a shift toward valuing independence over interconnectedness. The emphasis on outdoor pursuits and adventure may also influence educational and social policies favoring experiential learning and individual enterprise.
Overall, the commercial exemplifies a worldview that champions resilience, freedom, and individual achievement—values deeply embedded in American cultural identity—and highlights the importance of cultural narratives in shaping societal norms.
Conclusion
This critique demonstrates that advertising functions as more than marketing; it is a powerful tool that encapsulates and disseminates societal values. The detailed analysis of this commercial reveals its role in reinforcing American ideals of independence, diversity, and adventure. Understanding such media influences is crucial for critically engaging with the societal messages that shape our collective worldview and future culture.
References
- Merlo, [First Name]. "Title of the article." [Journal/Source], Year.
- Author, A. (Year). Title of Book on American Values. Publisher.
- Author, B. (Year). "Analysis of American Advertising." Journal of Media Studies, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, C. (Year). Cultural Narratives in Advertising. Media and Society, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, D. (Year). Global Perspectives on American Culture. International Journal of Cultural Studies, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, E. (Year). Environmental Impacts of American Outdoor Advertising. Environmental Communication, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, F. (Year). The Role of Advertising in Shaping National Identity. Cultural Sociology, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, G. (Year). Diversity and Inclusion in Advertising. Journal of Advertising Research, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Author, H. (Year). Consumer Culture and Society. Routledge.
- Author, I. (Year). The American Dream in Contemporary Media. Media, Culture & Society, Volume(Issue), pages.