The Essay Is Where You Make A Claim This Argumentative Resea ✓ Solved
The Essay Is Where You Make A Claim This Argumentative Research
The essay is where you make a claim; this argumentative research paper can be related to any of the themes/concepts you have learned in class or in another area related to advertisement and communication; your thesis must be uniquely original. What do you wish to say? Your goal is to convince me on why your idea is correct by using substantial, quality reasoning (topic sentences). Your essay must be at least five pages long, double spaced, Times New Roman or Calibri style, 12-point font, and use APA formatting. In addition, you must use at least three scholarly sources from the course material when you submit your essay.
A well written essay is formal in nature, will critically engage with the concepts and provide adequate examples and explanation of the topic with concrete details. Your paper will be marked according to: a clear thesis; the correct use of relevant, class concepts; the comprehensive nature of your examples and context; clear meaning; logical organization of ideas; and your own voice.
Paper For Above Instructions
In today's highly competitive market, advertisements play a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and dictating trends. The primary claim I wish to explore in this argumentative research paper is that advertisements not only influence consumer choices but also perpetuate societal norms and values. Advertisements are more than mere promotions of products; they are reflections of cultural beliefs and ideologies. My thesis statement posits that advertisements serve as powerful tools that both mirror and mold societal standards, impacting perceptions of identity, beauty, and lifestyle.
The Influence of Advertisements on Consumer Behavior
Advertising serves a dual purpose: it promotes products while simultaneously reflecting and reinforcing societal norms. As Becker and Ward (2014) suggest, advertisements leverage cultural narratives to create emotional connections with consumers, thereby enhancing their persuasive power. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the way brands portray beauty standards. For instance, the predominance of thin, attractive models in fashion advertisements has not only influenced consumer buying habits but has also contributed to a societal obsession with unattainable beauty ideals (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013). Such portrayals reinforce the notion that value and desirability are contingent upon meeting specific aesthetic criteria.
Advertisements as a Reflection of Cultural Norms
Additionally, advertisements encapsulate the values of the society in which they are created. According to Jhally (2014), advertisements reflect dominant cultural narratives, translating complex societal values into easily digestible visuals and messages. For example, during the Super Bowl, advertisements often reflect American values such as individualism, success, and consumerism. Ads featuring narratives of personal triumph or extravagant lifestyles exemplify societal beliefs that equate happiness with material wealth. This perpetuation of such ideals ultimately shapes the expectations and aspirations of consumers (Lipsyte, 2015).
Impact on Self-Perception and Identity
The impact of advertisements on individual self-perception is profound. As Solomon (2018) explains, advertisements create an idealized version of self, often leading individuals to compare their lives, bodies, and possessions against these curated images. This comparison can lead to issues such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and an internalized sense of inadequacy. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (2018) found a significant correlation between exposure to idealized advertising images and negative self-perception among young adults. Empirical data supports the idea that constant exposure to unrealistic body standards in advertising can cause harmful psychological effects (Perloff, 2014).
The Role of Digital Advertising and Social Media
Moreover, the rise of digital advertising and social media has exacerbated these issues. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow for targeted advertisements that not only reach but also resonate with specific demographics. According to research by Forbes (2020), consumers are increasingly influenced by social media influencers who often promote an idealized lifestyle that emphasizes luxury, fitness, and beauty. This shift from traditional advertising to influencer marketing raises questions about authenticity and the values being promoted to impressionable audiences (Clement, 2021). As such, influencers perpetuate societal ideals, often blurring the lines between reality and curated marketing strategies.
Counterarguments and Nuanced Perspectives
Despite these concerns, some argue that advertisements can also serve as platforms for social change and challenge societal norms. For instance, campaigns that promote body positivity or diversity in beauty standards can reshape consumer perceptions and encourage inclusivity (Milner, 2018). Advertisements featuring a range of body types, ethnicities, and age groups demonstrate that the industry is beginning to respond to consumer demands for representation. These counterexamples suggest that while advertisements can perpetuate harmful norms, they can also challenge and redefine them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, advertisements are potent tools that not only influence consumer behavior but also encapsulate and perpetuate societal norms. They serve as mirrors reflecting cultural ideologies while simultaneously contributing to the construction of individual identities and self-perceptions. Despite the potential for advertisements to promote harmful ideals, there is also an opportunity for positive social change through inclusive and diverse representations. As consumers, critical engagement with advertisements is essential to understand their impact on beliefs, values, and societal expectations.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2018). The impact of social media on body image.
- Becker, A. E., & Ward, L. M. (2014). The effects of media on body image: A comprehensive review.
- Clement, J. (2021). Influencer marketing statistics: How influencers shape consumer behavior. Forbes.
- Jhally, S. (2014). Advertising at the edge of the apocalypse. Media Education Foundation.
- Lipsyte, R. (2015). The American Dream: A cultural history.
- Milner, L. (2018). Body positivity in advertising: Changing societal norms and expectations. Journal of Advertising.
- Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media and body image concerns: A meta-analysis. Journal of Communication.
- Solomon, M. R. (2018). Consumer Behavior: Buying, having, and being. Pearson.
- Tiggermann, M., & Slater, A. (2013). NetGirls: The emergence of girl-focused social networking sites and their impact on body image in young girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
- Forbes. (2020). The rise of digital advertising: Trends and statistics.