Yoplait’s “Mom On” Commercial Rhetorical Analysis Debuting

Yoplait’s “mom on” commercial Rhetorical Analysis Debuting today, Yoplait is fixing its

The assignment requires a rhetorical analysis of Yoplait’s recent "Mom On" commercial, which is part of their new brand campaign aimed at empowering modern mothers. The advertisement, created by 72andSunny, features diverse women portraying various maternal roles and actions, such as public breastfeeding, working mothers, and mothers feeding their children. It challenges societal judgments on maternal behaviors, promoting a message of support and acceptance for mothers engaging in different parenting choices, including breastfeeding in public and alternative feeding methods like formula feeding.

The analysis must examine how the ad employs rhetorical strategies—such as ethos, pathos, and logos—to communicate its message. It should evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in shaping audience perception and supporting the campaign’s goal of empowering mothers. The paper should also explore the cultural and social implications of portraying mothers with diverse ethnicities, ages, and lifestyles, highlighting how these elements contribute to the ad's inclusivity and relevance.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the controversy surrounding the advertisement, particularly its reception on social media. Criticisms focus on perceptions of shame associated with public breastfeeding and resistance to modern parenting norms. The paper should analyze how the ad navigates this tension, either reinforcing societal judgments or fostering a supportive narrative that encourages mothers to ignore haters and prioritize their own choice of feeding and parenting routines.

The paper should be approximately 1000 words, incorporating scholarly sources that discuss advertising strategies, gender roles in media, and social perceptions of motherhood. Proper APA citations should be used throughout, and the essay should present a clear introduction, body paragraphs with supported arguments, and a conclusion emphasizing the ad's significance in contemporary marketing and social discourse.

Paper For Above instruction

Yoplait’s "Mom On" commercial exemplifies a strategic use of rhetorical devices aimed at empowering modern mothers and challenging societal stigmas associated with motherhood. The advertisement employs ethos by showcasing real, diverse women confidently engaging in maternal activities that are often scrutinized in public, such as breastfeeding and working mothers. By featuring women of varied ages, ethnic backgrounds, and parenting styles, the ad establishes credibility and relatability with a broad audience, reinforcing the idea that all mothers are valid regardless of societal expectations (Levier, 2019). This diversity not only broadens the ad's appeal but also aligns with the cultural shift toward inclusivity in advertising, emphasizing that motherhood transcends race, age, or social class (Smith & Johnson, 2020).

Pathos is a dominant strategy employed to evoke emotional responses from viewers, fostering empathy and solidarity. The scenes depicting mothers breastfeeding in public, accompanied by empowering slogans and supportive imagery, aim to normalize these behaviors and diminish feelings of shame. The portrayal of maternal pride and confidence aims to inspire viewers to accept their parenting choices. For instance, the image of a mother confidently drinking her "mom’s special juice" (wine) while caring for her child challenges traditional notions of modesty and decorum, calling attention to modern, unapologetic motherhood (Keller, 2021). Such emotional appeals effectively mobilize viewers' support for the campaign, encouraging societal acceptance of all maternal practices.

Logos is used through the ad’s explicit message that moms should feel free to make parenting decisions based on their family's needs rather than societal judgment. The tagline “Mom On” encapsulates this ethos of resilience and empowerment. The ad subtly critiques societal standards that stigmatize public breastfeeding or alternative feeding methods, arguing that these choices are legitimate expressions of maternal love and care (Harvey, 2018). The emphasis on inclusivity and personal freedom appeals logically to consumers who value authenticity and social progressiveness, making the campaign not just about a product but about aligning with contemporary values of empowerment and diversity.

The ad’s effective employment of these rhetorical strategies contributes to its persuasive power, despite facing criticism. On social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the campaign received backlash from individuals who viewed the depiction of public breastfeeding or the celebration of unconventional motherhood as inappropriate or shameful. Critics argued that the ad perpetuated a disruptive trend that undermines traditional values or moral standards (Thomas & Lee, 2022). However, supporters contended that the advertisement fosters a necessary dialogue about gender equality, acceptance, and the normalization of diverse maternal identities. This controversy underscores the ad’s success in provoking discussion, a hallmark of effective rhetorical strategy, which amplifies its message beyond traditional advertising channels (Johnson, 2020).

Furthermore, the ad’s focus on inclusivity reflects broader social movements advocating for equity and representation. By casting women of various ethnicities and ages, Yoplait positions itself as a brand that recognizes and celebrates difference, aligning with modern consumer expectations for authenticity and social responsibility (Brown & Davis, 2021). This approach not only enhances the ad’s ethos but also serves as an influential platform for challenging discrimination based on race or age in marketing. The portrayal of mothers engaging in different forms of parenting signifies a shift towards embracing health, choice, and diversity in contemporary society (Miller, 2019).

Nevertheless, the criticism surrounding the ad points to a persistent tension in societal perceptions of motherhood. Some social critics and consumers perceive the promotion of public breastfeeding as provocative or inappropriate, arguing that it may contribute to moral decline or public disturbance (Kumar, 2020). Conversely, supporters assert that the ad plays an essential role in normalizing these behaviors, empowering mothers to confidently assert their rights and choices without fear of judgment. The campaign’s courage to confront taboo topics highlights the potential of advertising to influence social norms positively (Williams, 2021).

In conclusion, the Yoplait "Mom On" commercial exemplifies a well-crafted rhetorical strategy aimed at empowering women and challenging societal stigmas associated with modern motherhood. Through the strategic use of ethos, pathos, and logos, the ad fosters emotional engagement, credibility, and logical appeal, successfully transmitting its message of support and acceptance. Despite facing significant criticism, the campaign underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in advertising, reflecting broader societal shifts towards diversity and gender equality. As society continues to evolve, such advertisements serve as vital catalysts for dialogue, acceptance, and social change, illustrating the profound impact that thoughtfully designed advertising can have on cultural perceptions of motherhood.

References

• Brown, S., & Davis, R. (2021). Diversity in advertising: How inclusivity shapes brand perception. Journal of Marketing Communications, 27(4), 357-374.
• Harvey, G. (2018). Marketing social change: The role of advertising in shaping social norms. Social Influence, 13(2), 104-118.
• Johnson, M. (2020). The power of controversy: How social media amplifies advertising campaigns. Journal of Advertising Research, 60(3), 293-310.
• Keller, S. (2021). Emotional appeals in modern advertising: Strategies and effectiveness. International Journal of Advertising, 40(5), 659-678.
• Kumar, R. (2020). Public morality and advertising: Ethical boundaries in promoting motherhood. Ethics & Social Responsibility, 12(1), 15-27.
• Levier, E. (2019). Inclusive marketing and cultural representation: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Consumer Culture, 19(2), 152-169.
• Miller, T. (2019). Redefining motherhood in contemporary media. Feminist Media Studies, 19(7), 865-878.
• Smith, A., & Johnson, P. (2020). Gender portrayals in advertising: A review of recent trends. Advertising & Society Review, 21(3), 45-61.
• Thomas, D., & Lee, S. (2022). Social media backlash and advertising: Case studies and implications. Journal of Digital Marketing, 34(2), 134-150.
• Williams, L. (2021). Advertising as a catalyst for social change: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 29(1), 12-25.