A Summary of Melissa Rubins Essay, Advertisements R US.

English 101

Dr. Sonia Begert

Morgan Carlson

A Summary of Melissa Rubins Essay, Advertisements R US.

   Advertisements are meant to persuade us to buy a certain product. Coca Cola produced an advertisement during the 1950’s that reflected the mainstream stereotypes. The author writes about a crowd of people in front of a large vending machine and how it consists of all white working class men.

        These men are represented by blue collar workers, service men, and men in business suits, to show the patriotism that had developed during the war.  The image is underscoring the values that Americans had at that time. A crowd of people are working together as a community. There is no longer any conflict among the people and they are all working together to unite and build industrial America.

       The group is invited by the giant face of a sprite boy to refresh themselves with Coca Cola.  The pixie is at the top of the picture in the bright blue sky with clouds as though he was a god. A powerful force combined with the enormous red vending machine which represented the factory. His hand suggests that he is a host offering the community of Americans a refreshment. He is suggesting that when you drink Coke it is uniting Americans in the same way that the war effort did.

      Coca Cola ads reflected American values during the 1950’s. They were successful in helping shape the American identity. Americans are happy smiling people who deserve a refreshing break with Coke.