How Things Mean

Anthony Heaps

Cj Nordstrom

Kyra Kirby

Morgan Carlson

How Things Mean

The images in this grouping together also convey the concept of individual personality as the styles of a watch itself may vary and become a reflection of a quality each person may wish to convey.

The images in the Symbols of Patriotism grouping are communicating the collective symbols of the “Noble” attributes of their country.

Symbols of Patriotism: The bulldog is standing definitely and it looks like it is proud to be standing on the flag defending britain against all of her enemies.          

The american eagle - symbol for the United States of America, the Eagle is posted on every dollar and is a national symbol for American patriotism. The eagle is looks as if it is preparing for battle, flag seeming to symbolize camo paint that soldiers paint on their faces before going to battle, the eagles beak is sharp and its eyes give a fierce look in its eyes like it ready to pounce on any threat that arises.

The British Bulldog on the British flag became a popular symbol after World War 2 representing the determination of the country. This being because the Bulldog was seen as having a determined nature.

The Last symbol is France and instead of animals as its figure it instead has what seem to be 3 books stacked on top of eachother and say Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite which in english translate to Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

All of the flags are of the three colors, Red, White and Blue

  The Rolex watch suggests wealth and power. It’s extremely expensive, covered in diamonds, and usually worn by rich people in positions of power. The name Rolex is well known and the diamonds convey that it costs a lot of money.

  The Hello Kitty watch suggests a female owner who likes the character Hello Kitty, which is very well known. It’s got a picture of hello kitty on the watch face, and a few rhinestones, as well As the words Hello Kitty.

class lab the n'word analysis

Kyra Kirby

Cj Nordstrom

Morgan Carlson

Anthony Heaps

Reading Sources Critically

The argument the author makes is that white people cannot say the n-word. He uses examples of how other races i.e. jewish comedians may use “derogatory” jokes about themselves but if someone whom was not of that culture made those jokes they would be considered racist towards that particular community.

I find the argument to be quite persuasive. The arguments he makes are very clear; you can talk about your people, but no one else should. essentially saying jokes towards your group doesn't necessarily mean that other people from outside your group can make the same jokes toward your group.

The author’s stance is mainly towards common group relations and the use of certain language and speech toward other groups. Author also acknowledged rednecks and jewish people and the humor related to those two groups and how they can be considered offensive if miss used.

The publisher brings the stance of cultural diversity to the college at which he is presenting  (Boston College.)

I do recognize the idea that you shouldn’t joke about a community that you’re not a part of. If you aren’t Jewish, you shouldn’t make Jewish jokes, etc.

This source supports my position because I personally feel that if you aren’t part of that community, or have not been personally slighted, then you have no right to try to reclaim words that have been used as slurs.

I can tell that the intended audience are those of different cultural backgrounds other than those of the African American community, and the purpose is to bring awareness of the cultural diversity and etiquette.

Final Draft Advertisement analysis

Morgan Carlson

 Dr. Sonia Begert

English 101

11/1/15

 

 “Still a Kid at Heart”

 Advertisements Aimed at Our Inner Child

 

     Have you ever walked down the grocery store aisles and wondered why cans of corn, cereal boxes, and battery packages all have cartoon characters on them? Consider what makes a buyer trust a product. It involves experiences that they expect. The cartoon characters have qualities that imitate familiar relationships like fathers, playmates, and toys. The characters encourage emotional responses that are associated with happiness, excitement, and wonder. Advertisers use cartoon characters to target the consumer's inner child.

     Cartoon characters are one method advertisers use to create an association with an image rather than the products attributes. The key to branding a product is triggering an emotional response. How does the product make me feel? Rather than envisioning a real scene with workers making or growing a product, consumers think of the personality of the cartoon character. In reality, most people do not purchase all the competitors’ products and compare them. They purchase the product with the image that appeals to them. Through the character, products can become part of the family and of the buyers’ everyday lives. Branding in advertising is anything that helps get buyers to remain loyal to a product.  This technique was devised to promote brand image rather than the product’s qualities. 

  

   One well-known brand uses the image of a mythical figure that has a connection to many cultures around the world. The Green Giant has a smile and leafy suit and has the word Jolly in his name. The text states that, “More people today like the Green Giant’s peas and corn better than any others because HE puts more time and work into growing them that way. Special ways of making rich earth richer… watchful care each growing day… split-second timing to pick and pack at the fleeting moment of perfect flavor”. The ad reads as though the Giant is the one who has control of the product. It is the Giant, not the farmers with tractors that do all of the work. With child-like innocence we think of a big green giant who is responsible for all the work, not a factory with machines stamping labels on cans. The Giant resembles a green Santa Claus, Ho, Ho, Ho, magically bringing perfect vegetables to our tables. The Giant is the knowledgeable father-like figure in control of everything from the soil to the harvest.

   This image shows a family eating dinner dressed in suits and fancy dress with a table cloth and candelabra on the table. The scene suggests that Green Giant vegetables are not any run of the mill vegetable, but that they are suited to fancy dining. Flavor is not something that can be measured and is difficult to describe. An adoring family all look up to the well-dressed Giant sitting at the table with them. The woman is smiling so we assume that the food tastes good. Of course, the well-mannered Giant has a white shirt and tie with his cloth napkin on his lap. The larger than life image makes him the father figure to be trusted, respected and obeyed. He could be the father making sure you eat your vegetables.

    

     A father is not the only familiar figure in our inner child’s life. Tony the Tiger is the figure that Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal developed. He uses the, “Put a Tiger on your Team.” slogan and is seen on a basketball court throwing boxes of cereal through the hoop. The text tells us four points: “1. Big, crisp flakes of corn, 2. Toasted clear through with Kellogg’s secret sugar frosting, 3.They are jumpin’ with energy! 4. They’re Gr-r-r-eat” We learn minimal facts that they are cornflakes with a secret sugar frosting. The other points are based on emotion. The flakes are not literally jumping. This suggests that his cereal will make you strong, energetic, and athletic. Tony personifies a teammate that has the qualities of a coach. This creates a connection with “kids” young and old who like sports. Kellogg’s takes something you already like and pairs it with something that they want you to like. Our inner child believes that if we eat the cereal that Tony thinks is great, we will be successful since we are on his team. We imagine we can be that athlete we always wanted to be. He is a friendly tiger but tigers can be ferocious if they want. This makes for a good sports player as well. We certainly wouldn’t have the same reaction if Tony was a real tiger. Brown flakes of corn in a plain box with black type would also not attract much attention. A familiar cartoon Tiger is now invited into many American’s homes every morning.

 

       Other animals that we welcome into our homes are stuffed animal toys. What better way to influence our inner child's life? The Energizer Battery Company uses a pink bunny banging on a drum with the Energizer logo, wearing sunglasses and sandals. This ad shows a bunny toy that continues going while other toys have stopped. He brings us back to our childhood days when we all had loveable stuffed animals. He is pink and fuzzy with cool sunglasses and sandals giving the impression he is easy going. He is simple with a universal appeal. The text is minimal including the Energizer logo and the words “Keep Going”. It does not reveal any information on the construction of the battery or say anything about what they are trying to sell, instead they sell you on the brand image. What kid wants his toys to stop working even if they are old “kids” running their radios, flashlights, etc.? The ad gives us a happy feeling which turns a boring battery into something fun and entertaining. A stuffed animal makes the product more approachable. This bunny is so popular that he has been seen in movies and the phrase “Energizer Bunny” is considered a term for things that continue endlessly. For consumers, this kind of image gives us a warm, fuzzy, feeling of dependability. Dependability, means the buyer can trust the product. Trust means more sales.

 

    An advertisements goal is to increase sales. Every sale starts with creating a desire in the consumer. Ads have conditioned the consumer to purchase the package with their familiar character. A father-like giant, a team player and coach, or a toy that is always there to play with, keep our inner child coming back for more. We need more fatherly advice, more playing with our teammates, and definitely toys that always keep working. Brand images are an abstract representation of the product they stand for. We sit down to dinner with the Green Giant, we eat breakfast with a Tiger, and we hope our toys keep going and going. They have become iconic representations that we can't resist. We purchase the products that have those symbols, and they have become part of our lives like a family. Maybe you don’t come out and say, “Oh, Tony thinks they’re great, I want some! Or, these are the batteries with the bunny” but the products still end up in the grocery cart. At any age everyone is still a kid at heart.

 

References

 

Energizer. www.energizer.com 2015. Web.

General Mills www,greengiant.com. 2014 web.

Kellogg Co. www.m.kelloggs.com 2012 web.

Mehta, Abhilasha. Purvis, Scott C. “Reconsidering Recall and Emotion in Advertising”. Journal of Advertising Research. March 2006. Web

Rushkoff, Douglas. “Why We Listen to What “They” Say.” Frontline KCTS 9. Chapter Five Nov. 9, 2004. Web.

class lab

Cj Nordstrom

Kyra Kirby

Morgan Carlson

Class Lab

This poster presents its opinion by showing a picture of Hugh Jackman standing behind a giant robot boxer with a title above him saying courage is stronger than steel. In this movie poster they are saying that Hugh Jackman is stronger than steel because he has courage. this appeals to me because it is very cool picture of a giant robot and it is of one of my favorite movies. it uses the words (Reel Steel). If i was to change him for a different audience i would make him wear the armored suit.If i were going to create this ad in a different medium it would change the meaning of the ad to much to have the same meaning. If the ad was put in a movie trailer format the ad would be much more attention getting. 

Real Steel movie poster. Fanpop.com.2006-2015 A Member of Townsquare Entertainment News. print.

   

  The poster for Wreck-It Ralph shows its stance by having the main character, Ralph, in the middle, surrounded by his supporting characters. It’s saying that he is the most important character. The pixelated font used to display the movie title is a subtle way of telling you that it’s based off of old 8-bit video games. The blue background with Ralph’s repeating face integrates a part of his video games and contrasts with the red lettering of the title. The poster is appealing because it represents the most important characters in a simple and easy manner. The bright red draws you in while the cool blue brightens when it surrounds the characters, pulling your eye to them. Felix, one of the characters, is holding his signature hammer.

  To change this poster to appeal to a different audience, I would probably change the coloring and the position of the characters. I would make it grittier and darker, showing a different, less happy side of the movie. The characters would probably be in more of an action scene, with less emphasis on their bright coloring.

  If i were to create this in a different medium, I would probably use a movie trailer format and take scenes that displayed the emotion and tone of the film without spoiling the ending. Of course I would focus on Ralph, but I would take scenes in which he is interacting with the other characters, and add humorous scenes as well as a final, mood setting one.

Wreck-It Ralph. Advertisement. Collider. Web. 5 Nov 2015.

This poster shows its stance on “Drinking” and “Driving” or “Mothers Against Drunk Driving.” Why I chose this topic is because it is a well known thing in our schools. Teaching our kids not to drink and drive and try and put a stop on drinking while driving all together. Though it may be a hopeless tale to grasp these women stepped up to the plate and gave it a shot. The Poster itself is colored with a pitch black background with blood red lettering. Probably to create a somewhat dark surreal touch and hopefully grab the attention of the viewers. The above heading of the poster is the letters “M.A.D.D” following that is “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” all in caps most likely to create emphasis in the text. The below imagery we see a crossed out warning sign with an alcohol bottle and two wine glasses on either side. Likely to state that these things are not acceptable further supporting their stance against “Drunk Driving.” Bottom of the page we see two women, most likely the hosts of the film, looking toward the viewers with a goal in mind. If I were to change the way this message is displayed I would provide imagery of a crashed car and a crying women standing beside the car, providing a somewhat real life situation and getting the optimal attention of the viewers. I would keep the medium on poster but provide different imagery.

M.A.D.D Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Dir. William A. Graham. Perf. Mariette Hartley and Paula Prentiss. Universal TV. 1983. Web. 5 Nov 2015

In Class Lab Blog

·         When I was taking a point of view. I took a stand two days ago when I picked which topic I wanted to pick for my speech. I con
·         I was also opinionated on what to eat for dinner, the cook won out though because she was the     one that made the dinner.
·         People around me taking a point of view. Today in math class someone in the back was saying he was correct but the teacher kept deigning it.  
·         Today in English class they argued about some assignment. 

In Class Lab Response to Questions Peer Essay

In Class Lab Response to Questions Peer Essay                          Morgan Carlson 11/4/15

Is the guiding question behind your analysis clear? The main question is found in introduction, how the car company’s see your desire for adventure and experiences and play upon them telling you that buying their car would make you have more adventures

.   

How does the opening capture the audience’s interest? It tells you that (you could use a little excitement!). This analysis maters because? He tells us that there are a lot of life experiences out there to be had.

Is the subject described in enough detail for your intended audience? I think that it is given in good detail describing what each car ad Is trying to convey.

What insights have you gained from the analysis? I have learned what car companies are trying to explain with their ads and how the advertisers are trying to cater their ads to your intentions and desires.

Is the point of your analysis clear? The analysis is clear, giving each observation before the picture of the ad.

What evidence do you provide to support your point? The evidence used is of car ads in which cars pictures are analyzed and how they make us want to go adventuring

If you’ve cited sources, are they credible and convincing? They are very convincing/credible because they are ads from car companies with their brands on them.

Have you addressed other perspectives? There were no other opinions to be addressed or to argue with the thesis.

How would you describe your tone? The tone informative to the reader, it was more just stating information.

How effective is the analysis designed? This analysis was designed quite well moving though each ad he then told you how that it corresponds to the thesis statement.

How is the analysis organized? This ad analysis was well organized it first hooks the reader in with the thesis it then brings the reader though each ad and gives a conclusion to sum up the analysis.  

Consider style: He was quite formal, he moved through each ad giving what he observed then he went into his thoughts on all of the ads he observed.  

    

How does the draft conclude? The draft concludes by telling you what conclusions he found from looking at the four ads.

Consider the title:  N/A

2nd paper draft

Morgan Carlson

 Dr. Sonia Begert

English 101

11/1/15

Advertisement Analysis

     Many companies have created fictional characters to brand their products.  Advertisers use these characters to take aim on the consumer's inner child. The characters featured in ads make the brand more approachable. Rather than envisioning a real scene with workers making or growing a product, consumers think of the personality of the cartoon character.  Through the character, products can become part of the family and of the buyers’ everyday lives. The advertisers expect that the consumers will relate the personality of the cartoon to their product and purchase the package with their cartoon picture when they go to the store. 

  

     The Jolly Green Giant was originally a mascot for the Minnesota Valley Canning Co. The Giant was named after an oversized variety of pea that was tender, tasty, and sweet. Rather than apologize for its size they decided to emphasize it.  The Giant has a smile and leafy suit and has the word Jolly in his name. When he debuted on TV in 1958 he had a booming Ho Ho Ho. In 1972 he took on a young apprentice, the Little Sprout who was created because he was like the consumer, turning the giant into a father figure. The Giant teaches the cute little elfish Sprout everything about the special seeds they use, planting, and harvesting at the correct time for optimal flavor. The texts read as though the character is the one who has control of the product. It is the Giant, not the farmers with tractors that do all of the work. One ad states that, “More people today like the Green Giant’s peas and corn better than any others because HE puts more time and work into growing them that way. Special ways of making rich earth richer… watchful care each growing day… split-second timing to pick and pack at the fleeting moment of perfect flavor” – The Giant is the knowledgeable one in control of everything from the soil to the harvest. Another advertisement shows a family eating dinner dressed in suits and fancy dress with a table cloth and candelabra on the table. This indicates that the vegetables are not any run of the mill vegetable that they are suited to fancy dining. An adoring family all look up to the well-dressed Giant sitting at the table with them. Of course he has a white shirt and tie with his cloth napkin on his lap. He is the father making sure you eat your vegetables. The larger than life image makes him an authority figure to be trusted, respected and obeyed.

     A father is not the only influential figure for our inner child. Tony the Tiger is the figure that Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal developed. He personifies a teammate that has the qualities of a coach. He uses the, “Put a Tiger on your Team.” slogan and is frequently seen on a basketball court throwing boxes of cereal through the hoop. Tony the Tiger puts his arm around the other players, scores baskets, and tells you that frosted flakes are G-r-r-r-reat! This character is aimed at all the “kids” young and old who like sports. It suggests that his cereal will make you strong, energetic, and athletic. “They are jumpin’ with energy!” This ad doesn’t inform us of any of the real facts about the product, it is appealing to us on an emotional level. We can be that athlete we always wanted to be because emotionally we believe that if we eat the cereal that Tony thinks is great, we will be successful because we are on his team. We certainly wouldn’t have the same reaction if Tony was a real Tiger. Brown flakes of corn in a plain box with black type would also not attract much attention. A friendly Tiger is now invited into many American’s homes every morning.

    

      What better way to influence our inner child's life than a toy? Energizer Battery Company used a pink bunny banging on a drum wearing sunglasses and sandals in their ads. He is more than just a kid’s toy. He is wearing cool sunglasses and playing a drum which appeals to the stereotype man and pink for women. We never want our toys to stop running so he keeps, “Going and going, and going.”  This ad showed a bunny toy that continued going while other toys stopped. What kid wants his toys to stop working even if they are old kids running their radios, flashlights, etc.? This bunny is so popular that he has been seen in movies and the phrase “Energizer Bunny” is considered a term for things that continue endlessly. For consumers, this kind of image would certainly be something that would represent dependability.

 

    These characters create an association between the buyers inner desire to purchase a product associating that product with a particular image. The picture on the package shows the consumer which one to purchase. It has to do with identity. How does it make me feel? How does the product want you to interact with them? Consider the way you trust the product.  Advertisements aim to increase sales. Branding in advertising is anything that helps get buyers to remain loyal to a product. It involves experiences that an audience expects. A father-like giant, a team player and coach, or a toy that is always there to play with keep their consumers coming back for more. We need more fatherly advice, more playing with our teammates, and definitely toys that always keep working. At any age everyone is still a kid at heart. This is evident because they have kept the same ads for many years. If they were not working they would have changed them by now. We sit down to dinner with the Green Giant, we eat breakfast with a Tiger, and we have toys that keep going and going. We purchase the products that have those symbol and they have become part of our lives. Each of these companies also sell a stuffed character for the children at home. Marketing continues even when people are not using the product. The friendly character can sit on the shelf quietly watching daily activities so their face is always familiar.