Ever since I read Deadly Persuasion I can't help but look at ads in terms of what they're quietly selling, in addition to what they're obviously selling
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I don't see it as much as I used to, but I was always amused/appalled by the theme of "The more you buy, the more you *save*!" for Big! Holiday! Sales!
I always have to think about the first sequence with the 'truth' revealing glasses in 'They Live' when people talk about hidden or 'quiet' messages in advertising.
Because... it's so true. The messages revealed in that sequence.
The commercial that makes me shake my head in disgust whenever it runs is the Visa commercial set to "Downtown." In fact, here's a link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=qoJThmEmttc
Yep, nothing gets you looking pretty and feeling good about yourself like some retail therapy. Charge it up!
OMG YES! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE that commercial. I think that was one of the first ones I saw after I read the book. It's such a perfect example of insidious hidden messages.
Seriously! I'm such a geek about it now. Another common hidden message I see a lot is the "invisible peer group." That's where the hidden message of the ad is to imply that everyone is doing something. Like buying a certain kind of gift for a certain occasion. The diamond industry did it to create the idea of engagement = diamond ring, and other companies are using it to advance the idea of gifts for days other than birthdays or Christmas. You see ads for gifts for Easter, or "Get her a cellphone for Valentine's Day!" The idea being to give the impression that everyone else is doing it, so you're expected to as well.
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mom buys crap she doesn't need because you save if you buy!!!!Jkl;!
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Because... it's so true. The messages revealed in that sequence.
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Yep, nothing gets you looking pretty and feeling good about yourself like some retail therapy. Charge it up!
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