Here are a couple of WATCOs, enthymemes, implicit assumptions, and their corresponding enthymemes with A1s instead of straight As:
1.
WATCO: What are the consequences of not voting on the USA's democratic process?
Enthymeme: Not voting would diminish the effectiveness of the USA's democratic process because not voting makes it so leaders don't know the will of the people.
Implicit assumption: Anything that makes it so leaders don't know the will of the people will diminish the effectiveness of the USA's democratic process.
Enthymeme with A1: Not voting would diminish the effectiveness of the USA's democratic process because Garrett Smith not voting makes it so his leaders don't know Garrett's will.
2.
WATCO: What are the consequences of heightened cigarette taxes on tobacco company revenue?
Enthymeme: Raising cigarette taxes would diminish tobacco company revenue because raising cigarette taxes would dissuade many smokers or potential smokers from buying cigarettes.
Implicit assumption: Anything that would dissuade smokers or potential smokers from buying cigarettes would diminish tobacco company revenues.
Enthymeme with A1: Raising cigarette taxes would diminish tobacco company revenue because raising taxes on Marlboro brand cigarettes would dissuade Marlboro smokers or potential Marlboro smokers from buying Marlboro cigarettes.
And that's my technique practice for the week. Adios.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Free Post #3 - 007:GoldenPull Part 3
Here we go, another week another installment of the running epic poem "007:GoldenPull," featuring all six of the Bond actors over the past five decades of James Bond films. We left off with Pierce Brosnan punching a button on his cell phone, and a subterranean rumble echoing up from beneath.
A rift opened up ahead in Moore's track.
He drove straight on through and ended up on his back.
Sean couldn't but chuckle, and pulled from his purse
A set of sharp spikes he then tossed with a curse:
"Here you are, Pierce my boy, with your perfect slick hair,
See how you do when your tires have no air!"
The spikes dug in, and with a terrible crunch,
Down went Pierce B. with his cuffs in a bunch.
Craig was just now on George's left flank,
With the other two back just one tractor-length.
Dalton reached under his chair with one hand,
And pulled a short lever, then got up to stand.
A missile launched up from his now-empty seat,
And homed right in on Sean Connery's tractor's heat.
Sean, still lithe despite increasing years,
Saw it all coming and jumped off without fear.
His tractor erupted in a ball of red flame,
and tumbling to safety he cursed Dalton's name.
With only three Bonds left in this cutthroat race,
More weight was added, to slow down the pace.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
A rift opened up ahead in Moore's track.
He drove straight on through and ended up on his back.
Sean couldn't but chuckle, and pulled from his purse
A set of sharp spikes he then tossed with a curse:
"Here you are, Pierce my boy, with your perfect slick hair,
See how you do when your tires have no air!"
The spikes dug in, and with a terrible crunch,
Down went Pierce B. with his cuffs in a bunch.
Craig was just now on George's left flank,
With the other two back just one tractor-length.
Dalton reached under his chair with one hand,
And pulled a short lever, then got up to stand.
A missile launched up from his now-empty seat,
And homed right in on Sean Connery's tractor's heat.
Sean, still lithe despite increasing years,
Saw it all coming and jumped off without fear.
His tractor erupted in a ball of red flame,
and tumbling to safety he cursed Dalton's name.
With only three Bonds left in this cutthroat race,
More weight was added, to slow down the pace.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Rhetorical Analysis #3
Alright folks, you had all better pay attention to this one - I had to really dig deep into the vaults of television advertising history for this choice snippet. As always, check this link out first: http://youtube.com/watch?v=8SN4DaXwbm4 .
Now that you've been reexposed to that other plane of existence that was the early nineties, let's see just how Pringles laid down their argument.
Throughout the commercial, the viewer is of course shown many frames focusing on the Pringles name brand, logo, and signature can shape; the viewer is also presented with a few short frames centering on somebody eating a generic brand of potato chips. The contrast shown is also the argument in the commercial: when a consumer is given the choice of buying either Pringles or some other brand of potato chips, he or she should opt for Pringles.
Because of the actors' apparent ages and the fast-paced rhythms and camera shots, Pringles is targeting a young adult demographic for their product. The actors are just old enough to connect with either a teen-aged or early twenties crowd, and the dance-beat style can tapping sounds akin to something like the era's pop music. Also, because the contrast is made between messy, greasy "regular" potato chips and cleaner, baked Pringles, another potential target audience is health-conscious parents, or even health-conscious people in general.
In order to argue the issue and reach the intended audience, Pringles is shown to turn a terribly boring day into a veritable dance party - friends all get together and make beats and dance. Not only that, but they are definitely having a great time eating Pringles and being together. To emphasize these two points, another guy is shown eating Potato Chips (some generic brand, meant to represent the alternatives to Pringles) - he is not dancing or having a good time like the others, and surely doesn't have any friends - he's alone with his greasy chips. The greasy chips bring us to the next point: No grease or oil is shown in the parts with Pringles, while the Potato Chips are obviously a greasy mess. To seal the deal, the viewer is left with the impression that this amazing snack dance party will never end with Pringles, because "once you pop, you can't stop." We are also left with the baked taste in our mouths that make us forever regard Pringles as a step above the normal Potato Chip.
This add, even without spoken word, is effective (or was, back when it aired). It reached all of the target audiences with fairly applicable messages, and left one wanted to bite a stack of clean, baked Pringles and bust a move.
Now that you've been reexposed to that other plane of existence that was the early nineties, let's see just how Pringles laid down their argument.
Throughout the commercial, the viewer is of course shown many frames focusing on the Pringles name brand, logo, and signature can shape; the viewer is also presented with a few short frames centering on somebody eating a generic brand of potato chips. The contrast shown is also the argument in the commercial: when a consumer is given the choice of buying either Pringles or some other brand of potato chips, he or she should opt for Pringles.
Because of the actors' apparent ages and the fast-paced rhythms and camera shots, Pringles is targeting a young adult demographic for their product. The actors are just old enough to connect with either a teen-aged or early twenties crowd, and the dance-beat style can tapping sounds akin to something like the era's pop music. Also, because the contrast is made between messy, greasy "regular" potato chips and cleaner, baked Pringles, another potential target audience is health-conscious parents, or even health-conscious people in general.
In order to argue the issue and reach the intended audience, Pringles is shown to turn a terribly boring day into a veritable dance party - friends all get together and make beats and dance. Not only that, but they are definitely having a great time eating Pringles and being together. To emphasize these two points, another guy is shown eating Potato Chips (some generic brand, meant to represent the alternatives to Pringles) - he is not dancing or having a good time like the others, and surely doesn't have any friends - he's alone with his greasy chips. The greasy chips bring us to the next point: No grease or oil is shown in the parts with Pringles, while the Potato Chips are obviously a greasy mess. To seal the deal, the viewer is left with the impression that this amazing snack dance party will never end with Pringles, because "once you pop, you can't stop." We are also left with the baked taste in our mouths that make us forever regard Pringles as a step above the normal Potato Chip.
This add, even without spoken word, is effective (or was, back when it aired). It reached all of the target audiences with fairly applicable messages, and left one wanted to bite a stack of clean, baked Pringles and bust a move.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Technique Post #2 - Enthymemes & Implicit Assumptions
So here are a couple of fresh, new WATCOs, their enthymemes, and their corresponding implicit assumptions:
1.
What are the consequences of resurfacing 700 East on students living south of campus?
Resurfacing 700 East would enrage students living south of campus because resurfacing 700 East would make students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus.
A term: Resurfacing 700 East
B term: enrage students living south of campus
C term: make students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus
Implicit Assumption: Anything that makes students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus would enrage them!
2.
What are the consequences of abolishing sales tax in Utah on consumer spending?
Abolishing sales tax in Utah would increase consumer spending because abolishing sales tax in Utah would make the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive.
A term: Abolishing sales tax in Utah
B term: increase consumer spending
C term: make the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive
Implicit Assumption: Anything that makes the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive would increase consumer spending.
3.
What are the consequences of promoting bilingualism in American schools on the USA's international reputation?
Promoting bilingualism in American schools would enhance the USA's international reputation because promoting bilingualism in American schools would show other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country.
A term: Promoting bilingualism in American schools
B term: enhance the USA's international reputation
C term: show other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country.
Implicit Assumption: Anything that shows other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country would enhance the USA's international reputation.
--------
And there you have it, folks. A couple of hot stacks of rhetoric comin' at you this beautiful Sunday evening. No need for thanks - just doing my job.
1.
What are the consequences of resurfacing 700 East on students living south of campus?
Resurfacing 700 East would enrage students living south of campus because resurfacing 700 East would make students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus.
A term: Resurfacing 700 East
B term: enrage students living south of campus
C term: make students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus
Implicit Assumption: Anything that makes students living south of campus need to find alternate, longer routes when traveling to campus would enrage them!
2.
What are the consequences of abolishing sales tax in Utah on consumer spending?
Abolishing sales tax in Utah would increase consumer spending because abolishing sales tax in Utah would make the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive.
A term: Abolishing sales tax in Utah
B term: increase consumer spending
C term: make the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive
Implicit Assumption: Anything that makes the cost of purchasing products and services less expensive would increase consumer spending.
3.
What are the consequences of promoting bilingualism in American schools on the USA's international reputation?
Promoting bilingualism in American schools would enhance the USA's international reputation because promoting bilingualism in American schools would show other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country.
A term: Promoting bilingualism in American schools
B term: enhance the USA's international reputation
C term: show other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country.
Implicit Assumption: Anything that shows other countries that American students are more open minded, and more concerned about the world outside their own country would enhance the USA's international reputation.
--------
And there you have it, folks. A couple of hot stacks of rhetoric comin' at you this beautiful Sunday evening. No need for thanks - just doing my job.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Free Post #2 - The James Bond Tractor Pull Part Deux
This is the much-anticipated second installment of the epic poem for which I have, after many nights of restless sleep, created a title. From henceforth we shall refer to it as "007: GoldenPull." I know it's not all that original, but it certainly carries a Bondish sort of feeling with it, and although I already said all that about "henceforth..." and whatever, I am still totally free to change it according to my whim and pleasure.
So, tractor pull fans and Bond fans alike, I encourage you to read on. And, in the case that you are neither a fan of the sport nor the man, you may still find some level of diversion in a fleeting reading.
And so, here we go again:
George just blushed and leaned back in his seat.
The least of the Bonds, Craig sure had him beat.
"Look at old Georgie!" jeered a wrinkly old Moore.
"His acting made Bond look a joke and a bore!"
"Is he even a Brit?" wondered Dalton aloud.
"Even Craig's more likely to do us all proud!"
Sean and Pierce both revved up their tractors,
And agreed that poor Georgie wasn't even a factor.
With engines all started and pounding quite keenly,
The Bonds all held aloft a fresh Vodka martini.
"Shaken, not stirred," Sean cried over the noise,
"If you never said that, you weren't Bond, boys!"
Craig whipped around and said back man-to-man,
"They all love me, old timer, 'does it look like I give a damn?'"
As he yelled, a gun fired, meaning to start the event,
Six Bonds and six tractors lurched forward, hell-bent.
Maniacal laughs sounded from the crazed crowd,
But next to George L. noone sounded so loud.
"I'll prove it right here, in the mud and the heat!
I'm just as Bond as you all, and you all will I beat!"
Though the other five laughed, each had to admit
That George was sure leading, if by only a bit.
With clothes getting dirty and pistons a-driving,
Pierce brushed his hair back and got to conniving.
He pulled out his cell phone and touched a red button.
A loud thump sounded up from the ground all a -sudden.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
So, tractor pull fans and Bond fans alike, I encourage you to read on. And, in the case that you are neither a fan of the sport nor the man, you may still find some level of diversion in a fleeting reading.
And so, here we go again:
George just blushed and leaned back in his seat.
The least of the Bonds, Craig sure had him beat.
"Look at old Georgie!" jeered a wrinkly old Moore.
"His acting made Bond look a joke and a bore!"
"Is he even a Brit?" wondered Dalton aloud.
"Even Craig's more likely to do us all proud!"
Sean and Pierce both revved up their tractors,
And agreed that poor Georgie wasn't even a factor.
With engines all started and pounding quite keenly,
The Bonds all held aloft a fresh Vodka martini.
"Shaken, not stirred," Sean cried over the noise,
"If you never said that, you weren't Bond, boys!"
Craig whipped around and said back man-to-man,
"They all love me, old timer, 'does it look like I give a damn?'"
As he yelled, a gun fired, meaning to start the event,
Six Bonds and six tractors lurched forward, hell-bent.
Maniacal laughs sounded from the crazed crowd,
But next to George L. noone sounded so loud.
"I'll prove it right here, in the mud and the heat!
I'm just as Bond as you all, and you all will I beat!"
Though the other five laughed, each had to admit
That George was sure leading, if by only a bit.
With clothes getting dirty and pistons a-driving,
Pierce brushed his hair back and got to conniving.
He pulled out his cell phone and touched a red button.
A loud thump sounded up from the ground all a -sudden.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
RA #2 - Another Commercial, but this time it's serious...not!
This week's latest episode of Rhetorical Analysis LIVE! is provided thanks to my wonderful wife, who gave me a few minutes (bless her unselfish heart!) to get off of my procrastinating carcass and write. She's a peach, and that's a fact.
In order to really get this one, just like the last, the reader must first view the video at the following link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4U-dYleBVFo . For reference, or if the link doesn't work, this commercial is promoting FedEx's Ground Shipping service, titled "Not What It Seems" on YouTube.com.
Now that you are properly prepared and the topic is perfectly plain, let us dive right in.
The argument in this commercial is that given all of the alternatives for sending packages, one should choose to use FedEx Ground shipping. Simple as that, without all of the sugar coating and hype. You, the interested viewer, cannot help but choose FedEx's Ground shipping, or you would be making a mistake.
Now, the audience is a bit harder to identify. FedEx's primary target for this commercial is obviously businesspeople, but that isn't specific enough is it? Those who would be interested in this service, and so the commercial, would be those involved in a business' shipping and postal department or division or section or whatever. To get even more specific, it would be most suited to those who are looking for a new mode of shipping, one who is currently dissatisfied with their shipping or postal company. Anyone else might just find the commercial memorable for its other qualities, humor in particular, and forget about the actual service offered. They might completely miss the point that there is an argument at all!
The methods employed are few but substantial. Firstly, the idea is presented that "ground shipping" is not as slow as one might initially think. In fact, the commercial asserts, it is quite fast and might be faster than what you, the viewer, might currently be using. Secondly, a hearty dose of humor is used to reinforce that fact that one cannot judge something based solely on its name (or in this case, his or her name). The humor makes the commercial memorable - you may even feel inclined to quote it later on - yet isn't so funny or humor-focused to take away from the content and purpose of the commercial itself. Thirdly, the presentation is simple, and foceses on the name brand of the service provided. It's FedEx, and you know it.
This is an effective commercial. It would strike the target audience well, and might even persuade those who don't think they need to change their current business plan or shipping methods to reconsider. The humor - effective humor, mind you, which doesn't detract totally from the seriousness of the service or company - causes the viewer to internalize and remember the commercial. Effective with a capital "Eff."
Well said, Mr. Turkeyneck.
In order to really get this one, just like the last, the reader must first view the video at the following link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4U-dYleBVFo . For reference, or if the link doesn't work, this commercial is promoting FedEx's Ground Shipping service, titled "Not What It Seems" on YouTube.com.
Now that you are properly prepared and the topic is perfectly plain, let us dive right in.
The argument in this commercial is that given all of the alternatives for sending packages, one should choose to use FedEx Ground shipping. Simple as that, without all of the sugar coating and hype. You, the interested viewer, cannot help but choose FedEx's Ground shipping, or you would be making a mistake.
Now, the audience is a bit harder to identify. FedEx's primary target for this commercial is obviously businesspeople, but that isn't specific enough is it? Those who would be interested in this service, and so the commercial, would be those involved in a business' shipping and postal department or division or section or whatever. To get even more specific, it would be most suited to those who are looking for a new mode of shipping, one who is currently dissatisfied with their shipping or postal company. Anyone else might just find the commercial memorable for its other qualities, humor in particular, and forget about the actual service offered. They might completely miss the point that there is an argument at all!
The methods employed are few but substantial. Firstly, the idea is presented that "ground shipping" is not as slow as one might initially think. In fact, the commercial asserts, it is quite fast and might be faster than what you, the viewer, might currently be using. Secondly, a hearty dose of humor is used to reinforce that fact that one cannot judge something based solely on its name (or in this case, his or her name). The humor makes the commercial memorable - you may even feel inclined to quote it later on - yet isn't so funny or humor-focused to take away from the content and purpose of the commercial itself. Thirdly, the presentation is simple, and foceses on the name brand of the service provided. It's FedEx, and you know it.
This is an effective commercial. It would strike the target audience well, and might even persuade those who don't think they need to change their current business plan or shipping methods to reconsider. The humor - effective humor, mind you, which doesn't detract totally from the seriousness of the service or company - causes the viewer to internalize and remember the commercial. Effective with a capital "Eff."
Well said, Mr. Turkeyneck.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday Evening Post #1
I'm supposed to post something up here every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday per the guidance of my English 312 teacher - she either assigns us a topic or skill to employ in the post, or leaves the assignment up to our choosing. Because the last few days I have neither been near school nor had chance to work on anything school-related, I will describe why every month I have a few days just like the last few have been. I will in the future find a person in my section to relay assignment information to me when I am not present, but this time a free post will have to do.
I am a reservist in the United States Marine Corps. Because of my commitment to the Corps, I spend one weekend of every month training with my unit in Nevada and consequently am forced to miss a number of my classes. Although it creates a small bit of chaos in my life (as far as missing important lectures and assignments, etc.), I am in no way disenchanted with my decision to serve my country in my beloved Marine Corps. The feeling I get from the service that I render, and the amazing things I'm able to do with my fellow Marines is beyond anything possible for me to experience outside of the Corps. I suppose that my motivations lie primarily in my love for my country, and pride in the ideals and values that we hold dear as citizens. Nothing else - at this point in my life, anyway - would give me the kind of satisfaction, thrill, or fulfillment that serving in the Corps gives me. I just feels so darn good.
I look up to many of the men I serve alongside. Most of them are young and their prime, and have chosen to sacrifice much of their time, energy, and efforts to provide a needed and valued service to our country. Many of them have endured hardship after hardship for their fellow countrymen in harsh environments and under much duress. So many of them dedicate more than just a couple of days a month to their commitment, but rather "go the extra mile" to excel and become more than proficient in their specialties as Marines. I have learned discipline at many of their feet, learned to deal with volatile and dangerous, stressful situations through following their examples, and learned to value and hone leadership ability in myself and others. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I have had thus far in the Marine Corps, and pray that I will be strengthened to continue for many glorious years to come.
Semper Fidelis.
I am a reservist in the United States Marine Corps. Because of my commitment to the Corps, I spend one weekend of every month training with my unit in Nevada and consequently am forced to miss a number of my classes. Although it creates a small bit of chaos in my life (as far as missing important lectures and assignments, etc.), I am in no way disenchanted with my decision to serve my country in my beloved Marine Corps. The feeling I get from the service that I render, and the amazing things I'm able to do with my fellow Marines is beyond anything possible for me to experience outside of the Corps. I suppose that my motivations lie primarily in my love for my country, and pride in the ideals and values that we hold dear as citizens. Nothing else - at this point in my life, anyway - would give me the kind of satisfaction, thrill, or fulfillment that serving in the Corps gives me. I just feels so darn good.
I look up to many of the men I serve alongside. Most of them are young and their prime, and have chosen to sacrifice much of their time, energy, and efforts to provide a needed and valued service to our country. Many of them have endured hardship after hardship for their fellow countrymen in harsh environments and under much duress. So many of them dedicate more than just a couple of days a month to their commitment, but rather "go the extra mile" to excel and become more than proficient in their specialties as Marines. I have learned discipline at many of their feet, learned to deal with volatile and dangerous, stressful situations through following their examples, and learned to value and hone leadership ability in myself and others. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I have had thus far in the Marine Corps, and pray that I will be strengthened to continue for many glorious years to come.
Semper Fidelis.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Free Post #1 - The Bond Tractor Pull Part 1
Because of recent classroom discussion, I have decided to construct a poem - an epic poem, if you will - about an imaginary tractor pulling event featuring the six actors who have portrayed James Bond in film. Wouldn't you just die to be there in person? Unfortunately, it would be an invitation only type of thing, and we are left with only words and imagination to describe the exact happenings. In order to understand the concept of the great sport of the tractor pull, one must also familiarize oneself with the common terms associated with the execution of the event.
Tractors pull a sled (the apparatus providing simulated "weight" behind the tractor, done by shifting weights of up to 65,000 pounds to the front and causing the front end to dig in and create an increasing amount of friction). That's actually all the terminology that one would need to know.
Here we go.
Five muddy tracks are laid out in the dirt,
Awaiting the coming of the world's slickest flirt.
Only this time it's not only one but all six,
All the James Bonds will be tossed in the mix.
Each sidles up to his rig with no fear,
Though to each of his foes' comments he calmly gives ear.
"Hey George!" taunts Roger "What're you riding, a Deere?"
"Can't touch me" he quips back, "You box-office jeer!"
Sean, getting old and now sporting white hair,
Just points over at Dalton and laughs without care,
"You and the rest are all phonies and tots,
Everyone knows Bond's really a Scot!"
"Hmmph" grumbled Brosnan as he straightened his tie,
"You all are dressed like I want to 'live and let die.'"
They all noticed then they were short just one man.
'Twas young Dan - surnamed Craig - always perfectly tan.
"Hi fellas," he said as he mounted his ride,
"Name's Craig, the new Bond, and I'm all bonafide."
"Too tall," muttered Dalton, who'd now seen his fill,
"I wish that I still had my "license to kill.'"
Roger leaned over, said to Sean with a grin,
"The two of us each had more women than him!"
Sean gravely nodded, and stroked his white beard,
"A nancy, I'll grant, but his tractor's to be feared,"
"He's a blond!" snorted Pierce, his hair neatly tame,
"How they named him a Bond simply defames the name!"
TO BE CONTINUED...
Tractors pull a sled (the apparatus providing simulated "weight" behind the tractor, done by shifting weights of up to 65,000 pounds to the front and causing the front end to dig in and create an increasing amount of friction). That's actually all the terminology that one would need to know.
Here we go.
Five muddy tracks are laid out in the dirt,
Awaiting the coming of the world's slickest flirt.
Only this time it's not only one but all six,
All the James Bonds will be tossed in the mix.
Each sidles up to his rig with no fear,
Though to each of his foes' comments he calmly gives ear.
"Hey George!" taunts Roger "What're you riding, a Deere?"
"Can't touch me" he quips back, "You box-office jeer!"
Sean, getting old and now sporting white hair,
Just points over at Dalton and laughs without care,
"You and the rest are all phonies and tots,
Everyone knows Bond's really a Scot!"
"Hmmph" grumbled Brosnan as he straightened his tie,
"You all are dressed like I want to 'live and let die.'"
They all noticed then they were short just one man.
'Twas young Dan - surnamed Craig - always perfectly tan.
"Hi fellas," he said as he mounted his ride,
"Name's Craig, the new Bond, and I'm all bonafide."
"Too tall," muttered Dalton, who'd now seen his fill,
"I wish that I still had my "license to kill.'"
Roger leaned over, said to Sean with a grin,
"The two of us each had more women than him!"
Sean gravely nodded, and stroked his white beard,
"A nancy, I'll grant, but his tractor's to be feared,"
"He's a blond!" snorted Pierce, his hair neatly tame,
"How they named him a Bond simply defames the name!"
TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Rhetorical Analysis #1
In order to really get what I'm all about here, you need to first view the oh so choice video at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX0C70HgY9E. (If for some reason you cannot view it, say for instance you are on BYU campus and the firewall/protection settings won't allow access to youtube, find another connection!)
After viewing, this analysis should make a whole lot more sense...
First off, this commercial is trying to convince people that an upcoming professional football season and an intense rivalry between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints are the only important things on television in the near future. Also central to the commercial's purpose is the effort to establish a personal relationship between both teams' stars - Peyton Manning and Reggie Bush - reminiscent of the connection reality television stars strike up with the viewership. Hopefully, those who see this commercial will be more inclined to view NFL games, and thereby contribute to the money-making powerhouse that is professional sports.
Many women might be turned off by the commercial simply because they don't know who these people are, or why we should worry about ordering one another weird things via room service - which one is Peyton Manning? The black guy? Obviously, men interested in sports - or women interested in sports, too - are the target audience. In my experience, though, it is men who worry day after day about the progress of their favorite NFL teams, and how Reggie ran this past week, and whether the Bears will get rid of Grossman and get a real quarterback. This commercial is aimed specifically at those who may have forgotten that a new season is just around the bend, and as a peripheral target, those who just need a reminder that their favorite players haven't forgotten them over the off-season.
Humor is the key here. Nothing is more endearing than humor. I've seen loads of commercials that make football look all serious (I mean, come on! There's nothing more serious than a 250 lb man charging at full speed with the sole intent of crushing your skull!), but those don't leave a very personable impression on the one viewing them. They think "oh, that guy's really tough, wow, maybe I'll watch him sometime. What was his name again?" and then go about watching Paula Deen make apple pie (I love that show by the way). Humor though, like the stuff put to action here in this commercial, made me almost feel like I knew Peyton Manning - the white guy - and could even imagine myself hanging out pulling pranks with Reggie Bush. After watching this commercial, the sport enthusiast would feel personally invested in Reggie and Peyton, and if one is really serious about sports and could get over the humor factor, one might even contemplate the real rivalry - who WOULD win? Debates might start if there are multiple sporting types in the room, and pretty soon you've got a full-fledged pre-season fever starting in the living room! And all from a little commercial!
In addition to humor, there is sentimental value in the selection of stars in the commercial. Firstly, Peyton Manning is the quarterback and leader of last year's Super Bowl Championship team, the Colts. Even if you don't love the Colts, everybody knew that they worked hard all season and deserved to crush the Bears at the end for the title. People want to see what he and his team are bringing to the table this season, even the haters. Reggie Bush is a young and talented superstar - liked by almost every football fan - and is the key player on the nation's most sentimental team, the New Orleans Saints. Ever since Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast and destroyed much of The Big Easy, many have hoped that the Saints would become the next Cinderella story, the underdogs who fight to the top against all odds. Fans are still harboring some of that feeling, and want to see what the season holds for Reggie and his boys.
This is an effective commercial. Although it wouldn't strike any chords with those unconcerned with football, it would definitely spark flames in the eyes of fans of the sport, and get the old favoritisms and heated rivalries kick-started to a new and exciting season. Could I please get 85 pounds of bacon delivered to my room? Yeah, that's room 1818.
After viewing, this analysis should make a whole lot more sense...
First off, this commercial is trying to convince people that an upcoming professional football season and an intense rivalry between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints are the only important things on television in the near future. Also central to the commercial's purpose is the effort to establish a personal relationship between both teams' stars - Peyton Manning and Reggie Bush - reminiscent of the connection reality television stars strike up with the viewership. Hopefully, those who see this commercial will be more inclined to view NFL games, and thereby contribute to the money-making powerhouse that is professional sports.
Many women might be turned off by the commercial simply because they don't know who these people are, or why we should worry about ordering one another weird things via room service - which one is Peyton Manning? The black guy? Obviously, men interested in sports - or women interested in sports, too - are the target audience. In my experience, though, it is men who worry day after day about the progress of their favorite NFL teams, and how Reggie ran this past week, and whether the Bears will get rid of Grossman and get a real quarterback. This commercial is aimed specifically at those who may have forgotten that a new season is just around the bend, and as a peripheral target, those who just need a reminder that their favorite players haven't forgotten them over the off-season.
Humor is the key here. Nothing is more endearing than humor. I've seen loads of commercials that make football look all serious (I mean, come on! There's nothing more serious than a 250 lb man charging at full speed with the sole intent of crushing your skull!), but those don't leave a very personable impression on the one viewing them. They think "oh, that guy's really tough, wow, maybe I'll watch him sometime. What was his name again?" and then go about watching Paula Deen make apple pie (I love that show by the way). Humor though, like the stuff put to action here in this commercial, made me almost feel like I knew Peyton Manning - the white guy - and could even imagine myself hanging out pulling pranks with Reggie Bush. After watching this commercial, the sport enthusiast would feel personally invested in Reggie and Peyton, and if one is really serious about sports and could get over the humor factor, one might even contemplate the real rivalry - who WOULD win? Debates might start if there are multiple sporting types in the room, and pretty soon you've got a full-fledged pre-season fever starting in the living room! And all from a little commercial!
In addition to humor, there is sentimental value in the selection of stars in the commercial. Firstly, Peyton Manning is the quarterback and leader of last year's Super Bowl Championship team, the Colts. Even if you don't love the Colts, everybody knew that they worked hard all season and deserved to crush the Bears at the end for the title. People want to see what he and his team are bringing to the table this season, even the haters. Reggie Bush is a young and talented superstar - liked by almost every football fan - and is the key player on the nation's most sentimental team, the New Orleans Saints. Ever since Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast and destroyed much of The Big Easy, many have hoped that the Saints would become the next Cinderella story, the underdogs who fight to the top against all odds. Fans are still harboring some of that feeling, and want to see what the season holds for Reggie and his boys.
This is an effective commercial. Although it wouldn't strike any chords with those unconcerned with football, it would definitely spark flames in the eyes of fans of the sport, and get the old favoritisms and heated rivalries kick-started to a new and exciting season. Could I please get 85 pounds of bacon delivered to my room? Yeah, that's room 1818.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)