Stereotyping in advertising

When you look at advertising and really think about it, it's all stereotyping; Race, gender, age, it all defines the product that is being presented. The question that arises is, "Is advertising creating stereotypes or mirroring them?" No one singly created a stereotype, it's just a tool we all use to depict males from females, black from white (etc.) and young from old.  I believe that advertisements must stereotype their products because the society and the consumers that are looking/watching/reading these advertisements need to  know what the product is and who the target audience is. Here's an advertisement that depicts a wife from back in the old days that would be stereotyped as a stay at home wife that cleans and cooks for the working husband that comes home to a meal and a beer.

Semiotics

I was able to learn the true meaning of semiotics in our class today, It's what brings an advertisement to the public in a fashionable and meaningful way. In a way that sends a message out to the world of who they really are as a company and brand. When looking through some ads I came across a Nike one that I found interesting, because it says "my assault," meaning we choose what we want to do and Nike can cover it. I was able to see the Sign, Signifier, signed in all these ads around me now. I can see the true meaning and effort put into them.

superBOWL

I found myself watching the superbowl this year mainly for the commercials. I am amazed how these commercials come out so loved by the audiences. I think the best thing about superbowl advertisements is that these companies spend all this money for these 30 sec. spots, so you KNOW they are going to be good and worth paying attention to. The superbowl combines humor, action and even deep hearted advertisements, and it makes the program even more enjoyable.