Reflecting Back

In these last 11 weeks, I have learned so much about advertising that I didn't know before. I was closed minded, so I'm so glad I took this course and now I understand the many factors that are involved in creating a create ad or campaign. Out of all the things we talked about regarding propaganda, gender, stereotypes, nostalgia, etc., the section about stereotypes and gender blew my mind the most. I always thought stereotypes were distasteful and rude, however I now understand it effectively reaches a larger audience by grouping people. Although that may seem bad, it works because more people are able to relate to the generalization.

I found it interesting how in ads, if we switch the genders it could either be super funny or distasteful. Females are often used to sexualize objects and products, but when a male is used, it is funny or extremely attention grabbing. There is less arguments for that, while ads with females in those sexual contexts are frowned upon and deemed inappropriate.

With new technologies, I am excited with where advertising is going. I have always found the ads painted on the sides of the BART tunnel very innovative and it works because people like me would be bored staring out the window while commuting. I love seeing graphics jump out at you rather than staying static within a billboard. Technology allows us to film and document products, as well as animate them. Through the Internet it is easy to share and find things, and ads tend to guide us in making a decision (for example Amazon related products or "people who purchased this item also purchased..."

I no longer think all ads are bad, and the psychology in it is interesting to see why we are persuaded and to see the types of connections we make with advertisements.