The Reality in Commercials

Postmodernism battles with the image of truth, reality and how to perceive different things in society. This MAC cosmetic commercial represents postmodernism in two ways. The first way it represents postmodernism is because of the fact that it is portraying how we should look. This commercial is selling a product that will enhance our visual appearance and make us look more appealing. In society today, looks are very important. You need to look a certain way or you are not “normal” and do not fit in. By telling us to buy this lipstick to enhance our lips and face, this is feeding into the idea that the image we see in media is reality. So many opinions and views are put into the media in the postmodern era, and they should not define our reality. This artificial image from the media of what we should look like has become so important in our lives and tells us the new reality of what is normal and fake.

The second way this commercial represents postmodernism is the visual aspect of it. This commercial is full of abstract and different visuals that are not common or normal to see in a commercial or art. This commercial’s use of color, movement and shapes expresses an idea that is a contradiction to the “normal’ art we have seen. This abstract form of art breaks the classic art mold that was formed many years ago.

Postmodernism is portrayed in many types of media and influences our everyday lives. It ultimately has a great impact on who we are. Because there are so many "truths" or opinions are being thrown at us, we need to filter them out and make up the definition of who we actually are. Being aware of all of the images that are thrown at us is important in finding ourselves today.

Bernie Burning Across America

This campaign ad, while has no words displays a very clear message to the American public. Bernie doesn't attack any other runners in the video which almost makes him seem higher up in a way.  Like Michelle Obama says, Hillary Clinton these days too, "When they go low, we go high." Which I thought was very interesting because all that both current candidates seem to be doing is attack the other on basically everything.

Bernie uses a very strong ethos approach in the ad. The scenes of all the citizens is very reminiscent to the scenes of an Obama ad. Displaying farmers, some sort of industrial workers, people in the suburbs, and crowds of supporters shouting Bernie's name with signs waiting to hear him speak. Bernie is greeting his supporters and speaking on his beliefs. Which really shows how much of a true person he is.

"These Hands" Typed This Blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ZiFJ5LLAg

The potential presidential candidates were weeded out spectacularly quickly, leaving only two real contenders: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. People have their (strong) opinions on the duo, but it seems that despite it only being a few months since the original dozen or so candidates dropped out, they have been entirely forgotten. If they are remembered, it is because of how Bernie would have given free college to everyone in the universe and that Ted Cruz is almost definitely the Zodiac Killer. What we shouldn't have forgotten, however, is this commercial from Dr. Ben Carson who was one of the many Republican hopefuls in the 2016 election.

The commercial that Ben Carson released in early December or 2015 is 3 things: Powerful, genuine, and simple. "THESE HANDS", written across the palms of every type of American. All ages, all races, all classes, and people of all different backgrounds, people we can relate to. Carson pretty expertly uses pathos in this commercial, making us feel inspired and hopeful for the future of the United States. Carson uses this lasting effect of pathos and lets it naturally transform slightly into ethos. The viewer knows that Carson probably had nothing to do with the past success of the United States, especially in relation to the folks shown in the ad. The viewer also puts together that Carson is implying that, towards the end, he will be the one to lead the process of healing America.

After watching this commercial a few times, I really have nothing but positive things to say about this commercial. It doesn't attack anyone, it doesn't desperately rely on anyone's fallacies to make itself look better, just simply focuses on the positives of this country. Ben Carson may have been a quick dropout in the race, but this set the bar for political ads astoundingly high.