Media messages foster stereotypes, ideals of a culture, when they reflect and reinforce cultural values. They often contain combinations of gender, age, social class, ethnic values etc.
Questions:
Watch one hour of television. Observe and take notes about the commercials that are shown over this hour and answer the following while watching each commercial and address:
- What message(s) (stereotypes, cultural values, etc.) does each commercial seem to convey? Explain examples.
- Do you feel any of these commercials use psychological tricks in their advertising? Explain.
- Do you believe any of these commercials could potentially influence consumer buying behavior? Explain.
- Do you believe any of these commercials help shape a brand image that is etched in consumers’ minds? Explain.