I need some help from the lounge

[Divameow77]

I have to write a paper for my Advertising class and I need some examples of print ads that represent different things. I'm struggling with finding ads that:

1. Stereotype consumers to sell products
2. Are in bad taste
3. Promise "miracles" through product use


I know these ads are out there in print but I'm having a hard time finding ones that appeal to me. I'm trying to have a humorous theme to my paper and since there are so many funny people around here I thought you might have some good ideas.

Thanks :-)

[Haole Girl]

1. There are sooooo many ads promising "miracles"

Just look at all the weight loss ones, to start with. I think those pretty much fit the bill for 1. and 2. also! Have fun! :hi:

[Divameow77]

3. I have chosen

a weight loss pill for my ad that "Presents questionable claims" and an anti-aging cream for "Plays on consumer fears as an inducement to buy"

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Viagra ads would cover 1, 2, and 3! All in one!

:hi:

[Divameow77]

4. Why didn't I think of that?

Viagra would probably work well for one of them... off to google :-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. I also thought of the Pepto bismol ads that always seem to feature

a heavy set man or woman. I know they still have them in Good Housekeeping. As if indigestion is some sort of affliction of the obese.

[buddhamama]

6. i love theVW ads

that poke fun of the VW owner stereotypes.

[Richardo]

7. That's one of the more horrific subject lines EVER.

Are you sure you want to PASS this class? :D

[Divameow77]

8. Need the credit

:D

[ThomCat]

9. Working with international advertising agencies

I get to look at ads every day. Let's see...

Stereotyping consumers:
1. Cheerful June Cleaver mom's to sell all kinds of household/cleaning stuff.
2. Men as rabid heterosexual sports fans to sell beer.
3. It's almost always women doing the daily cooking in ads. And when it's a man cooking, it's only for a special occasion (a date with a woman).
4. Happy people are always thin, and heavy people are almost always not smiling.

Bad taste:
1. Beer ads that imply that guys who drink their beer get all kinds of attention from gorgeous young women in skimpy clothes.
2. Ads that imply that women should be ashamed of their biology. Quick, use all these feminine hygene products or else you'are a disgusting woman!

Miracles:
1. Driving this vehicle will give you a sense of freedom and make you enjoy your life.
2. Taking this medication will not just relieve a symptom, but change your whole attitude about life. See all the happy smiling people dancing in the park?
3. See the Beer ad under Bad Taste. Drink this and hot girls in bikinis will love you.

[petronius]

10. Could I add to the stereotyping, the theme of husband/dad as

such a thorough blundering jackass that the 3 year old child has to teach him that milk goes on cereal, or that the shopping cart is used for moving groceries, etc?

[Divameow77]

11. I have thought about the scenarios

you present, do you know of any online resources that I can actually find print ads to print out? I don't want to have to go buy a bunch of magazines.

I have to say that you are right on, imo.

Thanks

[ThomCat]

12. I would check the web sites

for Cosmo, Men's Health, Vogue, Better Homes and Gardens and any other magazine you could think of with an online presence. They may have online versions of their magazines that include advertising.

or, Check out your public library. They will have a magazine section with all the major magazines. If they also have a color copier or a scanner then you would be all set.
:)

[idgiehkt]

13. I don't know about print

but those Hardees commercials make men look like motherfreaking idiots (you know, men, the ones that landed on the moon and stuff like that). I saw one the other day where the man was just trying to crack a couple of eggs and couldn't accomplish it. I was blown away by it. If there is a print add out there for those Hardees 'men are morons' commercials, that might be a good one.

As far as #3, a good place to look for 'miracles' is in fitness magazines and in women's magazines for weight loss products.