Possible Topics for FP1
January 24, 2015
The first formal paper for Composition and Communication this semester seems like it is going to be a fun one to write. Here are a few possible topics I think might be enlightening/interesting to write about (and also compare and contrast):
- How are the two latest commercials for the beauty companies Dove and Aussie different but similar? Also, how do the styles/strategies of each ad affect their respective message?
- Aussie commercial: Man dressed as a women, pretty much making fun of and showing how stupid it is to take care of/obsess over hair so much. Also pretty much makes fun of its own product because if hair isn’t and shouldn’t be important, why should we care what products we use? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-igSlC7oD4)
- Dove commercial: Doesn’t discuss product really, but features heartwarming and emotional appeal that shows young girls who don’t like their curly hair at first, but are sung a song from friends/family with curly hair that essentially tells them to “love their hair and themselves” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou7CyPtkpng)
- How are the emotional appeals in the McDonald’s “Signs” commercial and the Dove “Love Your Curls” commercial similar/different? Do these more emotional appeals coincide with both companies trying to rebrand (McDonald’s re-inventing their menu, Dove taking on hair care products, etc.)?
- Many commercials nowadays try to get audiences wrapped up in a story or situation that just so happens to involve their product as well. How is this interpreted similarly (and differently) in commercials like Sonic’s “Buy Your Best Friend a Corn Dog Day” and Taco Bell’s “Take the Money and Run”?