Summary of “Advertisements R Us”

The “Advertisements R Us” analysis is by Melissa Rubin and is found in the “Everyone's an Author” textbook, in it Rubin explains the intent behind a particular Coca Cola ad and uses it to explain how ads can manipulate us. The author explains how the stereotypes present in ads, and particularly in the Coca Cola ad, reflect cultural stereotypes in an attempt to appeal to them. She elaborates on the details of the ad especially the human types shown there, with the prominent type being the white males. Also the author points out the sunny, appealing light in which the ad is cast and the godlike representation of Coca Cola. She explains how Coca Cola is associated with America and intentionally incorporated in our culture. Rubin expounds upon Coca Cola's association with the war, how it got a boost from the U.S. winning and the presence of uniformed men in the ad. The author also explained that in current times the ad would be different, appealing to the more diverse crowd that composes our enlightened culture. The Coca Cola ads are so prominent that they help shape modern culture, pointing at the people they portray and saying that you can be them if you drink Coca Cola, a common appeal from adds.