Commercial Craze

As I was watching t.v. today, a Diet Pepsi commercial with Sofia Vergara aired during the break. To watch the full commercial click here. Pepsi used specific elements to promote their product. The music and wedding scenario gives the commercial an upbeat vibe. Popular celebrity Sofia Vergara comes into the scene, already attracting viewers with her Spanish. During Vergara’s accidental wedding toast, her distraction to the Diet Pepsi creates humor for the viewers.  Vergara is wearing a blue, form fitting dress and bright red lipstick. With her white smile, the three colors recreate the Pepsi logo.

Pepsi and other companies spend a lot of money on t.v. and online commercials.

Kantar Media, a marketing research firm, says that the total money spent on t.v. ads increased 3% in 2012 and the total for video ads increased 27% percent. Companies are spending more money on advertising their products and services because there is constant competition. The music, setting, people, colors, and even small details are all considered to attract potential customers. In the commercial, Pepsi does not focus on the product itself. There is no detail of the taste or texture of the actual drink. Companies are using the commercial to sell this false emotion of feeling good when drinking Pepsi. Viewers may think "if Sofia Vergara loves it, it must taste great," or "she's pretty and popular; she knows what's in trend." Americans are being sold feelings and perceptions, not the truth.

Why do companies put attractive celebrities or actors? Fast or slow music? Specific scenarios? What kinds of emotions do they want Americans to feel when they watch their commercials? Are companies tricking us? What are your thoughts on this competition? How are Americans reacting to this commercial craze?