MarkBen Paulino
03 October 2011
RD2
Ads are our Supporters
Ads and commercials are terms that will be used interchangeably. It is often stated how ads and commercials are a negative tool used to influence people to become consumers, purchase products for a profitable gain to a business and in turn cause debt and harmful habits (i.e. shopaholism). That is only one side of a coin. Ads and commercials are important in making the world go round. If ads where to be stopped so would the world. Ads aid businesses in increasing consumer awareness, keep people up to date on societal norms, provide social and interactive activity (i.e. Hulu and Twitter), and other benefits. [THESIS] In general, ads or commercials ultimately have a negative impact on our lives [THESIS].
A large volume of the world’s population is aware of Facebook, as there are over 800 million users. Facebook keeps people connected and reconnect long lost friends. Facebook has now become a live newsfeed, where people learn of recent natural disasters, political campaigns, and sports scores. It’s amazing how I learn of local news from a Facebook friend even before the live news. No one pays for these services due to the businesses that use Facebook as a marketing tool. The same goes for Twitter, Hulu, email, and many other free online resources. I myself am an avid Hulu and email user, not to mention the occasional Facebooking. Being a student with debt, I will happily have these ads in order to receive these free services. As Lisa Rodrigues stated, “…without ads, we would not have television shows, magazines and newspapers. It's those sponsors that enable us to watch the Super Bowl, cartoons, etc. Without ads, newspapers would cost more as it's those that advertise that help defray the cost.”
Businesses thrive on commercials and ads to get their product out there. Consumer awareness helps products get sold and in turn provides income not only for the business owner but all the employees. Even the UH system relies on ads to increase awareness and influence students to become a Warrior, as I’ve heard some radio ads about one of the community colleges. Without advertisement people would be unaware and displaced. One may wonder what company sells a phone that is capable of talking and internet surfing at the same time. Another may want to know what new restaurants are available or of any upcoming sale. Robert Gornichec further bolsters this paragraph by stating, “There are many benefits that come from advertising, [and] one is that the consumer becomes better informed. The information that a company provides will help the consumer make a better choice when it comes to the product that is being advertised.” and “It also helps the companies who advertise generate more business which will help keep an economy stimulated by increasing sales.”
Not only are ads and commercials used by businesses, but by many non-profit organizations, some that are even supported by the government and/or state. We see ads about animal cruelty that the ASPCA puts out even some from the local Hawaiian Humane Society that advocate adoptions and taking care of animals. We see environmental awareness commercials, which have increased since the BP oil spill. These environmentalists have aided in the placement of many protocols on organizations that pose environmental risk by increasing awareness. There are many other humanitarian-like ads, as Kelley Hanano said, “So many ads today pride themselves on us as a people bettering our selves. Today when you turn on your TV try to take notice of how many commercials are encouraging a healthier you. From quitting smoking, weight loss, health care and exercise ads the commercial industry is realizing that the people of today want to be and live healthier. The media has taken notice that people want to live longer and better, so they are encouraging people to "get out and get active". Companies are offering "free" help to quit smoking. And I have even been hearing a radio ad directed at middle age children to get free health care by dialing 211. So there are definitely positive messages in today's ads and commercials.”
Ads keep people in the know-how. Some may state that mainstream is overrated. If so why is it then mainstream? For centuries many people like to keep up with the newest trends, such as the latest cell phone, the fashionable clothing line, and even music. To be cool you need to be trendy and to be trendy you have to keep up with trends. Without doing research to figure what is trending all one needs to do is live their daily routine of watching television, reading newspaper, or going on Facebook, as ads are there to inform viewers that Gucci, Louis, Fendi, and Prada are the in things. Without ads I may still think bell bottoms and a flared collared shirt with glimmer is hip. I could even be carrying a brick phone that uses analogs instead of these lightweight phones that use digital. Ads have informed me of the latest social spots where beautiful ladies flock. Ads keep me from being a loner.
An ad, which I enjoyed, but was a topic of high controversy was the Groupon commercial in the 2011 Superbowl. The commercial starts off with a female speaking of the tragic of deforestation in the Brazilian rainforest. The scenario of the Brazilian rainforest abruptly switches to a waxing salon and the female states how not all deforestation is bad. The female then goes on to say she saved 60% (or some percentage) on a Brazilian wax. This commercial made me laugh and laughter is good for health. Besides laughter I’ve learned of this new website that gives many daily deals to places in one’s surrounding area. Since then I’ve been going on Groupon and have saved at least 50% on certificates/vouchers to many places that I already go to or wanted to try. Due to Groupon I have searched for similar sites and stumbled upon Living Social and Play Hawaii, where I have gotten many good deals.
In the end, ads and commercials have many positive aspects. Ads help business thrive causing stimulation in economy and decreasing unemployment. Ads provide free resources and entertainment such as Facebook and Hulu. Without ads people would be out of the loop and unaware of the tragedy that we can prevent. Ads can also save us money by introducing us to sites such as Groupon. In general ads or commercials ultimately have a negative impact on our lives
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Works Cited
Gornichec, Robert. “Con Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]
Hanano, Kelley. “Kelley’s – Cons Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]
Rodrigues, Lisa. “Con Forum – Lisa Rodrigues.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]
Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteYour paper was extremely well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially liked the quote from ME!! Just kidding. You made great points about how we need ads and commercials to make the world go round. My only question is about your thesis and your ending sentence….If your saying that ads can make a positive impact on people, then why would you say the opposite in your thesis? Maybe I just didn’t understand that part. Sorry. Never the less you did an excellent job.
Happy writing!
Kelley
Alison Matsumoto
ReplyDeleteLast edited: 10/06/2011 06:49:45 PM
Messages: 36
This is a very well written paper. It has nice graphics on the borders. I feel the your thesis should be changed to having a positive impact because your supporting paragraphs have the positive aspects of ads. If you delete the last sentence in your conclusion, the paper would be uniform.
Good Luck
review bty Carolyn Rose-Slane
ReplyDeleteThis is a well written and well-organized paper. MarkBen did an excellent job summarizing his argument in his closing paragraph and restating his thesis. I was confused by one thing: It seemed his argument was that ads and commercials have a positive effect on our lives. The title is “Ads are Our Supporters.” All his arguments seemed in favor of ads. But both his thesis statements are that ads and commercials ultimately have a negative effect on our lives.