TOW #21-Visual-Samsung

      This is an advertisement for the Samsung Mp3 player. The presence of the company's logo in the bottom right hand corner lends this ad an immediate appeal to ethos, since Samsung is a very well-known electronics brand. The ad itself is effective mainly due to how striking its image is. The picture of a miniature person within the ear of a normal-sized person would cause most people to stop in confusion and take a closer look to understand. Upon closer inspection, is assumed that the miniature figure is a singer or rapper of some sort. Perhaps not noticeable at first is the black cord that runs from the foot of the miniture male. The cord is symbolic of an earphone cord. The implication is that the miniature singer is representative of an earbud in someone's ear.
      Further analysis will reveal the true meaning behind this advertisement. It is really a clever idea by Samsung. It implies that the Mp3 player is so good that it will sound like the singer of the song being listened to is actually right inside the ear of the listener. This is an attempt to convince consumers of the impressive sound quality of the Samsung Mp3, and it may work with many consumers who only spend a moment or two to consider the ad.
      However, a key flaw in this ad is actually what the ad is based on. According to this analysis, the miniature person represents an earbud. Therefore, this ad could be perceived as actually an advertisement for a pair of earphones, earphones so good that it makes it sound as if the music is right in the listener's ear. Thus someone who took that spin on the add, would only be confused by the mention of the Mp3 player in the lower right hand corner of the ad. In fact, there is no Mp3 player visible anywherein the advertisement. This represents a kew weakness that this ad holds. If it were an ad for a pair of earphones, it would be extremely effective. As it is, as an ad for Samsung's Mp3 player, it is not as effective an argument when analyzed closely. Luckily for Samsung, most people who look at this ad will not be doing an in-depth rhetorical analysis. When taken in with just a cursory glance, this ad is safely effective as a means of promoting the product. However, anyone who has taken Mr. Yost's English class will not be fooled.