Representation and Difference: Meaning of Dove's Ad
Choose and respond to one of the questions below.
Answer in essay form (not point-form). It is up to each student to interpret the question and respond to it accordingly. Submit as Word doc or PDF.
Regarding the test:
• No need to use formal MLA citation, but simply mention the title and author when paraphrasing, quoting, or making a reference to a text or video.
• There is no specific word or page limit for your essay response, but 2-pages double-spaced is recommended. • Be sure to label and identify your essay document so that the question to which you are responding is clear.
• Write in full sentences; no point-form.
• Plagiarism means 0 grade.
Questions:
Choose ONE (1) Using the course materials related to “Representation and Difference” explain the preferred meaning of the advertisement (Figure 1) below in terms of what it has to say about stereotypes. In Barthes’ terms, what are its meanings? Its underlying message? Be sure to explain the concepts and critical tools that you employ.
OR (2) Using course materials related to “Income Inequality: Nepo Babies” compare and explain how class stereotypes and income inequality are being depicted in these headlines (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Be sure to explain the concepts and critical tools that you employ.
Dove’s Ad
Author’s Name
Institution of Affiliation
Course Name
Instructor’s Name
Date
Dove’s Ad
In the 21st century, advertisement of goods and services on social media platforms has been surging at an alarming rate. Large and small companies are embracing this online advertising technique as it has a wider reach to current and potential clients. One company that has constantly used social media for advertisement in recent years is Dove, which reflects women's beauty. Unfortunately, one of its advertisement posts did not end well, as it was branded a "racist" ad by online users. The beauty company posted a three-second video on its official Facebook page displaying a black lady removing her top to demonstrate a white lady underneath. As the matter worsened, CNBC (2017) noted that Dove eliminated the clip and apologized on their Twitter account, claiming the post had missed the mark in representing ladies of color considerately.
The short video clip was intended to illustrate that Dove's body cleans is for all ladies and represents diversity. However, critics claimed the clip was racist since it displayed a