Blog 3

Blog 3

Semiotic Analysis

1.     Print

The print ad I’ve selected to analyze is the Nature Valley Trail Mix Bars ad in the back of National Geographic, September 2003 edition.  The ad’s denotation, or literally what is seen, consists of a forest, a snowy mountain in the distance, a lake with fog coming off of it, small orange flowers, and a hiker.  There is also a box of Nature Valley Trail Mix Fruit and Nut Bars in the foreground.  Text in white font is over the images.  These things carry the connotations of nature, peace, health, clean, fresh, and organic.  The myth here is that Nature Valley Trail Mix Bars are made with natural ingredients, no bad chemicals, and are good for people.  They help with physical activity and are perfect for the outdoor type as they represent a simpler, more organic way of life.

2.     TV Ad

Link to 2015 Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial “Lost Dog” commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAsjRRMMg_Q

            The commercial I’ve selected to analyze is 2015 Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial “Lost Dog.”  Looking at the ad’s denotation, the commercial features a puppy, at four horses, a farmer and a farm/stables.  There is also a truck, rain, and a wolf,.  In the commercial, the puppy gets on a truck, leaving the farm.  The puppy gets out of the truck and is later seen in a box in the rain.  The farmer puts up signs for “Lost Dog.”  The puppy returns to the farm and encounters a wolf.  The puppy barks and four horses appear.  The wolf leaves.  The puppy later gets a bath.  Text on a red background appears.  The connotation of the puppy is innocence, loyalty and sweetness.  The horses may be associated with strength, endurance, the country, the Wild West, and speed.  The farmer can be associated with hard work and wholesomeness.  The wolf connotes the wild and wickedness.  The horses saving the puppy from the wolf may be associated with teamwork, friendship, and loyalty.  The myth, or ideology, of this ad is that Budweiser is about these values: teamwork, friendship, and loyalty.  Drinking/purchasing their product will make you feel like you belong and that you are more sociable.

            3.  Outside Ad

            The outside ad I’ve selected is a MacDonald’s ad on a bus for Jalapeno McChicken and Jalapeno Double Burger.  The literal meaning of the ad/denotation is one chicken patty and a double burger, each with bread buns, lettuce, cheese, and jalapenos. The background is orange and green.  There is white text and a MacDonald’s logo.  The abstract meaning/connotation is filling, fattening, grease, cheap, simple, flavor, spice, hot, Latin America, luck, tangy, and flavorful.  The myth from this ad is that these burgers are delicious and filling and perfect for the everyday person to afford.  They’re inexpensive and will make you feel good.