Media Influences on America Assignment

Choose a product or service from these examples:

• Fast food
• Class of consumer product
• Personal care
• Automobile

Research the Internet to analyze how that product or service has been advertised.

Prepare a 15- to 20-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation in which you investigate the role of advertising in a culture of consumerism.

Be sure to discuss the following:

• Who determines ethical standards for advertising?

• In what ways has advertising affected American culture?

• What are the key persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising? Illustrate with specific examples, explaining how each technique works.

• Discuss some of the critical issues that may arise from the following areas:

o Children and advertising
o Advertising in schools
o Health and advertising
o Political advertising

• Find one example of a commercial that strikes you as particularly creative and appealing:

o What are the elements that are unusual?
o What is the target group of the commercial?
o How does the commercial appeal to consumers?
o Why do you believe this commercial to be effective in brand name recognition?
o How are ethical standards met (or pushed to their limits)?

Illustrate your findings with specific examples. List any references on the last slide.

Format consistent with APA formatting guidelines.