A Summery of "Advertisements R Us."

In her paper titled “Advertisements R Us,” Melissa Rubin analyzes a 1950’s Coca Cola ad explains what advertisements reveal about society.  In the background of the ad there are smokestacks, apartment buildings and skyscrapers set with a bright, optimistic blue sky. Rubin then explains how the background highlights the industrial age that America was going through. She also comments that the smoke stacks are seen positively in contrast with today’s society negative view on such factories. On the bottom-center of the ad there is a large crowd of people enjoying the product.  The author then indicates that the four men in military uniforms at the center of the crowd emphasize the patriotism at that time and the value veterans had in the society.  In addition, the author discusses that the fact that everyone in the ad were white, reflects the racial prejudice, segregation and racial intolerance that had a strong grip on America.  An ad made today would have more diversity represented. This is important because it helps define how much the attitude and personality in the American society has changed over the years.  The author concludes by restating her message: that ads such as this 1950’s Coca-Cola ad can allow people to learn about the ideals and values that are within society at that time.