In this 1960's Cocoa Puffs commercial, a rhetorical appeal that stands out is pathos. The commercial targets the emotions of young children. First and foremost, the commercial is a cartoon. This in itself is really going to draw in the attention of most children. When the commercial begins, Sonny the Cuckoo bird is seen playing on a swing, just as many children enjoy doing. He then starts singing about the "yum yum" Cocoa Puffs. What child doesn't enjoy a nice, little, catchy tune. What's more is that this tune is so short and simple that children will be able to catch on to it fast and may even start singing it themselves around the house. The bird only gets more hyper when a box of Cocoa Puffs Cereal is placed in front of him. Children in general have a lot of energy and can get very hyper. Also, most children probably like chocolate and/or cereal. The thought of combining these two delicious foods has got to be extremely enticing to children. Most children would think the idea of a crazy, singing, dancing bird is really silly. Thus, they would probably smile or laugh at the silliness of this very cuckoo bird.
-Therese Renzi
Definitely a really good capture of the pathos being used in the commercial. Even though its a commercial that is fairly short it grabs the audience's attention right from the start. The bright colors and happiness from the bird gives off a potential feeling that children who eat the cereal will be able to experience as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gabriella, your analysis of the appeal to pathos in this commercial is exactly on point. With all of the energy, bright colors, and hyper intensity, it only makes sense that this commercial is intended and gets the attention of children of a younger age.
ReplyDeleteI think you covered pretty much anything dealing with the viewers emotions in the commercial. It uses cartoons, a nice little tune, and chocolate, three of children's favorite things, to draw in their attention.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis. The crazy bird does stand out and catch your attention. I like how you mentioned that the target audience was children. It shows that sometimes children can be a great selling point.
ReplyDeleteTotally true. They probably think that they only need to win the children over then all will be well. As when that happens the children will take the job on to urge the parents. Kind of a one stone two bird situation.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the explanation you used as to why it appealed to pathos. The catchy tune and hyper bird was definitely an easy way to lure the kids in and appeal to their emotions.
ReplyDelete-Breauna