Style of 1960's Cocoa Puffs Commercial

This 1960's Cocoa Puffs cereal commercial is directed towards a specific audience: children.  The makers of this commercial were very much aware of the interests of young boys and girls and, thus, created it to appeal to their senses.  The manner in which it appeals to children is through its use of style.  One particular style seen throughout the commercial is diction.  The narrator uses words that are simple, fun, and easy for children to understand, such as "wanna have some fun?"  What child would say no to this question?  Another significant aspect of style incorporated in this commercial is the tone of the narrator and cuckoo bird.  The narrator's tone is very informative.  He is informing an audience who is very young and impressionable.  Children are very easily influenced.  Chances are, most children who watched this commercial actually believed the idea that if they did not have these delicious Cocoa Puffs, they would go crazy.  Furthermore, the tone of Sonny the Cuckoo bird is psychotic.  Children will see this behavior and believe it is okay to behave in such a manner.  Not only does it send a message to children, but to parents as well.  It is almost as if the commercial is threatening parents to buy Cocoa Puffs cereal for their children.  If parents want their children to be happy and sane, then they must provide this cereal for them.

-Therese Renzi