Volkswagen Game Day 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
Mass Media's Role in our Perception of Language
Take a look at this ad that aired during the superbowl. This is a good example of both how we perceive identity through language usage, and where that perception comes from. What is the message of the ad, and how does it play into stereotypes about Jamaican people? Why do you think this perception exists? How does it play into stereotypes about American business culture? What is the source of the humor of the way they are speaking? Would it work with another accent? It also brings up the question of authenticity. Is it offensive to speak like someone else?
Volkswagen Game Day 2013
Volkswagen Game Day 2013
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The message of the ad apparently is that buying a punch bug will make you as happy as a Jamaican. This plays into the stereotype of Jamaican people that pretty much says they are happy all the time and nothing can bring them down. This perception exist because most Jamaicans are extroverts that try to look on the bright side of things all the time. It plays into American culture because it contrasts the gloom and doom feeling in the meeting room and then the happy feeing that the man with the Jamaican accent brings into the room. The source of the humor is the irony of seeing a white man and an Asian man speaking in a Jamaican accent. It might work in another accent but not in just any other accent, it would have to be an accent that conveys happiness and excitement but I believe that the full Jamaican accent is perfect. Speaking like someone else is not offensive if you are not trying to hurt someone. Most of the time I see people speaking in other accents just because they like how funny it sounds not to make fun of someone so as long as you are not trying to be hurtful then in my book you are not offensive, of course you need to make sure you know the person well enough before you talk to them in another accent or they might get the wrong idea.
ReplyDeletethe ad is basically saying that if you buy a volkswagon everything will be relaxed and easy and that you'll be happy like Jamaicans. i think that perception exist because Jamaicans are potraid to society as happy laid back people.its saying that american business culture is more stressful fast pass and boring.the humor would be that theres a Asian man and a white man who look like their miserable and once they get in the car they transform into a Jamaican happy and chill. another accent would probably not work on the ad, another accent would work on another ad depending on what their trying to sell.i don't find the ad offensive because their not using the accent in an offensive way, it really depends on how a takes person takes it.
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