Alex's Analysis of a Visual Advertisment

In this commercial from Careerbuilder.com, it reflects the culture and desires of every American; the American dream. This commercial is narrative directed towards the audience, implying a question; do you need a new job? The American dream is to become successful and wealthy in life. Some consider it fame, some consider it wealth, and some consider it both. Every American desires a dream job, a job that they thoroughly enjoy and make a lot of money doing so. In the beginning of the commercial it starts off with a middle-aged woman driving into a parking lot who does not look happy at all. The narrator soon talks and says; “It can be hard to know when you need a new job. As a rule, if you hate going to everyday, it may be time.” As soon as the women pulls into the parking lot, with the disgusted look on her face, she begins to scream, as if going to work was the worst thing ever, almost like torture. Many Americans can relate to this as the number of people unsatisfied with their job is growing. A study done by a private marketing company called Market Watch did a study to see how many people are unsatisfied with their jobs. Their findings show that about 53% of Americans are unsatisfied with their current job. The commercial goes on to a man in a cubicle office, the narrator then says, “If your co-workers don’t respect you, it may be time.” Shortly after the narrator says this, a man in a suit and tie walks by the man in the cubicle and says, “Hey dummy.” The commercial goes on to a woman on a dolphin in the ocean laughing as if she is having the best time of her life. The narrator says, “If you always wish you were somewhere else, it may be time.” After a few more scenes of relating to the unsatisfied American worker, it goes to a unique particular scene that reflects what the American dream really is. The scene is of a middle-aged African American sitting in his very nice leather chair, in a robe, drinking a glass of gold. In the background there are bars of gold sitting there, waiting to be blended by the butler into a drink that the rich man is drinking. The narrator at this time says, “If you make loads of money, it may not be time.” The meaning of this is that money is the ultimate American dream. It is what every American strives for. We go to college to get a good education in hope of a good career that we will make enough money in our lives. Our society is greatly based off money and this commercial projects the idea that money will equal happiness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79tMMFja-Fw