(Image from Google Images)
A few years ago, I had viewed a TV commercial for a national American bank. The ad began with footage of an adorable, well-fed, happy baby, followed by a series of events that could affect this baby during his/her lifetime, placing the iconic image of innocence juxtaposed with the risks of adult decisions, bringing the audience to the recognition that their savings would earn wonderful dividends if placed in this bank.
In another commercial, a hybrid automobile is placed in the middle of a lush, wooded glen. Little by little, the writers narrate the environmental benefits of owning this car. Again, the placement of an icon for modern society in the middle of the natural environment makes a statement about the cultural need for earthly stewardship (as well as the adaptability of that particular car to a variety of terrains). However, they never mentioned the cost of maintaining such a vehicle. Hmmm... food for thought in another commercial perhaps...
Indeed, the use of iconic realism is a creative means to sell a product!
