Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Page 195

3. Find  an advertisement that uses an appeal to fear. Is it a good argument?

Although I could not find the example online, I saw a commercial on TV a few days ago for Allstate Insurance. It showed a someone who was in a car accident all alone and then all of a sudden, someone else comes to help them along with a police officer, tow truck, and then their insurance agent. As the commercial continues, there are images of the individual who was in the car wreck being supported by all who had arrived on the scene and at the close of the commercial, it says something along the lines of “Aren’t you glad that you’re in good hands?” This is a perfect example in regards to the concept of appeal to fear because it shows the other side of the concept that could be seen positively. Even though it does not directly put viewers into a fearful state, it does urge them to change their insurance policy from whatever it was before to Allstate because their customers “are in good hands.”

3 comments:

  1. That is a really good example of an argument that appeals to fear! It is funny because I see those commercials all the time, but it was not until I read your post that I realized the tactic they were using while trying to appeal to others. It is also funny because the commercial is suppose to make you feel safe despite what situation you are in; however, it is very unlikely that the moment you are in trouble, Allstate will instantly be there with an easy solution. You would think that if Allstate was promising such safety, they would produce a more likely scenario.

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  2. I enjoyed reading your blog on appeal to fear. I really liked and enjoyed the example you provided. Appeals to fear does not necessarily need to be bad, just as you provided in your example. Although Allstate has good intentions, they are advertising appeal to fear. It implies that you may get into a car accident. It causes people to consider changing insurance because they may want to be in "good hands". You made appeal to fear very clear and easy to understand by detailing your example. It was well written. Overall, I think you did a great job responding to appeal to fear.

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  3. Hey, I like your explanation! It made me realize and take notice of the commercial and how it relates to the topic. I see that commercial all the time but i never really take notice of it when I come across it. It's a good example because everyone is afraid of car accidents and wouldn't want to have a tragic accident. It makes sense because your explanation makes it clear that this put's fear in the viewers mind. Not the kind of fear that would make them panic but the fear that would make them change their mind about their insurance. This also made everything more understandable and easier to relate. I really like the explanation and how you put the thought into this commercial. I would have never thought of this. Nice Post!!

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