The sad eyes looking up at you. The melancholy music playing in the background. The sight of abuse marks lingering on the screen. When I saw this ad for the ASPCA, I realized instantaneously that it was the perfect example of pathos.
Not only does it tug at your heartstrings, but it begs you to consider their message. It takes a very callous person to somehow go by completely unaffected after viewing this commercial. In fact, whenever the commercial does come on, I have a very difficult time holding back tears, for even though it’s merely an advertisement, it still impacts me emotionally. I can’t even watch it anymore; I have to flip the channel as soon I hear those somber, deep beginning chords of the song “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. Although I turn it off at its first sign of somberness, I still find this commercial to be effective since it certainly leaves an impression on the viewer. Seeing those innocent dogs and cats in such vulnerable positions truly does make you want to grab your checkbook and car keys and drive to the local ASPCA to make an adoption. Through its use of images, slow motion, and song choices, this commercial makes a compelling argument, calling on anyone and everyone with a heart to help these poor victims of abuse. It is definitely an ad that stands out.
I completely agree! This ad always gets to me and I have to change the channel too! My family used to foster cats so it definitely brings back memories of that. I think that your analysis is spot on in that it relies on pathos a lot. I agree that it takes a cold, cold person to be unaffected after viewing that commercial.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw an ASPCA commercial I was practically in tears, and now when one comes on I always change the channel. That is power. If a commercial is so sad that it makes me change the channel the second it comes on, it definitely gets its message across. The commercial is so powerful that it can affect the audience after only seeing it once.
ReplyDeleteThat commercial is soooooo powerful. I am such an animal lover and whenever it comes on I have to switch it because it makes me want to go to my ASPCA and adopt them all! That commercial seriously hits you straight in the heart.
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