I chose an advertisement from the 50's for a 'self-charging portable
radio player.' This particular ad stood out to me from all the rest because of
the celebrity who is featured on the cover. General Electric featured
singer/song writer Frank Sinatra, who at the time was the epitome of class - a
tender "tough guy." Ads today still use this technique to sway buyers
into endorsing their products. Who doesn't want to smell like their favorite
pop idol? Frank was different. He was against the mainstream values of his time.
He represented people who didn't necessarily fit into a group or a class. Frank
Sinatra, unlike most, was ahead of his time. Celebrities like this who are in
it for the goodness, rather than the money are scarce these days. I like to support ideas and products that are different -
that stand for value and quality rather than quantity and demand. The mainstream loses it's value when buyers choose to support companies who hold good values - it's more than just a product.
I really enjoy looking at vintage ads for a variety of reasons. I like the art and artistry displayed, and I like the visual representation of the values of the era. You made a lot of good points here, including the use of celebrity & Frank Sinatra specifically.
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