A Fergilicious Rhetorical AnalysisIf anyone were to scroll through the television channels, they would likely come across a show or movie that glamorizes teen pregnancy. These shows are so common now that the shock factor has been lost, they are just daytime entertainment. As a nonprofit organization, the Candies Foundation “works to shape the way young people in America think about the devastating consequences of teen pregnancy and parenthood.” (The Candies Foundation). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The campaign aims to spread awareness of the downside of teen pregnancy by publicizing their cause on PSA ads. In a 2007 advertisement featuring Fergie, the Candies Foundation uses elements such as celebrity culture, slang, statistics and specific language to persuade younger audiences to avoid teenage pregnancy. The ad uses the phrase "Not quite how you imagined your first crib, huh?" followed by the annual cost of raising a child and, at the end, the campaign's mission statement. (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie) The ad uses musical artist Fergie to add a sense of familiarity to the ad. As the only female member of the Black Eyed Peas (Biography.com), Fergie's name has become famous among teenagers around the world, making her an influential figure among young girls who look up to her and feel they can identify with her and trust her. However, Fergie has no connection to teen pregnancy. In fact, The Candies Foundations' PSA generally features celebrities who, like Fergie, are not and have never been teen moms. The only celebrity to break this mold was Bristol Palin and son Triff, featured in a 2010 PSA. (The Candies Foundation PSA Bristol) If this were to be recognized, the advertising may not be as effective. Advertising uses persuasive words and language familiar to teenagers in an attempt to identify and influence its audience. The word "crib" is used as a slang term used to describe one's home and as a literal term to describe a bed in which a child sleeps (World Wide Words). Since the ad is aimed at teenagers, the use of slang makes it easier to identify. The ad features the campaign mission statement “Providing information about the devastating consequences of teen pregnancy” at the bottom of the ad. (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie) The word “devastating” has a very strong negative connotation and adds a sense of burden of an unwanted teenage pregnancy. The phrase “Pause Before Playing” located at the bottom of the ad (The Candies Foundation PSA) also adds a sense of familiarity. Teens are often very familiar with music, and the use of this phrase indirectly refers to stopping and thinking, or stopping and preparing before having sex. dollars a year” (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie). By using statistics, the audience will see the ad as more credible and therefore give the ad a stronger base. The ad uses Pathos through the phrase “Not quite the way you imagined your first crib, huh?” (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie). This phrase appeals to the audience's material values of owning a beautiful home. It's well known that teenagers often imagine their first home as something extravagant. By going against this idea and having the adolescent imagine his first "cradle" as literally a baby's crib,.
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