Semiotics

Semiotics is the analysis of how we use and interpret signs.  Lets take a close look at the ad displayed below: This ad uses a combination of image and text to get the message across, a negative portrayal of chemotherapy.

The image could potentially be any girl’s hair in the shower because it is normal for girls to lose their hair. What makes a bigger impact is the text on the ad because they make it seem like chemotherapy isn’t the best option for treating cancer. It is understandable coming from a breast cancer advocate because losing one’s hair, especially for women is a big deal. Hair is important for women because it deals with their self-esteem and how they view themselves.  Also, this ad conveys that doctors don’t care about the fact that these “side effects” can change the patients’ lives, but then again doctors could be saying this side effect is tolerable because losing ones hair is a small price to pay if it will save their life. 

Brands are everywhere

     We live in a world where brands are found almost everywhere. We are exposed to many mediums that carry out these brand messages, either through the radio, television, billboards, Internet, or somebody. Brands are everywhere waiting for a consumer to get their hands on.

     Personally, I don’t have any preferable brands. I buy my products wisely depending on how much money I am able to spend. However, there are people who buy brands to help them reveal a little about who they are or how they would like to be perceived by others. Also, some people buy brands to attract attention, follow the crowd, improve their status, or become similar as their icon. Either way, it is clear that brands are everywhere, around us, on us, and within us.