McCracken MS Bulletin Board #2
(images courtesy LMS L. Douglas Simmons)
 The focus of this board was food ads in harmony with our school wide healthy futures campaign. 
We highlighted question 2- what techniques or methods – and featured common hooks: 
facts and figures, star power, weasel words, gimmicks and contests, scale, repetition,
excitement, family fun, etc and invite viewers to judge which have been employed in the featured ads: 
Milk, Popsicle, Chiquita bananas, Bubble tape, Laffy Taffy, Big League Chew chewing gum, Juicy Fruit gum. 
Ads came from Boy’s Life and Nickelodeon.

Newsletter excerpt:

Media Literacy:  Are you getting the message?  Part 3 

“Hooks”

            The second key question you need to ask yourself in becoming media literate is:
 “What techniques are used to attract my attention?”  Put another way, “What methods
does the sender of the message use to get you to read or listen to or watch and ultimately
do what they want you to regarding the product or idea they are selling.

  These methods are referred to as “hooks”, and like a fishing hook the barb on the end keeps
you on their line and brings you to shore - the door of their store or thinking a certain way.

            McCracken is on getting healthy this year, so here are a few “hooks” that
advertisers use to get you to try and buy new snacks.  Think before you bite!

Are You Cool Enough – you will be if you eat or drink this!
Bandwagon – similar to being cool, join the crowd and be like everyone else!
Cartoon Characters – kids want to be grrreat like Tony, wouldn’t you?
Excitement – want an instant party get this product today!
Facts and Figures – numbers don’t lie, 100% fruit juice, 99% fat free
Heart Strings – just like Grandma used to make – eat this and feel good all over
Ideal Kids or Families – everyone looks so happy, handsome, and cool, can pizza do that?
Omission – part of a good breakfast?  Maybe if everything else in the picture is…
Put Downs – hands down our super crunchies taste better than brand x,
Repetition – didn’t you just see that commercial 30 seconds ago -see it, buy it!
Sounds Good – such a cool song, that stuff must be good!
Weasel Words – Don’t be mislead, is “…now with the taste of cherries”, the same as real cherries?