The 1958 poster ad for Budweiser displaying a woman serving beer to a man (presumably husband and wife), evokes a feeling of tradition and traditional values. Around the 1960's, the idea of women being subservient to men was a perpetual image. The wife is not only serving beer to her husband, but happy to do so - indicated by the cheerful smile on her face. However, others may argue this image is a positive one, displaying a well balanced relationship between and man and woman.
The husband is hard at work on the job in front of him. He is frustrated with his lack of progress and the wife is pouring him Budweiser to cheer him up. The top of the ad reads: "Budweiser: Where there's life... There's Bud." This text says to the audience, "Whenever life gets you down, Budweiser is there". The ad builds a sort of relationship between "Bud" and potential consumers by using (what was) a modern day couple in a situation people could relate to at the time. The advertisers crafted this endorsement with the intended audience in mind, and what would appeal to that audience the most on a personal level.
I agree completely with your analysis but I also think that the poster also shows a happy couple to appeal to potential customers by showing that by drinking Budweiser they too can have a good healthy relationship with their partner.
ReplyDeleteAs you implied, the ad shows the typical American couple in the 1960s. The idea of a hardworking man and loyal women will appeal to the intended audience. The ad also shows that having a glass of “Bud” beside you is very American.
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