While I was looking for ideas about my metaphor analysis, I stumbled across this gem (get it?) A real-life ad to get a replica of Megan Markle's engagement ring. I honestly couldn't believe it, and can't in good conscious pass up talking about this advertisement because I find it so random and very interesting. Megan burst into the international spotlight when she began her relationship with Prince Harry, and it became a sort of strange cultural significance that she was his "American princess" (as noted in the ad). Much in line with Kate Middleton's narrative that her relationships was a "fairytale," Megan's relationship was a major point of focus. Not only could the Brits obsessive her, but now the Americans could, too, and what better way that to...get the same ring she has? But even if you don't live in a country where monarchs reign, everyone is obsessed by the glamor of prince and princesses at least a little bit - and this advertisement definitely uses that to its advantage. After all, who doesn't want to pretend to be a princesses for a night? This ad is a little old - pre-May 2180 at the very least because it was before they married - but I'm positive that this was a huge hit. It's not even being sold online anymore (but the Royal Family is apparently selling really God awful replicas for $40, if you're still interested). In this ad, they acknowledge her as being "admired by millions" even if that's an exaggeration, and that she had a "fairy tale romance." I thought the use of fairy tale was interesting because, while we usually think of fiery tales as being a happily ever after, most fiery tales stem from lessons parents would teach to their children. Like not talking to strangers, going to the woods alone, or selling your voice to impress a man (ahem). Even the plots of most fiery tales are heteronormative, male-dominating stories meant to encourage women to settle down with their "prince charming" and be a wife and mother. Meghan is certainly not incapable of doing anything else now, and she seems to be a very happy wife and mother - but this kind of rhetoric is clearly meant to be romantic instead of just a sneaky way to glorify a historically oppressive, patriarchal system with no real power anymore. The ad also highlights that the replica share's Harry's attention to detail by placing diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection by calling it a "legacy of love." Two things are simultaneously accomplished when it's described in that way: 1) bring in an emotional response people have about Princess Di, and 2) leading anyone who buys this replica to believe that they might be connected to this "legacy of love" by buying a knockoff. (Which, no matter the quality, is still a knockoff). The cherry on top is definitely when it goes on to say that this ring is "a beautiful way" to "be apart of this historic romance" - as if any owners of this fake engagement ring would be connected in anyway.
I'm not the only one who's indifferent to the Royal Family and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's romance, but I did find this advertisement to be super interesting. Even though it's a weird thing to get, it's sold out and no longer available at the link. It's clear that the ring is catering to a specific audience that fantasies about one day meeting their own fairy tale prince, but the ring might just be pushing it.
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In this blog post, I will be looking at Bitzer's essay on rhetorical speech and apply it to my own life. For my example, I will be looking at when my friend invited me last-minute to cruise with her and her roommate last January. The obvious rhetorical situation is me going on the cruise with them. The reason why they needed me to go was because their third roommate hadn't paid my friend back for his ticket, and it was getting down to the last few weeks before they would leave for the cruise. They had originally wanted to go all together because it would be a way for them to get to know each other better and have fun. However, the third roommate has proven himself time and time again to be financially irresponsible, and my friend was frustrated that she had wasted her money because it was obvious he wouldn't pay her back. (She had bought the tickets in bulk to get the best deal possible.) She had previously mentioned to me how annoyed she was with her third roommate and even though she wanted to go to the cruise, it would have definitely brought the mood down if she had to pay for a whole other ticket.
The three major parts of Bitzer's rhetorical situation is the exigence, audience, and restraints. The exigence of this situation is that my friend's roommate not being able to pay her back for his ticket is causing her stress, and seeking me out to see if I wanted to go instead. One audience could be me, as it's my decision if I even want to go, or if I can even afford to go. Another audience could also be my boyfriend, as he wouldn't be able to go with me and even though he doesn't care what I do, I still wanted to talk to him about it and make him feel involved. And finally, the constraints are reasons the have the ability to persuade the situation, like my financial ability, my ability to take time off work, and my relationship with my friend and her roommate. At the time, I was working two jobs and taking a year off of school, so I would be able to pay her back in a timely manner. Second, even though I had two jobs, I had a good relationship with my managers at both locations and I was able to request the week off in plenty of time. Finally, my friend and I have been friends for years, and we've taken vacations together in the past so I knew I would have a good time. When she called to ask me if I wanted to go, she said she trusted me to pay her back whenever I could, and that I was the first person to ask because I'm usually down to do anything. Her roommate is also someone who I've hung out with a lot, and although I was apprehensive to spend an entire week with him, I was still interested in hanging out with him because he was funny. After everything was taken into account, I decided to go. Because of the reasons listed above, I decided it was a pleasant surprise and because I could afford to go, it would be a wasted opportunity to not go! I had a great time and made memories of a lifetime. :) |
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