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.
1 Comment
hines.99
2/25/2020 06:11:32 am
This is a weird, and really interesting advertisement! I also agree that using the idea of a fairytale in the advertisement is meant to appeal to the audience in a certain way. But it is one that people from different backgrounds would interpret differently. I hear the word "fairytale" used a lot of the time to describe an ideal or desirable situation, which is a view you mention. I have also heard it used as a way to say something is unrealistic or fictional. So the use of that can kind of go multiple ways.
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