Classroomtools.com - Analyzing a Dingo ad

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Propaganda in the Classroom
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Ad Analysis
Dingo boots

I believe that the ad below contains a symbolic subliminal message. Such a message is transmitted via plainly visible objects or images. If they exist, these messages appear framed to appeal to our baser instincts, fears and faculties. Their producers would know from testing and research that the target audience would psychologically repress them; but would hope that at least a certain percentage of viewers will, while consciously ignoring or rationalizing them, subconsciously recognize and respond to them.

The controversy surrounding this type of subliminal stems from a long-running debate over the existence and nature of the subconscious; and from the fact that all things in which humans find symbolic meaning (words, numbers, images, music, etc.) can, and most often do, have multiple meanings. If you doubt that last statement, open any dictionary; you'll see that almost every word listed has multiple meanings. We attach specific meanings from the context in which we find the symbol. When Sigmund Freud famously said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar", I think he meant that in some situations people simply smoke cigars; in others they use them as phallic symbols. Likewise, the objects that convey subliminal meaning in this ad will have different meanings in other contexts. You need to ask, does this specific context give it a subliminal meaning?

Review the ad, then think about the answers I've provided to the questions beneath it. If you disagree with my answers, try to determine what you see that I don't; or vice versa.

What item are you analyzing? An ad for Dingo boots
The message you chose to work with is transmitted via (check off all applicable categories)

_____	written language	_____	spoken language	_____	music	_____	other sound
__X__	image (photo, drawing, etc.)	_____	color	_____	other visual	_____	other _________________

The medium used to transmit the message is (check off the type that applies)

_____	book	__X__	magazine	_____	newspaper	_____	mail or e-mail	_____	billboard or poster
_____	TV	_____	radio	_____	film	_____	CD, audiotape, etc.	_____	other _________________

Who authored the message?

Unknown

At whom is it targeted?

Men

Is it commercial or non-commercial?

Commercial

In one clear, brief sentence, summarize the message with which you've decided to work.

Dingo boots will make you virile.

Are there other propagandistic messages in this item?

Yes

Is the author attempting to elicit a behavior or a belief?

Behavior

Clearly state the behavior or belief the author wants from the target.

S/he wants men to buy Dingo boots.

Does the message attempt to manipulate with emotion, reason or both?

Emotion

Describe how you think the manipulation works?

In this ad, the subliminal promise comes from the presence of O.J.'s "third leg".

Long before he went on trial for the murder of his former wife, O.J. Simpson was a famous football running back. Thus it would probably not be unusual for him to be used to sell a product on the basis of his powerful legs. However, like most of us, he only has two. Or does he? "Third leg" is one of many euphemisms for penis. And the "third leg" depicted in this ad is large and powerful, attached to a man known for his power and virility. The subliminal message - these boots are for men like O.J. Simpson, powerful and virile. Wear them and that power and virility will transfer to you, including your "third leg". Who might respond to such a message, anyone with doubts about his own virility (especially repressed, subconscious ones).

Do you believe this item was successful propaganda?

Yes.

What evidence supports your answer to the last question?

This was one in a long-running series of ads. Some even featured women with a "third leg". They sold Ms. Dingo. Remember, it was the 1970s - the height of the women's movement in the U.S. Many men (and advertisers were then and are still primarily men) believed that "Women's Libbers" wanted to take over men's roles, even sexually. If that was indeed the premise, I'm guessing the ad didn't sell many boots to women, but it would say a lot about the psychology of those particular ad executives.

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