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  • Essay / An Analysis of The Candie's Foundation Commercial Featuring Fergie and Its Effects on Teen Pregnancy

    A Rhetorical Analysis of FergiliciousIf one were to scroll through the channels on their television, they would likely come across a show or a film glorifying teenage pregnancy. These programs are so common now that the shock effect has been lost, they are just daytime entertainment. As a nonprofit organization, the Candies Foundation "works to shape the way America's youth view the devastating consequences of teen pregnancy and parenthood." (The Candies Foundation). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The campaign aims to raise awareness about the negative sides of teenage pregnancy by publicizing their cause in PSA advertisements. In a 2007 ad featuring Fergie, the Candies Foundation uses elements such as celebrity culture, slang and statistics, as well as specific language to persuade its younger audience to avoid teenage pregnancy . The ad uses the phrase "Not quite how you imagined your first crib, huh?" » followed by the annual cost of raising a child and the campaign mission statement at the bottom. (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie) The ad uses musical artist Fergie to add a sense of familiarity to the ad. Being the only female member of the Black Eyed Peas (Biography.com), Fergie's name has become well known to teenagers around the world, making her an influential figure among young girls who look up to her and feel they can identify with her and trust her. However, Fergie has no connection to teenage pregnancy. In fact, The Candies Foundations' PSA typically features celebrities who, like Fergie, are not and never have been teen moms. The only celebrity to break this mold was Bristol Palin and her son Triff, who were featured in a 2010 PSA. (The Candies Foundation PSA Bristol) If one were to acknowledge this, the ads might not be also effective. The ad uses persuasive words and language familiar to teenagers in an attempt to identify and influence its audience. The word "cradle" is used as a slang term to describe home and as a literal term to describe a bed in which a baby sleeps (World Wide Words). Since the ad is aimed at teenagers, the use of slang makes it easier to identify. The ad features the campaign's mission statement "Providing information about the devastating consequences of teen pregnancy" at the bottom of the ad. (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie) The word “devastating” has a very strong negative connotation and adds a sense of fear of an unwanted teenage pregnancy. “Pause before playing” located at the bottom of the ad (Candies Foundation PSA) also adds a sense of familiarity. Teenagers are often very familiar with music, and using this phrase indirectly refers to stopping and thinking, or stopping and preparing before having sex. The ad appeals to Logos through factual information, as stated in the PSA "Raising a Baby Can Cost Over $10,000." dollars per year” (The Candies Foundation PSA Fergie). By using statistics, the public will see the ad as more credible and thus give it a stronger foundation. The ad uses Pathos through the phrase “Not quite how you imagined your first crib, huh?” " (Tea.