Tag Archives: advertising

semiotics of ageing May 10

The Semiotics of Ageing in Advertising: Our changing discussion on age

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How we think about age is partially constructed by the way that advertising communicates themes, values and behaviour. By looking at some of the metaphors about ageing used in different socio-cultural contexts, this provides a frame for developing a semiotic map of the meaning in age related advertising. It also raises considerations for how society will ‘talk’ about age, in an area of science and medicine that is taking larger strides every year.

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birdcage August 27

Semiotics of the Birdcage

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A semiotic analysis of the birdcage as a cultural status symbol. Why is this symbol used so consistently by luxury and fashion brands? What is the history of the birdcage through to today? What are the psychological drivers that influence the engagement with the birdcage in society today? Since the birdcage is linked with fashion, what does this suggest about women and how they are framed in societal discourse?

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The psychology of the maze July 31

The Psychology of the Maze as a Modern Symbol

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    Why are we still a-maze-d by labyrinths? With a diverse range of permutations, the Maze is a symbol that has been with humanity since the pre-historic era. So pervasive is the labyrinth within human symbolic communication, it is impossible to think of a human era where it was not a deep structural metaphor […]

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Are carrots natural? June 07

What is a real carrot?

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What is a real carrot? About a week ago, I was speaking to a mum and the topic of shopping in supermarkets came up. It was a wide-ranging conversation and the benefits and concerns she expressed about shopping were similar to what other mums have talked about. In summary, supermarkets are convenient, good value and […]

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May 29

I see my name in my soup [names: part 4]

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  “I should not talk so much about myself if there were anybody else whom I knew as well.” ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden   Is everything about me? From antiquity, there was power of knowing the names of things and naming the world. The way we use names and identity are changing in society, […]

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May 23

BEING IN THE RED [ SEEING RED: PART 3]

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“The effect of this colour is as peculiar as its nature. It conveys an impression of gravity and dignity, and at the same time of grace and attractiveness”. -J.W Goethe   An evolutionary perspective alone doesn’t shed light on why we see red used in so many different contexts.  As discussed previously, our attraction to […]

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May 22

Why does red flag sex? [Seeing Red: Part 2]

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Why does red flag sex? Red is also a sensual colour. There have been studies that link the colour red to the perceived attractiveness of partners. When men or women wear red, they appear more attractive to their partners.  While some connotations of red are socio-cultural, we find many shades of red in the animal world, from […]

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