Read “Supermarket Semantics” https://msudenver.instructure.com/courses/79101/files/14329140?wrap=1 and watch the “Three Appeals” video I posted in the Week Eight module. Using ideas from Supermarket Semantics, discuss the relationship between logic, emotion, and ethics found on the websites for “Nature Valley” https://www.naturevalley.com/products/trail-mix-fruit-nut-bars-15ct and”Beyond Burger.” https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-US/products/the-beyond-burger In particular, I want you to consider the emotional versus logical value of terms like “real fruit,” “meaty,” “plant based,” “no gluten,” “natural flavors,” and so on.
Is connotative language like this used to manipulate? Where is the line between a persuasive use of language and information and a dishonest one? (You may bring in connections with earlier discussions as well.) Finally, if an argument is successful, does it matter if it is honest or ethical? Why or why not?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Power of Connotative Language in Marketing: A Fine Line Between Persuasion and Manipulation
In the era of modern advertising, companies are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to capture the attention and loyalty of consumers. One powerful tool in their arsenal is the use of connotative language – words and phrases carefully chosen to evoke specific emotions and associations in consumers. This essay will explore the relationship between logic, emotion, and ethics found on the websites for “Nature Valley” and “Beyond Burger,” particularly focusing on terms like “real fruit,” “meaty,” “plant-based,” “no gluten,” and “natural flavors.” We will delve into the question of whether such connotative language is used to manipulate consumers, where the line between persuasion and dishonesty lies, and whether the success of an argument justifies its honesty or ethicality.
The Emotional Appeal of Connotative Language
Both the “Nature Valley” and “Beyond Burger” websites employ connotative language to tap into consumers’ emotions. The term “real fruit” used by “Nature Valley” conjures up images of fresh, wholesome ingredients, appealing to the desire for natural and healthy snacks. Similarly, the use of “meaty” by “Beyond Burger” triggers associations with indulgence, satisfaction, and a carnivorous experience, even though the product is entirely plant-based.
By employing such connotative language, these companies aim to establish an emotional connection with their target audience. Emotions play a significant role in consumer decision-making, often influencing purchases more than rationality alone. When individuals feel emotionally connected to a product or brand, they are more likely to form positive associations and develop brand loyalty.
Manipulation or Persuasion?
The use of connotative language in marketing raises the question of whether it is a manipulative tactic or a legitimate persuasive strategy. While some may argue that companies exploit consumers’ emotions to manipulate them into making purchases, others maintain that persuasion through emotional appeals is an essential part of effective marketing.
The line between persuasion and manipulation becomes blurry when companies intentionally mislead or deceive consumers. For instance, if a product claims to be “all-natural,” but in reality contains artificial additives, this crosses the line from persuasive to dishonest. It is crucial for companies to strike a balance between appealing to emotions and providing accurate information about their products.
Honesty and Ethicality in Successful Arguments
The success of an argument does not absolve it from being honest or ethical. In fact, honesty and ethicality play a vital role in maintaining consumer trust and long-term success. A dishonest or unethical argument may initially sway consumers but can damage a company’s reputation in the long run.
When companies employ connotative language in their marketing strategies, they must ensure that the claims they make are truthful and align with their ethical responsibilities. By prioritizing transparency and integrity, companies can build trust with their consumers and establish a strong foundation for lasting relationships.
Furthermore, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of ethical practices and are more likely to support companies that align with their values. For example, if a company claims to be environmentally friendly but engages in unsustainable practices, it risks losing credibility and customers who prioritize environmental ethics.
In conclusion, connotative language is a powerful tool used by companies like “Nature Valley” and “Beyond Burger” to appeal to consumers’ emotions. While this approach can be persuasive when used ethically and honestly, there is a fine line between persuasion and manipulation. Companies must ensure that their claims are accurate and transparent to maintain consumer trust. Ultimately, the success of an argument does not justify its lack of honesty or ethicality. In today’s discerning marketplace, consumers prioritize brands that align with their values and demand transparency in their marketing efforts.
