I am by no means a fan of The Bachelor, but this week I indulged my friend and watched it. I'd never seen an entire episode before, but ever since our class discussion I've become intrigued by all of the hype.
I am aware that jewelers actively advertise on the show, as the ring the "winner" gets during the finale comes from a specific company. But to my surprise, McDonalds also advertises. In fact, during this season one date took place inside an actual McDonalds. After the date it this McDonalds commercial popped up during the break.
Having discussed how advertisers immerse themselves within The Bachelor I was not surprised by this marketing strategy. However, it is concerning that most viewers will not understand the intentionality in having the date inside a McDonalds. In fact, perhaps a naive person will think that if they go on a date at McDonalds all of their dreams will come true. Additionally, the advertisement confirms that the show is truly far from reality.
Magazines and other entertainment media paint the picture that The Bachelor is true reality. Hopefully viewers will connect the dots after seeing the McDonalds date and the McDonalds ad - reality is nothing like The Bachelor.
I think that the focus on the commercialized aspect of the show is important, and the fact that McDonalds is trying to build a link between romance and it's fast food is strategic and intentional, but I also think that that this isn't an effective strategy. I think the more discursive discourses within the Bachelor of what it means to be a woman, how we as a society should value women, and the problematic way the show portrays what love looks like are more important questions. I think, if anything, the McDonalds ad is a mistake for the show, and can reveal the falseness of the bachelor and its unattainable nature. I'm just having a hard time seeing why seeing McDonalds as a romantic option as something we as consumers need to focus on as a major problem of the show is important?
ReplyDeleteI have not watched The Bachelor in a few years and have become much less of a fan of the show over the past few seasons. This is very surprising to hear based on the extravagant and over-the-top dates that the couples/groups typically go on. Although I can't say I'm too surprised given advertising and marketing strategies this day in age. I definitely agree that as viewers we need to snap into reality and realize that this is nothing of the sort.
ReplyDelete