I found this ad in Rolling Stone and thought it was an interesting take on class. The text at the top says:
This isn’t trust-fund luxury. This is start-up, do-it-yourself, this is gonna be the next big thing luxury. A new generation has arrived.
At the bottom it says:
Introducing the all-new Acura TSX. Forget silver-haired luxury. This is modern, i-VTEC, ELS Surround Sound luxury. Luxury that innovates, with features like the most advanced on-screen weather information and alerts. And luxury that thrills, with an aggressive new body style, a re-tuned engine, and a sport-minded suspension. The TSX with Technology Package. It’s luxury for a whole new generation. See it at acura.com.
So they’re playing on the idea of the self-made man–he creates the “next big thing,” he “innovates.” And he’s young and “modern.” And “aggressive.” All in contrast to those who inherit wealth, who are “silver-haired” and, presumably, not aggressive or brave enough for this car. This could be useful for a discussion of social class, in particular the old-money/new-money divide, as well as different ideas of masculinity.
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Comments 2
Martin W. — April 24, 2008
Goes right along with this
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080424/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_russia_rich_3
magazine for snobs.
Greg D. — August 16, 2010
Basically the ad says we don't make Lincoln Towncars :-)