Icon, Index and Symbol

2) Why are icons and indexes so important in media texts?

Icons are very important as we can instantly recognise what its trying to represent. For example a product, brand or message, without the need of words. Indexes are equally as important as icons since they provide you with context and meaning behind the icon. 

3) Why might global brands try and avoid symbols in their advertising and marketing?
Symbols could potentially give off the wrong message, causing a negative reaction among the audience. Brands might avoid symbols when marketing and advertising because if something is communicated that is offensive or inappropriate, it will not put the brand in much danger since there is no symbol. Also another reason may be the brands want the message to be the main flash.




4) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) where the producer has accidentally communicated the wrong meaning using icons, indexes or symbols. Why did the media product fail?
 
This Advert failed to communicate their message since the picture reminds use of the frighting terrorist act called 9/11. The messaged received by the audience broke many trusts between the customers and Starbucks. Starbucks thought it was amusing to "poke some fun" however, many customers thought it was just ignorant. The grass was meant to be the small building and the mosquito was an image of the plane. "Collapse into cool" mimics the tragic scene when the planes collapsed through the twin towers. Some customers were victims of the terror but Starbucks were too  ignorant to understand.

 5) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) that successfully uses icons or indexes to create a message that can be easily understood across the world.
 
This advert was very successful at what it was trying to communicate since the audience weren't offended through the message. Instead of gaining more customers, there intentions were to allow their audience to appreciate their product and use your product more often. They wanted their audience to become advocates and promote their product instead gaining more awareness. Their icon is Hugh Jackman who is a well known actor and can encourage consumers to use their product if hes using it.  The milk on his face indicates how the milk affects you after you dank it. This implies that the milk enhances your strength straight away and leaves a mark showing evidence. Furthermore, the index "got milk" questions the audience if they are using the right milk product. The index interacts with the audience and may change their view on milk and if they are using it enough.