Natural Light Beer Commercial with Mickey Mantle

          So, in the spirit of the rhetorical analyses we have been doing the past week, I decided to give a short rhetorical analysis of a commercial that I came across on YouTube. I think it may be pretty hilarious, but is also a good piece for a rhetorical analysis. First, take a look at the commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwRBqB0MVf4

          At first, this is kind of funny. We all know that Natural Light is disgusting, and nobody in their right mind would switch to it "for the flavor". This being said, Natural Light's task is even harder, and makes for a good rhetorical analysis. Natural Light attempts to sell its product through allusions to baseball, logos, and ethos.

          Throughout the commercial, allusions to baseball are made. First and foremost, the spokesman is Mickey Mantle. Also, at the beginning, a baseball arcade game is shown with a light that flashes, "Home Run!". Next, Mickey Mantle says that "Natural Light has the kind of flavor that I swing for.", and another guy says to him, "Don't worry Mick, it's a double header.". All of these allusions to baseball keep the audience interested, enabling Natural Light to promote its product.

Next, the advertisement uses logos, when it says, "Taste is why you'll switch.". This simple reasoning is an example of logos because it is a logical claim as to why one would want to drink Natural Light. This simple use of logos strengthens Natural Light's argument.

          Finally, ethos is used through the establishment of the promoters credibility. The promoter is Mickey Mantle! His credibility has been established through years of superior baseball play. Just this fact is the use of ethos, and probably the strongest rhetorical technique used by the advertisement.

      In conclusion, this advertisement may seem funny, but it is very good material to be analyzed. Natural Light uses allusions to baseball, logos, and ethos to attract its audience to buy it's beer. They better hope that their rhetoric is strong enough, because it is a tall task to get people to buy Natural Light, "for the flavor."