Hershey’s, the beloved American chocolate brand, recently made headlines with their groundbreaking commercial featuring deaf actors. The commercial, which aired during the Super Bowl, has sparked conversation and garnered praise for its inclusive representation of the deaf community. In this article, we will explore the impact of the commercial, the reactions from the deaf community, and Hershey’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in their advertising. Join us as we delve into the significance of Hershey’s deaf commercial and its role in shaping the future of inclusive marketing.
Table of Contents
- Hershey’s Deaf Commercial: A Step Towards Inclusivity in Advertising
- Breaking Down the Ad’s Representation of the Deaf Community
- The Impact of the Commercial on Deaf Viewers and the Advertising Industry
- Recommendations for Furthering Inclusive Representation in Media
- Q&A
- Key Takeaways
Hershey’s Deaf Commercial: A Step Towards Inclusivity in Advertising
In an effort to promote inclusivity and diversity in advertising, Hershey’s recently released a commercial featuring a deaf couple. The ad, which aired during the Super Bowl, showcases the couple communicating through sign language as they enjoy a bar of Hershey’s chocolate. The commercial has been praised for its representation of the deaf community and for raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in media.
The commercial not only features deaf actors, but also includes closed captions and an on-screen American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, making it accessible to a wider audience. This inclusive approach has garnered positive feedback from viewers, with many applauding Hershey’s for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Representation of deaf community in advertising
- Closed captions and ASL interpreter included in the commercial
- Positive feedback from viewers
Here’s a breakdown of the commercial’s key elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Actors | Deaf couple communicating in ASL |
| Accessibility | Closed captions and ASL interpreter |
| Product | Hershey’s chocolate bar |
The Hershey’s commercial is a small but significant step towards a more inclusive advertising industry, and it is hoped that other companies will follow suit in representing a diverse range of individuals in their marketing efforts.
Breaking Down the Ad’s Representation of the Deaf Community
In the recent Hershey’s commercial, the company attempted to showcase inclusivity by featuring a deaf couple communicating through American Sign Language (ASL). However, the representation of the deaf community in the advertisement has received mixed reviews. Some viewers applauded the company for including ASL and bringing visibility to the deaf community, while others criticized the ad for its lack of authenticity and perpetuating stereotypes.
One point of contention is the use of ASL in the ad. While it is a step towards inclusivity, some argue that the signs used were not accurate or true to ASL. This brings up the issue of authentic representation and the importance of consulting with members of the deaf community during the production process. Additionally, the ad only featured one form of communication used by deaf individuals, failing to acknowledge the diversity within the community and the various ways they may choose to communicate.
- Accuracy of ASL used in the ad
- Consultation with deaf community members
- Recognition of diverse communication methods within the deaf community
Another concern is the perpetuation of stereotypes. The commercial shows the couple struggling to communicate with a hearing individual, which may reinforce the idea that deaf people are dependent on others for communication. This goes against the reality that many deaf individuals are self-sufficient and have developed their own ways of navigating a hearing world. It is important for advertisements to reflect the true experiences and capabilities of the deaf community, rather than relying on outdated and harmful stereotypes.
| Stereotype | Reality |
|---|---|
| Dependent on others for communication | Self-sufficient with their own methods of communication |
| Struggle to communicate with hearing individuals | Able to navigate a hearing world effectively |
The Impact of the Commercial on Deaf Viewers and the Advertising Industry
Hershey’s recent commercial featuring a deaf couple has created quite a buzz in the advertising industry and among deaf viewers. The commercial, which showcases the couple using sign language to communicate, has been praised for its inclusivity and representation of the deaf community. It has been seen as a positive step towards normalizing the use of sign language and creating more visibility for deaf individuals in mainstream media.
Positive Impacts on deaf viewers include:
- Feelings of representation and inclusivity
- Increased awareness and understanding of sign language
- A sense of pride in seeing their community represented in a positive light
In the advertising industry, the commercial has sparked conversations about the importance of diversity and the need for more inclusive advertising. Brands are now recognizing the value of reaching out to underrepresented groups and creating ads that are reflective of the diverse world we live in.
| Brand | Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey’s | Deaf commercial | Positive reception, increased brand loyalty |
| Competitors | Inclusive advertising | Wider audience reach, improved brand image |
Recommendations for Furthering Inclusive Representation in Media
Hershey’s deaf commercial is a great example of how companies can take steps towards inclusive representation in media. By featuring a deaf actress, the commercial not only raises awareness about the deaf community but also provides an opportunity for deaf individuals to see themselves represented in mainstream media. However, there is still much work to be done in terms of promoting inclusive representation in media.
One recommendation for furthering inclusive representation is to actively seek out and cast individuals from underrepresented communities in media projects. This includes not only individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, but also those from diverse racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. Additionally, it is important for companies to consult with experts and members of these communities to ensure that their representation is accurate and respectful.
- Consult with experts – Work with organizations and individuals who are knowledgeable about the community being represented to ensure authenticity.
- Diversify casting – Actively seek out and cast individuals from underrepresented groups in media projects.
- Provide accommodations – Make sure that sets and production environments are accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Another recommendation is to include diversity and inclusion training for all employees involved in the production process. This will help to create a more inclusive environment on set and ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of representation in media. Additionally, companies should make a commitment to regularly featuring diverse individuals in their advertising and marketing campaigns to help normalize inclusive representation in media.
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Diversity and Inclusion Training | Creates a more inclusive environment on set |
| Commitment to Regularly Featuring Diverse Individuals | Helps to normalize inclusive representation in media |
Q&A
Q: What is the Hershey’s deaf commercial?
A: The Hershey’s deaf commercial is a television ad featuring a young deaf girl and her supportive family communicating through American Sign Language (ASL).
Q: When was the Hershey’s deaf commercial released?
A: The commercial was released in 2019 as part of Hershey’s ”heartwarming the world” campaign.
Q: What is the significance of the Hershey’s deaf commercial?
A: The commercial is significant because it represents a positive portrayal of deaf culture and celebrates the importance of inclusivity and diversity in advertising.
Q: How was the Hershey’s deaf commercial received by the public?
A: The commercial was well-received by the public and garnered praise for its authentic representation of a deaf family and for promoting awareness and acceptance of different communication methods.
Q: Did the Hershey’s deaf commercial have any impact on the deaf community?
A: The commercial had a positive impact on the deaf community, as it helped to raise awareness and promote understanding of deaf culture and ASL.
Q: Has the Hershey’s deaf commercial influenced other companies to include deaf representation in their advertising?
A: Yes, the Hershey’s deaf commercial has inspired other companies to follow suit and include deaf representation in their advertising, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, Hershey’s deaf commercial has sparked important conversations about inclusivity and representation in the media. By featuring a deaf protagonist, Hershey’s has taken a step in the right direction towards more diverse and authentic portrayals of individuals with disabilities. It is our hope that other companies will follow suit and continue to embrace and celebrate diversity in their advertising. The positive reception to the commercial demonstrates the growing demand for inclusive and representative storytelling, and we look forward to seeing more inclusive campaigns in the future. Thank you for reading.
