Sep
2019
The Art of Potato Chips
A massive problem in the United States is obesity and being at an unhealthy weight in general. Some people would like to be able to eat more but not gain as much weight. This ad right here would grab the attention of people quickly from the sheer numbers.
Source: PathosEthosLogos.com
Different Methods of Cooking
Let’s discuss how a potato chip can be made first before we dive into this logos ad. As implied in the name, potato chips come from a particular type of potato that is easy to slice. The starch in the vegetable must be at a specific temperature, or else it will turn into sugar. The starch gets taken out, so the potato is ready for cutting. Then, there are three methods above of making the chips. If they undergo frying, they sit in oil at about 190 degrees Celcius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) which makes them have the most taste. If they experience baking, some of the taste suffers, but the fat content is less. Popchips is advertising that they use pressure cooking to keep the flavor and reduce the fat content. More of this process is right here.
How This Ad Presents Logos
There are a couple of things to talk about here. Firstly, the large number saying that in each of the potato chip stacks, there are one hundred calories. The argument explained here is that you can eat more and feel less guilty. The appeal of logos effectively makes a clean name for the Popchips company because they are saying that they make healthier chips than the other competing brands. A typical American eats four pounds of potato chips every year, as noted by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association. Their statement of more potato chips consumed is better than less is appealing; however, it may not be valid.
Common Thinking
Next, let’s talk about the commonplace that most Americans hold. More is better in this case because of the enjoyment of eating them. Potato chips are a snack that is widely known as unhealthy, but everyone still eats them. Popchips knows this. If they list the facts about other styles of potato chips compared to theirs, it will make them seem like they are promoting healthier living. The reality is potato chips are unhealthy any way you make them, but the statistics are correct here. They have less than half of the fat and calories than the fried chips but notice how there are more carbs per serving because of the number of chips the person is eating.
Would People Eat These?
Lastly, how appealing is this argument to people who want to indulge themselves while staying healthy? No matter how hard someone attempts to get someone on a diet to eat potato chips, the idea will not get a good response. Statements like these will still attract the same types of audiences and keep the dieters away. Someone would choose fruit because they are sweet and do not have all of the repercussions that the carb-heavy chips have. This statement would, however, through the concrete numbers pull more people away from the fried and baked potato chips. The logos appeal is strong and implies that more chips from the Popchips company are better than fewer chips from other brands. Overall, this advertisement is an excellent example of how numbers and statistics are used to persuade people one way or the other.