sawsaw 1/22

I found today's discussion to be very interesting and relevant to our everyday lives. The point Dr. Rog made about how in today's society a sign or symbol can represent something as a whole was very insightful. The example used was how we can just look at the sign for BP gas stations and immediately identify it as BP. I find myself capable of doing this with a lot of different brands. The fact that we only need signs and symbols to describe a certain thing astonishes me. This fact just proves how commercialized our world has become. These big corporations have become so powerful that people associate their name with a certain product. This is seen in Coco-Cola. Instead of people saying would you like a soda they ask if you would like a coke. Everyone identifies Coke with soda. The two are interchangeable. This also proves the power of advertising. Much thought goes into the colors, wording and graphics of a product. These factors are used to stimulate the consumers mind and to be intrigued by the product. It amazes me just how powerful the English language can be. There are so many multiple meanings for words yet they are universally accepted and understood. There are numerous words that sound the same yet have totally different meanings and spellings. Air and Heir are a perfect example of this. The power words and language have on our society is one that can't go unnoticed. The control signs and corporations have on our everyday lives is something that will only continue to grow.