Potato chip advertising

Differences in our language culture and economic status can be easily seen through the food we eat. Different foods are advertised to different groups of people. For every kind of food there are different brand/types advertised and marketed to different economic classes. Freedman and Jurafsky looked at something as simple as potato chips. They noticed that something as simple as a potato chip could change in its appearance and language based on the audience it was marketed towards. Weird to think there is actually a “high-class” potato chip. Those most interesting part was how clear the differences were in expensive and inexpensive potato chip advertising. When looking at the word choice on the two groups, the expensive brands were written at around an 11th grade level while the inexpensive were at about an 8th grade level. It is interesting to note how the more expensive chips are written at a higher reading level, and more education is often associated with upper classes. The more expensive chips also used distinction almost five times more, saying how they were better, healthier, or different (in a good way) from other chips. The upper class often wants a “better” product because they think since they have the money they should not settle for “normal” items. I found the difference in authenticity quiet interesting. The more expensive chips talked about being all natural and made form better ingredients. Upper class often want to buy what they are told is the healthier option. The inexpensive chips talked about tradition, and being around for a long time. This kind of shows the hard work or possible struggles the company has worked through appealing to the working class more. I think similar results would come when looking at any other foods and food advertising. Upper class, typically, looks for the healthier options even if that means smaller quantities at a higher price; health is something they are willing to pay for. Lower class though wants quantity, to feel like they are getting the most for their money. Advertising then is going to target one of these groups. This type of food advertising is not limited to food at a grocery store but restaurants as well depending on their catered audience.