Semiotics: icon, index, symbol



1) Find three examples for each: icon, index and symbol. Provide images or links.
Icon: 
Image result for a photograph of a wedding


 Index:

Image result for fire smoke
symbol:
 Image result for symbol
2) Why are icons and indexes so important in media texts?
Icons and indexes are important in media texts because they are a visual aid for the viewer. They help the viewer depict what the media text is trying to portray and allows them to relate to the texts; without icons and indexes, it makes it hard for the person viewing the media text to understand and relate.

 3) Why might global brands try and avoid symbols in their advertising and marketing?The reason why global brands may avoid using symbols is because symbols allows the viewer to interpret it the way they wish to, which may make them lose focus as to what the brand is trying to portray. Also, symbols don't mean the same thing or are not used all around the world, which means it makes their advert or marketing very limited to countries that tend to understand the particular symbols used. For example, letter and number are written differently in different languages and countries, which not everyone will be able to read and understand


 4) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) where the producer has accidentally communicated the wrong meaning using icons, indexes or symbols. Why did the media product fail?
Image result for bikini adverts


The reason this media product failed is because the icon being used is a woman who is wearing a bikini, where the advert is trying to promote their weight loss collection. The producers intentions were to promote their product, and convey the message that their product line will help you to lose weight and have a slim figure like the woman in the picture. However, this can be misinterpreted because the viewer could see the advert are trying to say that to have the perfect 'beach body' you have to be skinny and wear a bikini. The advert could also be interpreted as 'fat shaming' women who are curvier, by promoting their products next to a skinny women and conveying the message that you should buy their products to get the ideal 'beach body'. 

 5) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) that successfully uses icons or indexes to create a message that can be easily understood across the world.
Image result for nike ad verts


This advert uses the image of a basketball played, Kobe Bryant. The advert is understood worldwide because he is a successful basketball player, and the advert is trying to say that the player is wearing Nike clothing and shoes which makes him a better play on the court. The symbol 'Nike, Just Do It' is a well known slogan which allows everyone to relate and understand the advert, which is why Nike is an international brand.

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