#5 Side Step Into Mayhem

    We are side-stepping from dramaturgical analysis into rhetorical analysis. In my English class (which this blog owes its reason for existence), we have been working on what makes something effective, engaging, and enticing for an audience. We all can think of popular spokespeople/mascots in advertisements. Flo from Progressive, The Geico Gecko, and The Aflac Duck... each impart their unique flare to make them easily recognizable to viewers. Above the rest sits a poised and clever trickster of a mascot: Mayhem.

    Mayhem is the name and physical embodiment of chaos in the form of actor Dean Winters. Mayhem is a character frequently used in Allstate Insurance commercials. In this particular ad, we see Dean as Mayhem wreaking havoc on various people in the household as a cat. Mayhem literally says, "I'm your cat. Ever since you brought me home that day, I've been plotting to destroy you," as he turns on faucets, rides Roombas, and lounges on the couch in all sorts of cat shenanigans. These shenanigans lead to overflooded bathrooms, which leads to water falling through ceilings. It is a very clever plug for home insurance disguised as Mayhem, the pesky kitty cat.

    Mayhem doesn't just exist in the feline form. In other commercials aired by Allstate, Mayhem has been a teenage girl texting behind the wheel.

Or even a faulty GPS system.

 

    There are plenty of iterations of brands using clever marketing techniques. Do any of y'all have a marketing mascot that you particularly enjoy?