Entry #5. Mayhem, Is It Real?

     Modern times call for modern solutions and Allstate has a modern solution to the inconvenience of unexpected property damage. In a new commercial, Allstate seeks to play on the fear of unexpected accidents that are happen in life to property you own, specifically home insurance. Below, is the commercial I have decided to take a closer look at.

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by Allstate (2023)

    
    From the very beginning of the advertisement, the insurance agent is seen acting as a mischievous cat that intends to cause trouble. He does a number of acts that would cause some significant home damage such as throwing up on the ground, letting a sink overflow, and spitting out the feathers of a bird who was presumably in it's cage before. However, he also does some normal activities a cat would do such as playing with a toy or sitting perched on a Roomba. It gives the feeling that although they are trying to play on the fear of potential ruin and damage, they make it seem less aggressively directed by mixing in just normal everyday activities. This is likely done to help encourage the viewer that accidents can happen at any time, not just to bad cats.

    However, the insurance agent is heard narrating the commercial and claiming that he has been "plotting" to destroy the family's home since moving in. This would cause the viewer to begin to think about whether their animal may be plotting or causing similar damage to their home. Thus, creating the idea that the viewer should go out and seek home insurance in case an event like this happens.

    The agent in the commercial claims that if you "had Allstate, you'd be better protected from mayhem..." This is said to try and give the sense that Allstate will keep you safe. As a home insurance provider, they explicitly show what kinds of issues they would be able to assist with in many given life situations. Though this is just one example, they are truly great at targeting what audiences can't stand the most, insecurity that comes with fear.