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Surname 1 Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date Epigraph Listening is an act of consciousness. We are able to hear things differently when we choose to listen consciously -Stoever Jennifer Introduction Sound in advertising has a subtle but significant impact on our perception and confirms our preexisting beliefs. Jennifer Stoever's concept of the "sonic color line" offers a framework to explore how certain bodies are anticipated to create, want, and coexist with certain noises and how this phenomenon contributes to creating harmful racial hierarchies. This article examines the propagation of racial stereotypes in luxury and hip-hop-inspired commercials by analyzing aural choices, using Stoever's paradigm as a framework. This article explores Jennifer Stoever's groundbreaking concept of the "sonic color line" to study the intricate connection between sound, race, and authority. Stoever's idea offers a valuable perspective for examining the process of sound racialization and its role in perpetuating systemic racism via the maintenance of hierarchical inequalities. The nuanced prejudices within the auditory landscape are shown by examining many examples, including cheerful Mountain Dew adverts and seemingly innocuous Dove body wash commercials. Furthermore, by critically analyzing these advertisements, we intend to stimulate a broader conversation on our listening habits and whether they align

Surname 2 with the principles of the sonic color line. We need to promptly eliminate the sound color barrier in our auditory encounters and emphasize equal listening methods via this investigation. Multimodal Essay Sound influences perceptions and reinforces biases in advertisements In her publications, Stoever used the phrase "sonic color line" to elucidate the phenomenon of racializing sound, which involves the expectation that specific individuals will create, appreciate, and reside among certain sounds, hence building hierarchical divisions based on these auditory manifestations (Maiorescu- Murphy 12). By using this concept as a lens, we may analyze how racial hierarchies have been established and strengthened by attributing racial characteristics to sound and auditory encounters across time. Stoever aims to raise awareness about this overlooked aspect of institutional racism to encourage fairer listening methods that challenge the deep-seated racial prejudices in commonly used listening approaches. Her essay promotes a thorough reassessment of how the act of "listening while white" has historically justified the oppression of minority populations by relying on prejudiced assumptions about their voice. Stoever explores the widespread presence of racial injustice in everyday auditory experiences, ranging from law enforcement's discriminatory profiling techniques to individual preferences in music and vocal patterns. This is achieved by delving into the relatively unexplored realm of audio. Bringing attention to this overlooked domain is the first step in altering biased listening patterns and dismantling deeply ingrained racial inequalities perpetuated via sound. Exploration of the "sonic color line" concept by Jennifer Stoever

Surname 3 [sonic color line] Stoever's concept of the "sonic color line" highlights how the dominant culture's "listening ear" shapes individuals' listening habits in a manner that reinforces racial hierarchies (Maiorescu-Murphy 7). Although there is potential for more equitable listening habits, this term describes how prevalent listening techniques gradually amass racial biases over time. Stoever explains how racist cultural beliefs about the value of white and minority voices and sounds have influenced institutional practices and everyday listening habits. For instance, she illustrates how preexisting notions of refinement and musical choice have resulted in a bias towards the qualities of white artists rather than those of Black musicians. Stoever argues that individuals can choose to hear differently, regardless of their cultural upbringing or conditioning (Maiorescu-Murphy 8). Consequently, she advocates for a more attentive approach to listening, encouraging individuals to challenge rather than passively accept the prevailing norms that sustain racial inequality via auditory means. In order to do this, individuals must consciously strive to listen without inadvertently using prejudiced assessment standards rooted in racial stereotypes about speech and sound. Progress requires moving towards equitable listening habits, both individually and socially. Luxury Commercials Sonic choices in luxury ads associate sophistication with white voices Marketers meticulously create an ideal audiovisual aesthetic for luxury advertisements to appeal to wealthy buyers. Stoever's concept of the "sonic

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Surname 4 color line" demonstrates that racial bias may covertly encode even aesthetically pleasing soundscapes since white vocalization is automatically linked to notions of refinement. Despite these developments, Americans continue to associate sophistication with the tones, vocal cadences, and listening techniques traditionally and often associated with Anglo or white culture, whether consciously or unconsciously—for instance, examining the frequency of advertising promoting luxury products that feature the flawless, often associated with individuals with Caucasian ethnicity. Cheng and Jiang believe that “luxury brands are intertwined with the lives of Generation Z as exemplified by the participants’ view of luxury as a part of their daily lifestyle” (401). However, this exclusive domain does not include vocal cadences or musical forms associated with minority identities, nor does it encompass musical genres categorized as black or urban. The distorted sound effects aim to normalize discrimination and reinforce beauty standards that are rooted in racially biased ideas of social hierarchy, economic status, and personal success. In order to effect change, it is necessary to critically examine the underlying factors that lead some voices to be seen as indicators of sophistication. In contrast, others are suppressed by the majority due to their perceived lack of sophistication. Hip-Hop-Inspired Ads Conscious selection of deep, African American voices sustains racial stereotypes. In contrast to luxury advertising, several rap and hip-hop advertisements intentionally use profound African- American accents to imbue them with an urban sensibility. In contemporary culture, Stoever argues that hip-hop serves as a musical symbol for the urban Black

Surname 5 community despite more variety (Maiorescu-Murphy 16). Brands deliberately use vocal performances to harness the symbolic motifs of rhythm, sincerity, and ambiance associated with hip-hop and African-American singers. However, these gestures risk associating Blackness with conventional characteristics such as a rhythm influenced by attitude or a defiant demeanor, rather than acknowledging the whole humanity of the persons expressing themselves. The underlying cause of these clichés, as shown by Stoever, may be attributed to racially prejudiced cultural notions that have historically marginalized African-American modes of expression under the guise of sophisticated taste. It is incumbent upon hip-hop-inspired corporations to abstain from exploiting oversimplified stereotypes. Ethical soundscapes need to provide fair and equal portrayals, giving people of color the same opportunities as other groups to express themselves differently (Grewal 78). In order to advance, individuals must release any constraining preconceived notions, even if they seem to be positive, and allow the whole depth and complexity of one's personality to shine out. [Sonic Blackness] Although advertisers may want to get an edge in the urban environment, hip- hop influences might inadvertently reinforce racial stereotypes via the subtle biases included in carefully positioned audio components. Several corporations are leveraging the symbolic worth of

Surname 6 works by African-American artists and urban flair to appeal to a younger market. Grewal suggests that this inclination leads people to choose vintage tunes that include contemporary rhythms and vocal cymbals, creating an atmosphere of defiant allure (81). However, these adjustments might continue the biased listening habits that have concealed minority musical traditions by pretending to appreciate them as art. Stoever's study reveals that the listening habits of white individuals contribute to the perpetuation of detrimental assumptions about racialized sound, necessitating a need for modification. Brands inspired by hip-hop are morally obligated to surpass stereotypes and provide platforms facilitating diverse self-expression via music. When making judgments, marketers should consider the long- standing influence of prejudice on minority representation. The path forward is to create ethical soundscapes that respect and celebrate the diverse nature of the human soul while also striving to eliminate detrimental clichés. Analysis of Specific Ads Mountain Dew ad associates a goat's criminality with black "thug" stereotypes An instance illustrating the inadvertent reinforcement of racial biases is a Mountain Dew advertisement showing a goat named Felicia engaging with a group of black guys who seemed threatening. In a hypothetical scenario, a goat aggressively attacks a human server. Later, during a police lineup, the waitress confidently identifies the goat as the perpetrator. However, the setting wrongly brings up racial implications, diverting attention from the ad's lighthearted intention (Al Falaq et al. 6). At first sight, the advertising seems to be a comedic endeavor using the strange personification of a confrontational goat and peculiar

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Surname 7 juxtapositions. However, the use of intimidating mug photos of the defendant evokes associations with criminality, danger, and culpability only as a result of the racially biased aural and visual cues associated with Black individuals. Stoever's study indicates that this aligns directly with white racist ideologies that have historically associated Blackness with unlawful aggression. Regardless of the purpose, such a message reinforces unjust institutional biases and must be confronted by actively rejecting stereotyped depictions in media and our everyday listening preferences. (The Mountain Dew with thugs) The "Felicia" advertisement for Mountain Dew is a disconcerting illustration of the inadvertent perpetuation of oversimplified stereotypes despite the intention of providing entertainment. Al Falaq et al. (65) argue that include Black individuals in police lineups while accusing a human waitress minimizes the seriousness of the actual crime, which unfairly impacts communities of color. Furthermore, using visual and auditory cues to associate Black men with criminality while they are awaiting trial reinforces racial stereotypes that have historically been used to justify legal discrimination. Stoever argues that dominant white viewpoints have linked Black musical and visual expressions to unlawful violence and danger as a result of prejudiced cultural conditioning. The thoughtless use of these narrative devices, particularly within a cheerful context, contributes to the continuation of systematic racism. "Listening subjects possess the autonomy to opt for alternative modes of auditory perception"

Surname 8 (Maiorescu-Murphy 8), indicating that achieving equalitarian change is attainable, as highlighted by Stoever. Eliminating racial prejudice and its fundamental presumptions is crucial for progress. Therefore, the advertising industry is faced with the significant responsibility of implementing equitable screening protocols to avoid perpetuating reductionist biases. Prioritizing harm reduction necessitates thoughtful deliberation of choices in the context of the historical oppression experienced by marginalized individuals. Dove ad reinforces racial biases in the transition from "dirty" black woman to "clean" white woman. Illustrating the potential perpetuation of racial bias via advertising's auditory environment, a disconcerting instance may be seen in a Dove beauty advertisement. The commercial depicts a white woman cleaning her white blouse while a black woman is shown removing her brown shirt. From a Stoeverian analytical standpoint, the portrayal's underlying aural cues indicate latent prejudice despite the explicit language's intention to promote variety. The advertisement has an African-American woman donning a brown shirt, accompanied by a voiceover from a Caucasian woman. The narration expresses the woman's sensation of being "unclean" while wearing filthy garments (Pelzer 5). This perpetuates the racist historical perspective that Black people possess an innate lack of cleanliness, even when the speaker does not have the intention to do so. As the camera shifts to the white woman, a rapid surge of music plays, emphasizing the troubling association between whiteness and innocence. Examining the aural surroundings reveals how commercials, despite their well-meaning intentions, may

Surname 9 unconsciously reinforce deep-rooted biases via subtle word choices and musical crescendos. To make transformational decisions, it is essential to carefully evaluate the possibility of inadvertently strengthening systemic prejudice in many aspects of identity, such as race and skin color (Pelzer 6). Brands that produce commercial content are responsible for avoiding unintentionally marginalizing certain groups. The way ahead is to achieve a more introspective and expressive narrative that emphasizes the intricate aspects of variety rather than diminishing them. Dior cologne ad involves cultural appropriation through Native American imagery The coded auditory environment of the ads also includes stereotyped portrayals of minority cultures, indicating a concerning trend of exclusion. The perfume advertisement for "Sauvage'' by Dior employs Native American symbols such as feather headdresses in a dreamy and cinematic manner. However, it does not include any Native American voices or experiences. The ad features a white protagonist embarking on a spiritual journey, accompanied by a pulsating musical soundtrack using visual cues. The incongruity between the sound and visuals in the advertisement exacerbates the marginalization of an already repressed culture despite its seemingly positive portrayal of history. The listening tactics influenced by a history of imperialism have significantly reduced the power and influence of marginalized populations, as emphasized by Stoever's thesis. Content creators must be cautious to prevent inadvertently perpetuating systemic biases that undermine human dignity via superficial Dior’s Sauvage scandal represents an act of subject appropriation since the advertisement depicts the native American culture as wild and free.

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Surname 10 appropriation. Considering the potential unintended contribution to unfair stereotypes is crucial to rejecting and combating injustice while making choices. The coded auditory environment of the ads also includes stereotyped portrayals of minority cultures, indicating a concerning trend of exclusion. (Dior “Sauvage” perfume) The Dior "Sauvage" perfume commercial raises essential concerns regarding cultural appropriation and the potential harm caused by superficial displays contributing to inequality. These lessons prompt us to reflect on the perils of promoting inclusivity without addressing underlying issues. By reducing Native Americans to mere symbols and disregarding their viewpoints, we are perpetuating the same error that colonialist enterprises committed when they deprived them of their land and liberty. Content creators must implement rigorous measures to prevent the inadvertent perpetuation of systemic biases via superficial symbolic actions. Genuine progress, as shown in prior instances, does not arise from superficial diversity but rather from a thorough analysis of historical injustice and its present-day repercussions. Hence, it is imperative to make deliberate efforts to dismantle unjust disparities ingrained in routine artistic choices and disproportionately impact underprivileged populations (Grewal 86). In order to combat detrimental stereotypes, it is necessary to substitute oversimplified displays with powerful representation and critically analyze how decisions perpetuate subjugation, regardless of purpose.

Surname 11 Conclusion Emphasizes the importance of recognizing sound bias in advertisements The first stage in fostering fair and comprehensive auditory surroundings is the process of awakening. Stoever elucidates the presence of racial prejudice in everyday auditory habits, sometimes without conscious awareness, as a result of societal and media influences, using the sonic color line paradigm. By carefully examining domains such as advertising, we may discern the subtle manifestations of systematic discrimination and marginalization, highlighting the pressing need to tackle these matters promptly. Although society often promotes unjust disparities, individuals can exercise their autonomy and actively choose to see things differently (Maiorescu-Murphy 8). As part of this undertaking, an individual need to contemplate or listen to assessments and the biases that cause them to disregard some perspectives while favoring others based on unjust criteria. It is also important to voice opposition to media and public practices that reinforce prejudice via stereotypical depictions. Advertisements interpenetrate the media landscape and subconsciously influence individuals' perspectives. Conversely, the utilization of music in commercials can sustain harmful gender, racial, and class stereotypes. Individuals may resist and counteract detrimental representations by being aware of the prejudices embedded in sound design. When a commercial for a luxury automobile only features white voices or an advertisement for an "urban" product relies on hip-hop clichés or African American Vernacular English, viewers should question the ad's intention. The creative industries, along with customers, are obligated to actively seek a diverse and inclusive workforce when hiring for

Surname 12 roles such as sound designer, engineer, composer, and singer. During ad testing, businesses should get input from diverse focus groups to detect any areas of oversight or lack of awareness.

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Surname 13 Works Cited Al Falaq, Janata Shoji, and Dian Puspita. "Critical Discourse Analysis: Revealing Masculinity Through L-Men Advertisement." Linguistics and Literature Journal 2.1 (2021): 62-68. Cheng, Yang, and Hua Jiang. "Customer–brand relationship in the era of artificial intelligence: understanding the role of chatbot marketing efforts." Journal of Product & Brand Management 31.2 (2022): 252-264. Grewal, Sara Hakeem. "Hip Hop and the University: The Epistemologies of “Street Knowledge” and “Book Knowledge”." Journal of popular music studies 32.3 (2020): 73-97. Maiorescu-Murphy, Roxana D. "“We are the land:” An analysis of cultural appropriation and moral outrage in response to Christian Dior’s Sauvage scandal." Public Relations Review 47.4 (2021): 102058. Pelzer, Jaquelin. The Dark City: Intersections of Nature, Race, and Class in Los Angeles Literature . Diss. University of Colorado at Boulder, 2022.

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