Media Analysis#2

http://www.studentplatinum.com/ (picture at top)
The ad that I chose to critically analyze is from a student credit card company website. The image shows a young and happy couple about to register for their credit card. They look white, middle class, and are probably used to seeing their parents charge everything on a credit card. Banks and credit card companies prey on unsuspecting and inexperienced students. Therefore, they will be more than happy to set a credit card up for you. They make it very easy to get started. All of this so, instead of one planning ahead accordingly for a purchase, they can have it now. Do they really understand how much interest they will be paying? Do they have jobs, so they can pay off the debt?
What people really do not understand is that credit cards are not cash. These cards must be paid back with big time interest. Many times the interests are written in small print and very difficult to understand. Especially for young people who do not realize how much they are charging. This is when they happy smiles start to fade and panic begins to set in when the large bills come in. By using both a boy and a girl in this picture it helps equalize their need. White middle class students may also have an easier time of securing credit because of where they live. On the other hand, minority students might have a lesser chance of securing a credit card, or their payment rates may be higher because their family does not have a high credit score. Everything is in the banks favor, they even know zip codes can indicate economic status.
After studying this well-constructed ad, I am interested to see if the number of young college students/people continue to apply for credit cards or if they will ever realize how dangerous they can be; therefore, the number sold tapers off. I am convinced now that a credit card is definitely not worth all the hassle. Especially if it traps you into debt and demolishes your credit score.