HomeLibraryAdsUs-versus-them positioning
Library ad

Us-versus-them positioning

They knocked the chip off Uncle Sam's shoulder! So let's go productioneer... Let's show `em some chips!" poster

commons.wikimedia.orgpublic-domain-us

The pattern

This still is filed under Us-versus-them positioning.

Define

The buyer is invited into a side. The product is what we use. The named other is what we refuse.

Mechanism

Identity contrast. Choosing the offer is choosing a group. The out-group does as much work as the claim.

Verdict

The category is crowded

Read the pattern

Why it works

It uses a clever pun on "chips" (the chip on the shoulder vs. metal shavings from a lathe) to connect the emotional outrage of being attacked with the physical act of factory work. It visualizes the abstract concept of "production winning the war" as literal metal chips burying the enemy leaders.

Steal this when

When you can find a pun or double meaning that connects an emotional driver directly to the physical action you want the audience to take.

All ads