(2 Par. RE: PANTENE COMMERCIAL) In-Group vs. Outsider; what makes one "normal?" (FINAL)

This Pantene commercial portrays the idea of being normal in Thai society as being a member of the in-group, which, in this case, is successful musicians. There is a prompt contrast presented between two girls; one whose mother supports her in playing the piano, and one whose mother does not support her in playing the violin because she is deaf. The commercial portrays the assumption that the violinist cannot play successfully or well due to her deafness, leaving her on the outside of normalcy. There is also present the concept that to be a musician in Thai society, one must be successful; this link between the violinist's mother not supporting the normal path for her daughter and her deafness implies the connection between being a successful musician and the sound coming from the instrument. If there is no potential for one to hear, one cannot become a successful musician.

The norm of becoming a successful musician presented in this commercial places the violinist on the outside of normalcy, which may influence her determination to become a successful musician, despite obstacles such as finding a teacher, learning further to play the violin and the smashing of her violin at one point. The success of a musician, in this commercial, seems to be evaluated at a classical concert showcase. The audience does not immediately jump to its feet after the violinist's performance, portraying the violinist's initial exclusion from the in-group; however, after one man begins, the entire audience claps with thunderous applause, signifying the violinist's acceptance into the in-group. While being a successful musician is counted as part of the in-group, one more factor presents itself in the violinist's performance. The violinist not only overcomes various obstacles to play the violin at the concert, she does so with beautiful, shiny hair. This commercial also qualifies being normal, or a member of the in-group as having beautiful, shiny hair. The way to have beautiful, shiny hair, of course, is to buy the Pantene line of hair products.