Analysis of Exxon Mobil Ad

On the surface, the ad is trying to show how Exxon Mobil is cleaning up their act. They actually came out with a few commercials like this using the same basic set up: a biologist or scientist speaking to you, the watcher, in an empty room that is completely clean. This is in stark contrast to the dirty oil they are known for. On the surface the ad is simply trying to show you ways that Exxon Mobil is trying to show how they are cleaner and are looking into alternate ways of fueling our cars and powering our homes. But, looking a little deeper, you can see some stereotypes and myths. The man in the commercial we are told is the Chief Polymer Scientist, and he's no young guy fresh out of college. He is old and experienced. He adjusts his glasses when he appears to be observing the computer generated pictures of elements bonding with others. We of course are supposed to trust him saying it as oppose to a high school student ranting on about how companies should invest in that. They also show a model of a very futuristic car which seems to imply that this concept of lithium power is for the future, so we have to give them time to research and come up with how to do this even though there are some companies that have electric cars already available today.