Andrew Week 10: Battle of the Mascots
It is well-known that insurance companies have very famous mascots. I assume the reason is because insurance seems boring to many people, so including a funny, memorable mascot is seen as a good way to make it more interesting. However, as mascots get more and more famous, it only begs one question: who is the best one. Although there are numerous famous insurance mascots, I will be focusing on three: the GEICO Gecko, Flo, and Jake from State Farm.
The GEICO Gecko is arguably the most famous insurance mascot. Introduced in 1999, the computer generated reptilian has appeared in over 150 commercials. Not even an inch height, this Godzilla of a mascot has been a titan in the industry for over two decades. The pros for this mascot are that he's very funny, very unique, and has a cockney accent. The biggest con is that he isn't a real person. It is probably very hard for a person to relate to a lizard.
The second mascot I will be discussing is Flo, the mascot for Progressive. Flo was introduced in 2008, and has appeared in over 100 commercials for the company. My opinion on Flo is that she is simply outdated. I think that Flo was great when she was introduced to the public, the Great Recession. In 2008, the United States faced its worst economy in decades, and it needed positivity. That's where Flo came in. She was positive and loved her job. Americans needed to see someone so happy to be alive. Now, however, her attitude can be seen as annoying, and some say that she has run her course.
The final mascot I will be talking about is Jake from State Farm. Jake from State Farm is different from every other insurance mascot. Why? Because he's a real person. In 2011, Jake Stone worked as a State Farm insurance agent in Illinois. He tried out to be in a State Farm commercial, and that was that. What he didn't know, however, is that he would go viral. For over a decade, people would still talk about his single commercial. Although they have replaced Stone with established actor Kevin Miles, Stone's legacy lives on. This is why Jake from State Farm is my mascot of choice. He is just like any of us. Who is your insurance mascot of choice?
My mascot of choice is Jake from State Farm. Jake from State Farm is single handedly one of the most iconic people of all times. Jake alone made his whole career just from one ad. He had so many opportunities given to him just because of his iconic personality, therefore, making him the best insurance mascot.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment, and I couldn't agree more.
DeleteThe GEICO Gecko has to be my mascot of choice simply because I've "known" him for my entire life. No matter whether I was 4 or 14, I could always expect to see my favorite cold-blooded reptile on TV, and the best part is I still can! Plus, I love that he's been around so long because it goes to show how big a staple he is to GEICO and the insurance industry.
ReplyDeleteMy personal favorite mascot is Jake from State Farm. Its simply so iconic and someone that will never be outdated. He is relatable, funny, and overall the best insurance mascot. He's one that has been around for years but will never grow old.
ReplyDeleteMy Mascot choice is Jake from state farm, an icon in today's society. I almost feel as though as though I've grown up with the man my whole life and enjoy the comedic and relatable skits he is featured in for the State Farm company.
ReplyDeleteMy mascot of choice is definitely the GEICO Gecko. It is just simply the most iconic to me. I agree with what you said about Flo, her positive attitude is slightly annoying at this point. So, Jake from State Farm would be my second mascot of choice.
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