2012/10/23

Mr. Six------The popular mascot and “brand spokesman” of Six Flags


In 2004, Six Flags began a series of commercials linking all of the parks. The commercials were notable for a new mascot, "Mr. Six", an apparently feeble old man in a tuxedo and red bow tie. In many of the commercials, Mr. Six would slowly exit a multi-colored bus, only to start frenetically dancing to the Vengaboys' "We Like to Party". The commercials were an immediate hit and Mr. Six almost instantly became the official “brand spokesman”, although he was initially retired after the 2005 season. These ads have become widely parodied on the Internet, with faces from other Internet memes being superimposed over Mr. Six's face.

 

From 2008–2010, Six Flags' TV ads have a "Fun-O-Meter" in which the beginning of the ad may show something boring or embarrassing and a man's face judges it "One Flag!" or sometimes "Two Flags!" Then roller coasters and attractions of Six Flags are shown and says "Six Flags, More Flags, More Fun!" for Six Flags parks. However, the thick accent of the Asian man in the original commercials had drawn criticism for being an offensive caricature. In 2009, the Mr. Six character came back from retirement and replaced the Asian man in Six Flags' ads, still using the Fun-O-Meter.

 

From the above story, we know that the image of Mr.Six is simply and the individuality is bright. “He” brings people much vitality and good mood. More importantly, “he” produces an uncontrollable desire to restore a more youthful and healthy condition. So there is no doubt that this positive brand image has contributed greatly to makes Six Flags standing out above other theme park brands.

 

Meanwhile, from the failure of using the thick accent of the Asian man in the original commercials, we know that the sound doesn’t only convey the information about the brand and the products to consumers, but also communicate the spirit of a brand and have an effect on consumers’ mood. As a result, choosing a proper sound logo also is very important for a brand.

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