(Koponen, 97). A subliminal message is an insufficiently intense message used to produce a discrete sensation by influencing one's mental process or behavior. "Subliminal stimuli range from those just below threshold to those that are infinitely weak" (Koponen, 97). The theory that human behavior can be controlled by messages that bypass conscious perception and operate directly on the unconscious mind in freighting.

"Though subliminals still scare many, they are sometimes marketed as a desirable means of contacting and tinkering with the subconscious" (www.subl.survives). Advertisers widely and frequently use subliminal messages because they find them successful in selling products. Then there are those advertisers who do not even use the method, nor believe in it.

"Some are convinced that subliminal advertising is, like the unicorn, a mythical beast" (Clark, 118). When selling an adequate enough product, there is no reason to us the messages. "You can't make someone bark like a dog unless they want to" (interview). The use of subliminal messages by anyone is a, "secret attempt to manipulate one's mind" (www.subl.survives).

The word sex is the most frequently embedded word in American industry. "Sex is alive and embedded in practically everything" (www.subl.survives). Other words such as f*!k, c#?t, a!s, wh*?e, pr*!k, death are also used frequently as subliminal triggers to motivate purchasing behaviors. There are many areas where this method is used, such as in animated films by Walt Disney Company. In The Little Mermaid the castle on the cover reveals a male's genital area (See picture #1). In The Lion King there is the presence of a wispy S-E-X spelled out in the fluttering of the stars in one scene.

"A controversial Nevada court highlighted the potential legal dilemmas that can arise during periods of subliminal hysteria" (www.subl.suicide). The families of two boys who committed suicide in 1985 sued Judas Priest, the bad boys of British heavy metal, for allegedly placing in a song a subliminal message - "Do it" - That the plaintiffs believed pushed their sons into suicide (See picture # 2). Judas Priest's lawyers argued that in the first place, the band had no subliminal content on their album. Secondly, the defense argued, even if a subliminal were present, the power of such a message to move people to action has never been proven. Judge Whitehead reached the same conclusion. In his final ruling, in favor of Judas Priest, Whitehead stated his conclusions on the subliminal threat: "The scientific research presented does not establish that subliminal stimuli, even if perceived, may precipitate conduct of this magnitude... the strongest evidence presented at the trial showed no behavioral effect of even anxiety, distress or tension" (www.subl.suicide). The positive effects of backmasking are if one puts in a helpful message in music, such as, those who are trying to lose weight or quit smoking. Messages like, "smoking's disgusting" or "I'm thin". The negative effect of backmasking are putting in messages that are unnecessary, such as, "death" or "kill".

The basis of modern media effectiveness is a language within a language -- one that communicates to each of us at a level beneath our consciences awareness, one that reaches into the uncharted mechanism of the human unco

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1481
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)