Today's commercials are similar to that of earlier commercials in that they serve the same purpose, to advertise and sell products. Commercials seem to try and play on the viewers weaknesses. They seem to tempt and pressure the viewer into buying their products. Many of the older commercials seem to try and persuade people to buy their product and not force it on people like some commercials do nowadays. Today there's more commercials that try and force their product by telling viewers they must act now, that this is a one time offer, and so on and so forth.
Eisenhower answers America was a poorly produced commercial. It got its message across but that was it. There was nothing to keep the views interested unless they were in tune to the political situation of the country, which most people are not. However, since the target audience are people interested in politics it does serve it purpose, though blandly. In contrast to the Eisenhower commercial, the Maypo cereal commercial was a funner, more entertaining commercial to watch that would hold the viewers interest. The Kool commercial had a sexier look. I was caught off guard by seeing it at all since cigarette commercials are no longer allowed on television. I"m relatively sure I have never actually seen a cigarette commercial before that.
Teenagers today are portrayed just as they were years ago. The media sees them as unruly youths who's sole purpose is to rebel against their parents. The same issue of how teenagers dress is still brought up just like it was then. Also there were issues of how teens danced that upset parents just like it upsets some parents today. Over time it seems parents become more and more accepting of teens behavior.
I Love Lucy is different from most sitcoms today. Today's sitcoms are less situational. For example, Lucy got chocolate all over in one skit, then her husband made a mess out of the kitchen in another and back then it was hysterical.