The Evils of Advertising...

It's been a few days, but the message that the movie "The Persuaders" focused on still bothers me. As a consumer, and as an intellectual human being, I resent what the big advertisers are trying to do. Advertising in its simplest form doesn't bother me. If I'm watching TV and an ad comes on for something that I might be interested in, I will pay attention and maybe even go out to purchase the item. Same thing goes for any print ads in periodicals. I expect them to be there, I read them if I'm interested, and if not I move on. But the way advertisers are trying to take it to the next level is what sickens me. They are now creating ad campaigns that are supposed to appeal to our emotional side, and force us to buy something, even if we don't really realize why we want it. Or using "product placement' to get to us on a subliminal level. Or posting their ads and logos every where we look so we're forced to look at their stupid ad. This is what really bothers me. It's kind of like guerrilla advertising. And we thought they were following some code of ethics...

I also hate the fact that they think they can motivate us to buy something by using the facts of the "reptilian brain". For one thing, I didn't evolve from a reptile, I was created. So that theory goes right out the window. Motivating me based on my basic needs is an insult. I am a human being that can make intellectual decisions. I am offended that advertisers think they can ignore my intellectual side and focus solely on my emotional needs. I'm not an animal, or a piece of meat to be won. I am a thinking, decision-making person that doesn't appreciate being fought after over slimy ad companies.

Being in the business major, I had to take a marketing class. I had the same feeling throughout that class, too. I don't know, it might just be my opinion, but I don't think we as consumers should be okay with what today's advertisers are doing. Our nation is so material-driven as it is, so when advertisers try to fuel that obsession, they are just keeping that materialistic part alive and well. I think we should step back and realize what the endless drive for more stuff is doing to us as a nation and people. We are constantly unhappy and need more and more. Our world is becoming cluttered with the all the stuff that we buy, barely use, then replace. The environmental issue is such a hot topic today. I think all the environmentalists should look at what the advertising companies are doing to drive the devastation of the natural world. Then maybe something could be done about it.