Critique On Advertising In Our Society
A critique on the impact of advertising in our society. Consider visuals and
verbal or written language. (1000 words)
The impact of advertising on our society is a fiercely debated topic, and has
been ever since the conception of advertising in its most basic form. There are
negative and positive social and economic impacts upon society from advertising
in its various forms. For instance, advertising promoting public welfare has a
positive social impact upon society, whereas advertising portraying women as sex
objects has negative social impacts. There are also positive economic impacts
on society such as providing funding for the media and stimulating an active,
competitive economy.
There are a number of proven ways to persuade the consumer that he or she needs
the product being advertised. These methods of persuasion, instead of
concentrating on the actual product, usually concentrate on the benefits that
will be brought to the consumer. These benefits may include the hope of more
money and better jobs, popularity and personal prestige, praise from others,
more comfort, social advancement, improved appearance, or better health. For
example, an automobile advertisement, as well as mentioning the mechanical
attributes of the car, would most likely focus on the excitement, prestige and
social advancement it may bring the buyer. This social advancement is very
often sexual, or involving attraction of the other sex? so the car advertisement
may also mention the glamorous women/men that the consumer will attract with
his/her fancy car.
Advertising has been blamed for a great variety of negative soci ...