I'll post as a comment, sincce I don't really have citations for my
own ethical opinion.
I find ads unethical that attempt to sell their product based on
blatantly false claims. Prime examples are insurance companies and
financial companies who say that I should go with them because they
care so much about me and my family. Yeah, right.
I also find ads unethical that attempt to create fear to sell the
product. Examples of this include cleaning products that try to make
women feel like they are endangering their children if they are not
constatnly disinfecting. Prime example, Lysol disinfectant wipes.
As a side note, around 10 years ago, I worked as a technician during a
large training session for advertisers. I was horrified. Part of the
theme for that particular year was "Mom". "Mom" was all about how to
manipulate women into feeling that they were bad mothers unless they
were using "X". They spent several hours giving this group of
advertisers pointers on how to frighten mothers and make them feel
inadequate. Yuck.
Ads I admire sell the product effectively without making (patently)
false claims. All advertising has an element of exaggeration, but
there are (should be) limits! I admire the latest round of Gap
commercials, like the swing dancers. They show off the clothes well,
and get your attention with striking (and occasionally groundbreaking)
visuals. The Hanes underwear commercials also have several different
TV ad campaigns going that focus on comfort, quality and fit,
presented in a cute format. I sometimes wear Hanes, and I find that
their product is indeed higher quality, more comfortable and a better
fit than most. They used Michael Jordan to get my attention, but he
didn't tell me giant lies once he had it.
- Hammer |
