LESSON 28: CAUSE FOR CONCERN

We need to consider that not all advertising is 'bad'.  Adverts have a reason to exist - they create awareness of new products which we may genuinely desire and wish to buy. The issue where advertising comes into criticism is the extent to which such media products intentionally manipulate audiences by using techniques that play upon our vulnerabilities.

Some adverts have a different intention.  the political or propaganda advert that attempts to sell us a cause that requires our attention if not our help in terms of donations.

Such adverts employ the methods of their overtly commercial brethren to gain our attention in a crowded market and busy lives.

Provide a reading of this advert:

[1] in what ways does it employ 'commercial' ideas?

[2] Is it shocking? if so why/why not? [consider that some audiences might find it shocking]

[3] Can such shock tactics be justified - how/how not?

What about this advert from an American campaign?  Answer the same points as above