Week 2 EOC: Ethics in Advertising

One example of something that questions the ethical importance of an advertisement is the selling of the likeness of the deceased. Their likenesses may be used in ways that the deceased may not have warranted. The name and image of Michael Jackson used to sell new albums, concert tickets, movies etc. are ways that Mr. Jackson's family has chosen to profit in his name. As a great humanitarian, Mr. Jackson in life was less concerned with profitability and more concerned with the improvement of social interaction throughout the world. It is questionable whether the usage of these new items being sold are to benefit his causes, charities and children rather than supporting the family that had already exploited him throughout his childhood life.

Another example of ethically questionable advertising would be in the form of sporting commercials used to sell beer during the peak of sports viewings. It has become almost a necessity to be socially acceptable by joining in the culture of alcohol consumption at any sports venue or gathering. This could affect people that have problems with addiction, increase alcohol-related incidents including deaths and tempts those that may not have previously been a part of such social experimentation by any other means. The notion of having beer ads shoved at me during sporting events have turned me off to watching certain sports that I have interested me in order to avoid being peer pressured to drink something I don't enjoy.

Finally, fashion also has its mishaps in often creating the illusion that to be considered fashion savvy one must be well-off to be a part of today's fashion culture. Many of these ads have been disappearing with the slow of many economies world-wide. I for one am glad that people are using this opportunity to realize that there are still ways to create fashion on a budget. It is considered chic to be well put together and presentable while it is not to go broke doing it, hence the return to basics seen throughout this fall's collections across the most prestigious fashion houses. This creates a focus within a look while keeping within a well-maintained budget.