Jocelyn Lam's Blog

Reading Ellen Tsang‘s blog post got me thinking about the advertisements we are exposed to. Everyday we are bombarded with thousands of advertisements, that is why companies try to use unique and eye-catching techniques to stay in consumers’ minds. But many companies cross over the line and promote unhealthy concepts such as sexual content and illegal substances. These advertisements are exposed to many young audiences and are sending them wrong messages such as thinking it is morally correct to be under the influence of illegal substances. It is beneficial to be ‘out of the ordinary’ but is creating these negative images and messages to young audiences really worth it?

SISLEY is a fashion company that sells clothing to young adults. The image used in their advertisement promotes the act of using illegal substances. Marketers may think this image will attract consumers because of their shocking element, but in return, I believe this type of provocative advertising will just damage the company’s reputation and image.

Another unethical advertisement example would have to be this Burger King ad for their seven inch sandwich. This advertisement involves sexual innuendo. Burger King is a fast food company that has wide a range of audiences, which include young children. This ad promoting sexual behaviour to young children is not right, and to add on to that, I’m quite positive that this ad will offend a portion of the women population.

Companies should really be careful with their way of reaching out to consumers and be ‘over the top’ in a more ethical way.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 9:35 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.