Chapter 11; Advertising and Commercial Culture, Friday April 1st

Chapter Review 

Questioning the Media

18.)What is your earliest recollection of watching a television commercial? Do you have a favorite ad? A most-despised ad? What is it about these ads that you particularly like or dislike?

(response to question #18) 

My earliest recollection of watching a television commercial was, an old Coke add. My favorite commercials to this day are the Coke adds; the ones with the baby polar bear and the penguins. I like the older, classic adds. The most annoying commercials are the progressive insurance commercials with the ditzy girl.. she's annoying and I think they overplay the commercials. (I understand that they are payed for and allow progressive a certain amount of new business). The dialogue is cheesy and they repeat the same phrases over and over.. I know these commercials by heart, (maybe thats the point) I think they need to go ahead and write a new one. 

I think ht the ads that stick the best with the public are the ones that have less to say, and let the picture or scene speak for them. I think less is more, when talking about a commercial. They interrupt  your show already, lets just put a picture of whatever it is they are selling on the screen, and let us get back to our show (the reason the tv is on in the first place). 

19.)Why are so many people critical of advertising?

(response to question #19) 

I believe that, like me, most people find commercials an annoyance, just like a pop-up, or under add on the computer, the commercial is just an interruption of the show in progress. Most commercials are repetitive, too loud, contain a message for individuals older or younger than I am, repeat in rotation too many times, I mean, the list goes on and on. Commercials are a waist of time, they are stupid.  And by stupid, I mean why do they venture so far away from what advertising is supposed to do, which is increase the sales of the product or service it is advertising? How many times have you watched a commercial, and by the end of it still have no idea what it is trying to sell? Or the product is visible, but the ad does absolutely nothing to create a desire within you to go out and purchase it? I believe that if advertising agencies were more clear and strait to the point, people would be more apt to watch them instead of simply pressing the fast forward button on their DVR (thank god for that!). 

22.)Should tobacco (or alcohol) advertising be prohibited? Why or why not? How would you deal with First Amendment issues regarding controversial ads?

(response to question #22) 

I believe that tobacco and alcohol advertising should be allowed in certain time slots on television, as well as in theaters. If ads that contain material such as male enhancement, birth control, personal lubricant, and condoms are allowed on regular, prime-time TV, as well as in theaters and billboards, why is there such a restriction on the advertising of tobacco, and alcohol? If these sexually charged commercials are protected under the first amendment, then why aren't cigarettes and booze? I get more uncomfortable watching TV with my parents or guy friends when an add for viagra comes on, than I ever would for an add for Newport's or Vodka. I believe that the rights of the tobacco and alcohol companies are protected under the first amendment; while the amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The rights of the tobacco industry have been revoked. Tobacco companies are no longer allowed to advertise on television, or at the movies. While it has been proven that in some cases smoke inhalation can cause cancer, It is a persons right to chose to smoke, or not to smoke. I believe that if the adds of the condom, male enhancement industry, are viewed as acceptable, then I dont see a problem with cigarette, and alcohol companies advertising their products on television.