I saw this ad in church while listening to a sermon on parenting. I am still watching my behavior…
Where are these ads in the US and why is the US government not more active in promoting social values?
Advertising done well makes poeple think, change their attitudes, and can ultimately affect behavior. What did you show a child today?
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Name: Steve
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Bio: Steve Edwards, Ph.D. is a professor at the Temerlin Advertising Institute at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. He is a recognized expert on new media persuasion and studies the power of advertising in shaping society.
2 Comments
November 11th, 2009 at 11:51 am
The other day we were talking about something similar. I had made a comment in class about how I just thought that the “average” consumer was smarter than they actually may be. We were walking about the swine flu and how simple commercials as to how to wash ones hands or cover your mouth when sneezing could really impact everyones’ health. Why can’t a simple ad with such health tips be a :10 spot somewhere?
The need for these effective ads can almost be difficult to recognize due to their commonality. The concepts are not difficult but the ability to recognize their lack in society is the challenging task.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I totally agree with you Rennie. The ads we are constantly bombarded with are filled with messages of consuming material objects. While this is necessary and beneficial for our economy and capitalistic society, it is also important to not forget the essential moral foundations that human beings rely on. Yet, companies and their advertisers sometimes fail to mention these topics. Think of all the lives that could be touched with a simple message as in “Children are Watching.”
For instance, after our discussion of this ad, I forwarded it to my mom who is a child and family therapist. In an office meeting, she showed it to her fellow therapists and they were moved by the parenting ad. Many planned to pass this along to their clients, although I don’t really know if they actually did or not, it is still a wonderful step in the right direction.