Author Archive
Uncovering Human Trafficking
Posted by: | CommentsI saw this PSA on The View Monday. It’s currently broadcasted by the United Nations, and hasn’t been released into the US yet. Actress Emma Thompson, seen in the PSA, is working with the UN and its force behind the stop of human trafficking. I think this PSA is truly moving because it uncovers a message about a topic that you wouldn’t probably think about otherwise. Human trafficking affects people, especially women from all over the globe each and every day. The illegal selling of people as sex slaves and workers is a brutal reality that must be addressed.
Emma Thompson has also collaborated with artists creating a new installation to be viewed in Washington Square Park in NY throughout November. The exhibit depicts the life of Elena Varga from Moldavia, Romania who was sold into prostitution. The installation, “comprises seven shipping containers, each designed by a different artist to interpret the different stages of Elena’s journey through the sex trade” (from UNIFEM).
While it’s hard to imagine this actually happens around the world AND in the US, there are efforts like the UN’s PSAs to try to raise awareness about the topic in order to spur change. I think PSAs like this one are essential for the worldwide community to be informed about issues that, for the most part, slip under the radar. I also think the UN was smart to have the articulate Emma Thompson as a spokesperson for the effort because she is recognized and respected internationally. To learn more about human trafficking and efforts to try to stop the awful practice, visit un.gift.org.
‘I am Second’ Campaign Making Its Mark
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‘I am Second’ is a great example of cause marketing intended to promote God as the source of a purposeful life. Norm Miller, CEO of Interstate Batteries initiated the campaign with the help of partners from e3 Partners Ministry in Dallas. Rather than pushing religion on people who may see the ads, Miller and partners from e3 say that the campaign uses personal testimonials to offer direction and choice to those who may be seeking God’s help. Iamsecond.com features personal stories from well known athletes, actors, celebrities and regular people who each believe they are second to God and stronger because of the strength they seek from Him.
‘I am Second’ specifically uses testimonials in a way that influences others through the use of celebrity as well as normative influence from regular people sharing stories. I think the campaign shares a fundamental message in a unique and highly interactive way, giving active and interested consumers a way to initiate change and gain insight into the important message the campaign stresses: put God first. In my opinion, an effective and truly virtuous example of advertising for a solid cause.
On another level, could more campaigns like ‘I am Second’ affect what society thinks about advertising as an institution? Yes. Maybe with more campaigns like this, people would view advertising in a more positive light.
Walmart promoting responsibility
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This commercial from Walmart poses interesting questions about the way consumers are now thinking about the way in which they aquire, use and dispose of products.
Walmart has been continuing a campaign that focuses around saving X-amount of dollars per year by buying and consuming Walmart products rather than other stores’ products. One example-eating breakfast items bought from Walmart instead of spending $5 a day per person at a drive-thru can save a family hundreds of dollars in a year.
Now, Walmart is going a step beyond encouraging the consumer to save money, and allowing the consumer to save money while helping the environment.
Consumption factors are main reasons behind the way in which a consumer buys. Walmart knows consumers want enviro-friendly products they can buy conveniently. Use is especially important here, because the product offered is one that consumers will buy on account that it can help the world as well as light the house.
I think ads like this are not only effective in engaging the consumer, but also really hone in on the fact that a lot of consumers are demanding green products.
Check out more ways Walmart is “going green” at walmartstores.com/sustainability.
