...Questionable Advertising?

Have you ever questioned the validity of the advertisements you see on TV? I’m sure everyone has from time to time. I’ve been in America for about three years now and advertising in America is like no other.

Here, you can actually run an ad for Fab and say that it’s actually better than Cap Harimau! No need for a comparison with some obscure brand, typically called Cap X. I was really surprised when the advertisers could actually make their brand look better than their competitors, even specifically naming the brand in their ads. It probably ties in with the first amendment (freedom of expression), but personally I don’t think it’s a very professional way to make an ad.

Also, note than American Advertising is saturated with fine print. When you watch an ad, just try to read the fine prints as best you can. It's silly when they only allocate about 2 seconds for you to read a whole paragraph of terms and conditions regarding financing that new Honda. Also, for ads featuring LCD displays like digital cameras and plasma screens you'll very oftem come across "*Display on screen simulated". What the heck? We see an ad for a TV or digital camera, we WANT to know what the display really looks like!

Who can forget those ads for medicine. The list of side effects for some of them and really just outright terrifying. For example, "Side effects include: Vomiting, Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, etc." To make matters worse, they also include a "RESULTS MAY VARY" disclaimer. I think I'll battle my flu on my own, thank you very much!

I believe that the most deceptive of advertisements are the ones that have to do with hair products or skincare. In those ads, you see beautiful men and women, showing off their perfect complexion or their silky smooth hair. But did you stop for a moment to think that they’re really models hired from some agency for the advertisement? There’s no proof that those people really use the products! Maybe they do, but what are the chances of getting an actress that actually uses the same shampoo brand that hired her for her advertisement?

Advertisements are even more deceptive when established actors and actresses are involved. For goodness sake! These people are PAID to ACT for a living. And people actually believe them that Neutrogena has the best facial wash, Pepsi is the best soda, or Sony has the coolest digital camera around. Can you actually be convinced by them?

Maybe I’m reading too much into it. Yes, start power does create a lasting effect on your memory. Advertising with established celebrities will definitely work by grabbing your attention where it hurts. But when it comes to the really important issues like choosing a car insurance policy, are you going to believe what Dennis Haysbert says about AllState?