Charles Gilbreath
Power of Advertising
J.James
March 3, 2016
Subtle Attack
The advertising industry sole purpose is to sell their product. The products range from high tech gadgets, office supplies, to toiletries. They sell unattainable dreams and emotions. There are millions of dollars spent each year on learning the human psyche and condition. They use that information to exploit peoples weaknesses so their clients can sell their products. The attack is on our image and our self esteem. Most ads utilize sex and image, and tell us how both can improve if we buy the lie. It is not the product they are really selling, but the new image we will have if that product is bought. It is the tool of a great salesman to know his audience and show them their need for his products. Since people have been cutting back on spending, a new ploy had to be initiated. Instead of convincing people to buy the item by promoting the product itself, they convince people of their deficiency without it. They are not as beautiful and accepted as people that buy the product. Some companies use sex to sell burgers. If you can not get any action, buy this burger.
People are told they can be more respected, sexier and more successful. Consumers buy the lie and the actual product is a bonus. People are not buying a truck or a suit, they are buying the effect the product is selling. There are garages and trash cans full of items that promised confidence, popularity, self esteem, and sex. There are things being sold all over the world to people that do not need a new car or boat. We all need to be liked, respected, and desired.
Our emotions are targeted with precision weapons stronger than any weapon the military has. It is an attack so subtle that we are no longer consumers, but the consumed.
This advertisement is for a high end watch. A piece of metal and glass that can only tell time.
There is a very good looking...