We've all seen them.
The ads that run on TV constantly. They try to end smoking, encourage current smokers to quite, end drunk driving, and remind us that birth control exists in the forms of condoms and pants.
But do they honestly make a difference? Or just affirm our own opinions?
For instance, I don't smoke, and I never will. I can't stand the smell, and I see no reason to start whatsoever. But I still can't see how a horse and some pixies singing about the amount of Nicotine used in cigarettes is "magical" will may any smoker flinch.
And the drunk driving ads? Chances are you didn't plan on drunk driving, and didn't see the ad right before you got into your car. Even if you did see the ad, what's the chance it would make you take the key out of your ignition?
Furthermore, I know that I can't speak for everyone here, but when was the last time you were with someone, thought of the "The best protection is pants" ad, and zipped up your fly.
I don't think that last time exists.
So I guess my point is, why bother??
There has to be a better way to discourage reckless behaviors than the TV ads we forget about in the next 30 seconds.
what we need is better ideas for ads, more responsibilty in our actions, and less stupid ads!
The ads you are referring to that have the dancing horse are less to get people to quit and more to make viewers aware, smokers or not, about the manipulations tobacco industries use in their ads. One thing they certainly do, is get attention. nd IObviously you and I can remember them. And no, I don't think the above the influence ads, particularily the first few, really do any good. When they first started coming out I actually wrote an e-mail to Above the Influence pointing out what I saw as problems with the ads. Personally, we can only be told so much until it is fully our responsibility to make the right decisions.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711