Too Far!

Many cases of public expression have progressed too far these past few years and should be curbed. Recently, with the church's involvement with Proposition 8 in California, non-supporters produced a very offensive commercial. This ad degraded the LDS church and missionary system and messages like these must be halted. Rules should be put into effect that would not allow this slander to air on TV. Other examples of public expression have also gone too far. With the presidential elections, many talk show hosts and commentators went too far in degrading their political opponents. This should not be acceptable even for people of celebrity status. It is hurtful and degrading to society and this must be changed.

Press Agentry

As P.T. Barnum epitomized 19th century press agentry with exaggerated claims such as those about Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind, press agentry still exists today. For example, the Gibb twins, Mary and Margaret were joined at the hip since birth. Press agent Terry Turner subtly slipped information to newspapers that one was in love and this inspired the cause of their separation. This caught the attention of the media and its exploitation caused the two to change their minds and stay joined. Terry Turner hyped up the story so much, that the twins could not handle the pressures and called the operation off. Many other examples such as this continue of press agentry.

Public Relations Ethics

Public relations activities such as image consulting therapy are ethical. A business or person may just need help promoting their image in positive ways and the PR person is there to help with ideas, opinions, and statements. Not everyone knows how to present themselves with the most positive presentation and PR people make that possible. It is very important to a business' or person's success in developing relationships with their audiences.

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Good Ads:

I thought this advertisement was effective because of its timeliness with featuring Michael Phelps. Using athletes in this manner capture the attention of the audience and successfully advertises the product.

This ad persuades through emotion and viewing the ad, the audience just feels bad for the little girl and this influences their perception of the Dove Beauty campaign.

Bad Ads:

This ad is just weird. If I saw this in a magazine I would continue to flip the page. The message is too deep for an initial audience.

This is strange also and does not provide good enough information to persuade an audience of a specific view or opinion.

Advertising: effective?

Advertising plays a huge role in our society as a means of persuasion and promotion. They appear everywhere; on buses, billboards, cereal boxes, commercials, and even in the student planners. This is because advertising proves very effective whether the purpose is to sell, promote, encourage, or simply to entertain. If I see a good, clever advertisement, I definitely pay attention to the product or sponsor. I occasionally buy products based on an advertisement. After seeing the Venus Divine razor ad, looking so cool and easy, I bought it. I also remember as a kid watching cartoons I would always love watching commercials and seeing all the dolls and ponies that were advertised. From watching those, I would write my Christmas list based on those toys that were presented in a fun, persuading manner. Advertising is very effective.

Lowest Common Denominator

I partially agree that with in trying to "offend no one," networks tend to offer programs that appeal to the "lowest common denominator." In my mind, this refers to the desires and preferences of the general public. Many shows air according to this idea. A few that I thought of: The Hills, Spike TV, American Idol, Hannah Montana, CSI, Gossip Girl, South Park, and The Bachelor. These shows all include aspects that focus on a common preference. For example, The Hills features a large amount of drama including friendships, sex, employment issues and family problems. These appeal to the general population and the show receives a lot of attention. However, I do think there are quality television programs that appeal to the higher common denominator. These shows cause the audience to think, to be involved, to develop solutions, and to learn. Shows such as 24, Full House, Prison Break, and The Cosby Show teach values of family, honor, integrity, hard work, and forgiveness. For example, I am a huge fan of Prison Break. Although it includes violence and harsh language, I beleive that I have learned a lot from watching it, especially the values of family, education, integrity, and perseverance.

TV's Impact

I agree with the statement that television has had the greatest impact on society than any other form of media. Looking back, when TV first became public, its rise affected many other sources of media such as radio, magazines, and newspapers. That is because it included the good parts of all those sources and more. TV plays music and advertising, just like radio. TV shows gossip, focused ads, news, and in depth stories, just like magazines. TV includes news programs, comics, ads, and personal stories, just like newspapers. However, television combines all these elements in single, easy to use system that can be both seen and heard. Advertisers spend most of their money to deliver to TV channels and 99% of all households own a TV. Television can easily update and identifies our culture and social norms. It influences the way we perceive the world around us and updates us about world news. Television has definitely had the greatest impact on society.