Advertising is meant to persuade you to buy a product. It’s as simple as that. Negative qualities of a product do not make for good advertising, which is why you rarely see or hear mention of a product’s short comings. After all, if a company wants to sell its product—and most companies want to sell A LOT of product—the advertising is going to focus on, and embellish upon, only what the advertisers want you to see. Over time, this type of one-sided representation casts a shadow over the facts, making it difficult to separate the inflated image of a product from its truer origins.
It is important to note that advertising is not a bad thing. In fact, it is necessary for business. However, when marketing actively targets specific demographics, groups or communities, and attempts to sidestep honest representation of a product to increase sales, consumers have a right to know.
Be educated. Be vigilant. And always be questioning the products and advertising you support with your hard-earned money.