How does Madison Avenue stereotype you?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ways in which advertisers stereotype consumers and the implications of these stereotypes on individual identity and consumer behavior. Participants explore the motivations behind advertising strategies and the perception of consumers as manipulable entities within the commercial landscape.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that advertisers view consumers as individuals to be manipulated, highlighting the disconnect between consumer identity and the idealized images presented in advertisements.
  • Another participant shares an anecdote about a friend in advertising who focused on elevating the product's image rather than directly manipulating consumers, suggesting a different perspective on the role of advertising.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of recognizing who sets societal standards and cautions against allowing these standards to dictate personal self-worth.
  • Another point raised is the consumer's responsibility in the purchasing process, noting that consumers often fail to critically assess value and may become emotionally attached to products.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of consumer manipulation in advertising. While some agree on the manipulative aspects of advertising, others highlight the role of consumer agency and the complexities involved in the relationship between consumers and advertisers.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the motivations of advertisers and the psychological effects of advertising on consumers. The discussion does not clarify the extent to which consumers are aware of or resist these manipulative tactics.

Loren Booda
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When you encounter a TV, radio or magazine ad, political promotion or public display of commercialism, don't you get the idea their fabricators see you as a person to be manipulated?

Try describing the characteristics with which advertisers pigeonhole us - the images that they perceive not of what we are, but of the Potemkin citizens they would have us be. For instance, I should be ashamed of my gray hairs, and wear boot-polish black coloring instead to mesmerize the chicks.
 
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Originally posted by Loren Booda
When you encounter a TV, radio or magazine ad, political promotion or public display of commercialism, don't you get the idea their fabricators see you as a person to be manipulated?
Its funny you should ask this question because my best friend growing up ended up going into advertizing.

He wouldn't shut up about the subject and talked about it ad nauseam. He actually never thought of the consumer as a person to be manipulated.

Instead, his sole focus was devoted to manipulating the image of the product. His goal was always to find a way to turn the product into a "star" the way any great movie star is a "star". This might be achieved dramatically or comedically.

Of course the consumer does end up being manipulated in the furtherace of his goals, but in his mind that was a secondary effect.
 
i completely agree with your post Loren...but you have to remember who is setting these standards and then not allow them to control or manipulate you into thinking you aren't living up to the madison avenue standards...
 
Kerrie,

The consumer is often to blame for buying before thinking about value, "falling in love" with a product, being uncritical with promotional information, or leading a lifestyle of consumption.