Did someone say my name?
I have no formal training or studies in the theory, history or sociopolitical implications of advertising. I am, however, immersed in it many hours a week, from the postproduction perspective.
Personally I find the idea of it pretty revolting, and most of the ads are pretty revolting as well. I don't like the values promoted or the least-common-denominator "language", be it visual or verbal.
Having said that, television advertising in general has the biggest budget per second onscreen of any motion picture medium, and as a result, when a clever idea is put together with top-notch talent and production, the results can be pretty impressive, and even become part of the cultural landscape and collective consciousness, for better or worse.
To answer the original question, being for or against advertising is really being for or against a capitalist society, as they are inseparable. Ideally, we would find a better system than capitalism, but in practice, it seems to be the most successful system, at least from a Darwinian point of view.
So, I accept it as a necessary evil.
Plus, it pays the rent.
)
me neither, lets go out partying and leave them to do the thinking
