Questioning the Media ch. 11

2. Why are so many people critical of advertising?

People are critical of advertising for very fundemental reasons.  Advertising may support, and try to gain support, for things they do not like or do not approve of.  A mother is not going to like seeing an advertisement with people smoking in public places around children, and Europeans are not going to like the Bud Light commercial mocking them for wearing speedos.  People become spitfully critical of things they do not like or agree with.  Advertising covers all realm of possibilites for products and services.  Therefore with everything being availble for advertising it makes it easier for people to be critical of it  Although it would not be fair, or Constitutional, to limit what can and can not be advertised.  Last year I heard a commercial for a website that helps people in relationships find affairs, of course I did not like that but maybe someone else does. 

7. Is advertising at odds with the ideals of democracy? Why or Why Not?

I do not believe advertising is at odds with the ideals of democracy at all.  If anything, I believe it is rather in accordance with the ideals as long as it is not limited to certain products or services.  Advertising is a form of speech, and democracy allows for free speech which includes advertising.  Not everyone is going to like what every single other person says but that can not possibly be expected with all the opinions that exist.  Advertising may appeal to some people, but not all.  Although that does not mean its free speech should be impeded.  The only time when advertising really should be absolutely limited is when people are telling lies about products.