Too Many Ads

Freedom of speech and expression are becoming more and more difficult to defend every day. And for good reason, people we are overwhelmed with images and messages everyday on a scale that has increased exponentially since those fundamental freedoms were first laid down. The volume of messages we receive, whether through words, sounds or images, necessitates some order in their production and distribution as the pace, volume and potency of information continues to rise. It is for this reason that we have institutions like the FCC and other federal oversight groups; to establish the rules and regulations that organizations must play by in order to publish a given image. In the example of Benetton from the "Visual Persuasion in Advertising, Public Relations and Journalism" article, the images associated with the groups advertisements do not correspond with their stated purpose as a merchandise corporation. No matter how noble, or ignoble, the intent may be, Benetton is not an organization whose stated purpose it is to point out social wrongs and has no place using purposely offensive images for the supposed sale of their products. If Benetton wanted to make a point about AIDS then they should present themselves to the public as an organization that sells clothing AND promotes human rights. Then they will be held to the same standard as all the other organizations who fight for social change.