Alcohol Advertising
when a crowd gets rowdy and out of control. Alcohol advertisements show alcohol as economic success, fun, sexual attractiveness, athletic skill, and popularity; this is misleading. Most ads show young people typically in a nightclub or on a beach, either relaxing or partying. This gives people the idea that alcohol will take away their worries. Many alcohol ads are shown on television during sports events. And also billboards at sports arenas. Most grocery, and convenience stores have noticeable alcohol promotions. In just about every place you go you are surrounded by alcohol ads. Alcohol advertising creates an environment that suggests that alcohol consumption and over consumption are normal activities. Many PG and PG-13 movies have alcohol scenes and product placement. This is targeted toward youth. The ads don’t show you the potential risks and dangers that can be contributed to alcohol. I feel advertisements should contain a noticeable warning of the health risks of alcohol consumption.
The ads that show people partying, having fun, beautiful, wealthy, and relaxed are misleading. The alcohol consumption that these ads are showing is misleading because they are dishonest. This is because too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, death, and eventually alcohol abuse. Alcoholics are no longer having fun or relaxed like the ads show. Many people lose their families, jobs, homes, and everything else that meant anything to them. This shows that alcohol ads are untruthful. People don’t usually think of the risk factors involved in drinking. Along with the other risks, they can also get into an accident, put in jail, have their car taken away, or even harm another person. They don’t warn you of the potential risks and consequences involved with drinking. If the Government regulated the ads more less youth would be targeted. All of these things can occur and the main reason for them occurring is pointed in the direction of advertising. This is the start of influence on young. This is where underage drinking will occur. It is the beginning of many problems but not the end. This is why I believe that advertising ads should be regulated.
Works Cited
Federal Trade Commission, (September 1999). Self-Regulation in the Alcohol Industry: A Review of Industry Efforts to Avoid Promoting Alcohol to Underage Consumers.
Altman D.G., Schooler C. and Basil M.D. Alcohol and Cigarette Advertising on Billboards. Health Education Research: Theory and Practice. P. 487-490. 1991
Atkin, C.K., Neuendorf, K., and McDermott, S. The role of Alcohol Advertising in Excessive and Hazardous Drinking. Journal of Drug Education. P. 313-325. 1983
Hackbarth, D., Silvestri B., and Cosper, W. Tobacco and Alcohol Billboards in 50 Chicago Neighborhoods: Market Segmentation to sell dangerous products to the Poor. Journal of Public Health Policy P. 213-230. 1994.