Times Square syndrome
For those who have visited Times Square recently, you know what I am talking about. You know about the endless advertising: vertical, horizontal, printed, sculpted, on fifteen story high screens and renewed almost daily. There is so much advertising that I dare anyone to walk around Times Square ten times and on the tenth time not be discovering a new message. I call this the Times Square syndrome of excess advertising.
They are selling cars, TV shows, investment, broadway plays (that one makes sense) and there is even an image of Uncle Sam decrying the United States' multi-trillion dollar debt.
My point? Well, I'm wondering just how I am expected to save, cut back, recycle, consume responsibly when on Times Square, and around the world, the messages have not changed. Sure, they throw in the occasional environmental pseudo-commitment, but frankly, they're still selling jeans on a half naked couple (corner of Broadway and 42nd). They're selling the most expensive and exclusive fashions, travel destinations and watches. More more more is the mantra. When will someone go down the path of less less less. As I write, I can hear the Ad Council fretting. They do, after all, defend advertising as not only a right but a human need. Without advertising, we are told, we could not choose.
Those who know me must be wondering what I'm doing here. I am attacking the very profession that pays my rent. Well, in my defense, not exactly. Show me a Times Square filled with a healthy mix of responsible advertising and good public interest communications and I'll be happier. And yes, there can be a business model based on less advertising, or at least wiser advertising. I have been talking about it for years but I am insignificant in the world of Madison Avenue advertising. But I will continue to voice my discontent and just to put my money where my mouth is, I think it's time I write a report or a book about how I believe we can live in a world of responsible albeit profitable advertising.
To be continued...
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