Businesses agree to pay for air time then encourage us to buy their products and services. Our purchases pay for the commercials. This is commerce at its best.
Besides promoting commerce, commercials have other effects. We are manipulated to believe the messages that get our attention, time, money and even our vote. Children are made to believe that they will get lots of fun from advertised toys, video games, and the latest technology. Women are encouraged to think that they need advertised products to eradicate or prevent their many "flaws." Men are persuaded to think that the right vehicle or medication will improve their lives. Voters are bombarded with messages for and against political candidates.
The art and science of advertising works when we are unaware of emotional appeals, exaggerations, brainwashing, propaganda, and outright lies. We need to realize that our appearance is just fine without all those "beauty" aides and that the newest material possessions will not make us better or happier people. Voters need to beware when political commercials fuel already-formed prejudices and emphasize voting against someone instead of voting for someone.
We need products, services, and good politicians, but don't be led astray by commercials.
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