Do we meaninglessly encourage people to buy, eat, consume, drive things they don't need? Or do we have a point of view?
These questions were asked by Kate Robertson, group chairman at Euro RSCG and co-founder of global forum One Young World, at the 4A’s confab held the last week of March in Los Angeles.
The knock on the ad industry
Her questions, as reported by Ad Age, were part of a discussion Robertson initiated about the advertising industry and sustainability. She pondered whether the two are diametrically opposed because advertising is about selling. Robertson pressed her colleagues asking if ad professionals blatantly lie on behalf of their clients.
Do we shill without a conscience?
Quite provocative.
Knock it off
Was anyone listening? I wonder if the message was carried back to attendee’s shops and given serious consideration. I wonder if anyone who heard her message or read her comments in Ad Age did or is doing some soul searching. I wonder if anyone is taking a stand and making some changes.
If you had to hazard a guess?
Clearly this is an issue that warrants industry-wide action.
Opportunity knocks
Another observation that drew some comments from attendees was those conspicuous by their absence: the youth of the industry.
Let’s see, the 4A’s wishes to attract young blood and the industry is confronted with a green issue that goes to the heart of the core values of today’s generation. Seems we have a match made in heaven.
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