Advertising Effects on Culture

Ads have more of an effect on us whether you notice it or not. It’s as simple as asking for a Kleenex instead of a tissue or hearing “Just do it” and automatically thinking of Nike. Brands have created ads that have changed the culture of society. Most people might not know this, but the common saying “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” comes from an ad that was created for Listerine in 1924, except the headline is “often a bridesmaid, but never a bride.” Another common saying that people always have seen is “Keep calm and carry on.” This saying has been created into multiple different types of “keep calm and…”, but many people have no idea that it was originally created by the British government in 1939 to be distributed in the event that the Nazi’s would attack England and become popular again during the 2008 recession. 

Even though people today don’t know where those saying came from, they still have stayed relevant for years and years after they were popular. That’s why it is important for brands and their ads to have impactful messages. An ad can have a lasting stamp on people’s minds forever. I have seen many brands starting to understating this and using their platforms to not only promote their products, but spread positive messages. Apple’s most recent ad about women does just this. Apple already has the biggest following in the world. They don’t need to advertise their products, so they used their name to spread positive messages. Dove also had a very impactful campaign for Real Beauty that focused on women viewing themselves negatively and it is still used today. It doesn’t have to be about women. Brands can use their platforms to talk about mental health, the environment, or any other societal issue. 

I hope to see more brands using their messaging to have positive impacts on culture. You never know what ad is going to become the next “Just do it.”