Killing Us Softly

Sociology of Consumption: “Killing Us Softly” Course Code: AHSS 1050 “Killing Us Softly”, is a documentary that explains the effects of advertising. As mentioned in the video, on a daily basis we are exposed to nearly 1 500 ads a day, and it is evident not all the ads are watched, however they do manage to make it to the back of our heads. So even if we do not pay close attention to what the ad is saying, if the product that was being advertised comes in front of us we still manage to remember that we had seen the product advertisement earlier. The documentary takes a further look at the main reason why ads are made, and the conclusion made is that when products don’t sell, ads are made in the sense, telling their customers they need the product or else they are incomplete. I believe this is a general fact, everyone know that the main needs of any person are, some type of clothes to cover their body, food to eat, water to drink and some sort of shelter. However, when these ads are presented they create an urge in the sense the person believes that have to have the product being advertised. The example given in the documentary was of ageing creams. They are advertised in a way that older aged women feel they have to have the cream or else there is something wrong with them. Another example, is straightening irons, the traditional way of straightening hair is using a hair dryer, or any ordinary straightening iron sold at the store. However, there certain brands advertised in which people believe they are better which is not true. Even though all brands are the same, just because of the ad people believe one is better than the other and that is the only one they want. So when markets say ads sell more than product, concepts, thoughts and values, this is what they refer to. Overall, ads are made in the sense to tell their customers that the product being advertised is a need to them or else they are missing out on something and they are not normal. Many people do