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In contemporary society, the role of advertisements extends beyond
mere promotion of products, they also serve as powerful influencers in
shaping cultural norms and values. While some argue that advertisements play a significant role in defining societal standards, others contend that their impact is overstated. From my perspective, I entirely agree with this conviction on account of the reasoning presented below.
Admittedly, there are valid arguments supporting the idea that
advertisements are solely concerned with promoting products and do not play a role in shaping cultural norms or values. First, advertisements primarily serve the economic interests of companies, rather than actively shaping cultural norms and values. Indeed, certain advertisements go as far as distorting their nation's cultural identity to stir controversy and garner attention, all in an effort to enhance the visibility of their products. Second, contemporary advertising frequently adheres to fleeting and fashionable trends, often neglecting to tailor products in alignment with national cultural identities. More specifically, short-form advertisements on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook or Instagram often attract a large number of viewers despite having offensive, ridiculous and highly controversial content.
Despite these considerations, I maintain that the function of
advertisements extends beyond product promotion to include the influence of cultural standards and significance. One of the most obvious concerns is that advertisements often portray ideal lifestyles, beauty standards and the positive role of individuals in society to actively contribute to clarifying good cultural standards and values. This is evidenced by brands consistently inviting influencers with high-quality personalities to be their representative faces to promote their products. Another point to discuss is the repeated exposure to certain images and messages in advertisements can influence individuals' perceptions of what is desirable and acceptable in society. A recent survey revealed that nationalistic and patriotic advertisements have played a significant role in shaping Vietnam's culture and national identity in the eyes of international friends and tourists.
In conclusion, while advertisements undoubtedly wield influence in
shaping cultural norms and values, the extent of their impact remains a subject of debate. From my perspective, by fostering a critical awareness of the messages conveyed in advertisements and promoting media literacy, individuals can mitigate the potential negative effects and retain agency in shaping their own cultural identities.