Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id QAA08709 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Fri, 30 Mar 2001 16:38:42 +0100 To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Subject: Re: taboos X-Remote_Addr: 195.195.65.222 Message-Id: <E14j0vU-000GsE-00@gaea> From: Douglas Brooker <dbrooker@clara.co.uk> Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 16:35:00 +0100 Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
> On 03/30/01 08:55, Douglas Brooker said this-
>
> >why would subliminal advertising be so controversial? The ad-maker
is
> >aware of the content, the perceiver isn't. (?)
>
> Subliminal advertising is controversial by virtue of it's being a
figment
> of some people's imagination, and having no verifiable evidence for
its
> existence.
>
> The admaker is only aware of having done something he or she thinks
might
> make a difference, but, in all clinical forays, no difference has
been
> found.
Why would advertisers want to use something that all clinical trials
shows doesn't work and is also likely to get the advertiser and agency
into deep merde? Did you see see the 'rat'?
The controversy about subliminal advertising isn't about whether it
works or not, it's about the intent of the advertiser and the
vulnerability or fears of those who see or hear the ad that their free
will will be subverted.
> Subliminal advertising is an urban myth.
You've acknowledged subliminal advertising exists, so the myth would
seem to be only whether it can achieve the results intended. The myth
is that it can, the studies (facts, perhaps) are that it can't. I
take your word on the studies.
What are the messages being communicated in ads for products like '
Charmin' the ultra soft toilet paper? "Don't squeeze the Charmin" It'
s about something most see a taboo. Sorry this example is so dated but
I haven't watched tv in a long time.
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