Smart Ads
In a can of sterilized milk for example, it says it contains a total fat of 5.7 grams. It seems an ideal drink for fitness-conscious consumers. The calcium content is stated as 185 milligrams. It looks enough for a daily intake of nourishment for the bones. But haven’t you noticed something? Let’s do a little math. In weight conversion, a gram is bigger that a milligram. There are 100 milligrams in one gram. Therefore, if we perform a simple conversion, multiply 5.7grams of fat to 100 milligrams, would give you a total of 570 milligrams. We could conclude that the fat content of this can of milk is greater, actually way more than its calcium content having only 185 milligrams.
I could go on and on with more examples of these, I should say, deceiving figures, but I think I have made my point. If a certain content is believed to be harmful for the body upon large intakes, it is presented using grams, otherwise, milligrams is used.
I have another observation, again with food products, especially with newly manufactured ones. I have this habit of trying new products. If it satisfied my taste buds, I patronize it. For example, a newly introduced cracker or biscuit would be so tasty, and if it has fillings, it is indeed filled till the brim, the size too is worth the price. Come six months or so, the biscuit has become obviously smaller, less packed, and every good thing about it has decreased, except the price though. If it’s a product which initially brags about its cheesiness, after awhile, it would become less palatable. This implies two things to me; this kind of selling technique is like pacifying buyers, and lowering standards to cut cost yet trying not to be noticed. Well, not to me, I am noticing it. I could consider that fair if the price goes down along with its taste value, and content.
“No sugar added,” “No artificial preservatives added,” to me, these and the like have double meanings. Do they want to say, absolutely “no sugar” or totally “no preservatives” present in the product? Or what they actually mean “there is sugar,” “there are preservatives” it’s just that, they didn’t “add” anymore? The messages are misleading; intentionally obscure.
Most of the products on television commercials don’t really sell what they sell. Example, a brand of deodorant doesn’t actually introduce to market those small bottles with white balls that prevent underarm sweating. What they really sell is confidence! Can one really buy such? Another, a thirst-quenching product, and a vitamin supplement product sell happiness! I thought happiness can’t be bought? Others sell friends, quality time with family, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or a husband/wife. Even the hard-to-achieve success, which takes time, alot of work, prayer, enthusiasm, and determination is now on sale just by buying a small bottle of brandy!
These advertisements convey that if one buys a certain product, he/she becomes more likable, and more pleasing to the eyes of others, hence he/she could gain a friendship, a relationship, or a marriage. Strong drinks make you a macho man or a sexy lady, at least according to TV ads. I thought they give you hangovers, headaches, a bad breath, and a handful of shame upon throwing up, and peeing in your pants, not to mention an early morning dose of sermon from your wife! Advertisements have subtly dictated this kind of queer definitions of masculinity and sexiness; but it’s impact is undeniably strong.
On the other hand, this is not a protest of any kind nor a sabotage, just sheer public awareness, and a chunk or personal observation.
Many people though get hooked with these kinds of commercials, and they do buy these products. I am amazed how smart theseTV ads are; or should I say, how sly the advertisers are and the minds behind those temping and beguiling ads. But I commend those who present their products without any ambiguity.
So if they are smart we consumers should be wiser than they are. Choose well. It pays to do a little math, and a bit of wisdom exercise in every visit to the grocery store.
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Smart Ads! Yes it’s amazing how these advertisers present their product to the public especially on Television ads. I noticed they would use supermodel or somebody famous to get the consumers attention to introduce new product. Somehow peolpe buys it to gain their self confidence or gain friendships. And I totally agree with you, with the smart ads that if they’re smart we, the consumer should be smarter than them by doing a little research before going to the supermarket.
Milk is good. But I like fruits better.
Fresh fruits are the best. Natural food like fruits is best for the body. I once feasted on a book which featured the super fruits. I wish you could help me
recall and research for the super fruits. I could only recall avocado, carrots, citrus…
Yup…they really are smart, they should be though because there’s a lot of bucks in advertising…it’s just sad that they need to use some deceit, beguiling, and ambiguity to sell…