1. How seeing his presentation was different than reading the chapter?
Seeing his presentation allowed for my understanding of the concepts discussed to be further developed. For example, the imagery portrayed in the advertisements and artworks could be viewed from different angles, and could more easily focus on certain details with a zoom in. Watching his presentation in video format, rather than reading it, requires you to retain information through both seeing and listening, rather than just seeing.
2. What do you agree with? Why?
I agree with his ideas that publicity relies on the traditional arts to convey their messages of affluence, beauty, strength, passion, etc. Essentially, life imitates art through publicity. I also agree with his ideas that publicity showing us a better way of life, one we presumably can’t have without the advertised product, can be damaging to a person’s mentality.
3. What do you disagree with? Why?
While I agree with the idea that publicity and the imagery it conveys can have negative effects, I disagree with the implication he seems to make that all advertising, or “publicity”, is inherently bad. While in theory, it seems we could be better off without the pressure of ads encouraging us to create a better life for ourselves through material things, the world would be pretty bleak if seen devoid of material possessions. And aside from that, especially in our present day, publicity can be used for a great deal of good, including for raising awareness for social activism/justice movements, promoting products that are environmentally friendly, and more. believe the most important thing is for people to be aware of the true nature of advertising, and of the mentality of advertising targeting. As long as people are aware of the effects ads try to convey, they can make educated decisions on what is truly necessary and unnecessary for them to buy.
