Advertising the Problems

It is true that one can have a basic understanding of a nation simply by observing its advertising. The whole point of advertising is to provide information about a product or service and to convince the buying public to want it. From this public offering one can know what is needed or desired. And because advertisers attempt to appeal to society (or a certain group in society) one can also know the general attitudes and perhaps even the problems of that country. What appeals to people tells a lot about them.
If you look at the history of advertising in this country you will see the changes through the years from pen and ink illustrations of wood burning stoves and hardware to the various forms of modern commercials. This history exposes more than mere technique or technology. It shows a constant decline in morality in every facet of society. Current advertising shows no respect for the home. It commonly presents little respect for marriage or authority but it is self-indulgence which is praised. The simple line drawings of fashions in the 1800’s are replaced by enormous, soft porn photos. The problems of a society are evident for all to see in high definition by advertisers.
Ten years ago when we were moving to this area we noticed a billboard we had never seen before. Right beside billboards enticing one to eat at McDonald’s, purchase groceries at Kroger or drink coffee at Starbucks loomed a smiling woman with large letters of how easy it is to divorce. It was disturbing then and continues to be disturbing. The very existence of this billboard advertised more than a service, it advertised a problem in society. The ad was from a certain law firm setting their services and price for uncontested divorces. This billboard does more than advertise a service. It gives an indication of a disease in society just like a pox or sore gives an indication of a disease in the body. If divorces were not prevalent and such big business there would be no billboard advertising divorce lawyers. If society were not so taken by immorality and complacent to sin there would be no public ads of nudity (suggested or otherwise) displayed in the malls. The ads of a society are like a barometer in that they show the current extent of moral decline. Are we shocked anymore by the Victoria Secret ad which hangs in their store window? What about the Abercrombie and Fitch photos of shirtless men to advertise their clothes? Of course there are certain advertisers who purposefully see how far they can go and know that if they push the limits soon the limits will be extended as society becomes more corrupt, coarse in nature and willing in moral decline. We should all be ashamed.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.
Romans 1:32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.