When we think of what is unethical, we tend to think about something that is morally incorrect, or perhaps, a situation that is presented in a deceitful way. In any case, we should have a broad understanding about the subject or situation, and be given accurate information, in order to feel confident about the way our decision or opinion might sway as a result. With regards to this, Above The Influence (ATI) is a government based propaganda campaign that uses broad messaging to focus on teen substance abuse. The “Achievements”, “Flat”, and “Cocoon” commercials are three ads (among others) that I think are presented unethically within the campaign. The “Achievements” commercial depicts several teenagers sarcastically boasting about what they’ve “accomplished” while smoking weed. …show more content…
Those include: stealing, getting bad grades, obnoxiously calling their significant other, disappointing family, letting people draw on their face at parties, and ditching friends. It then ends with the question, “What has it done for you?” In addition, the “Flat” commercial depicts a girl sitting on a couch who looks “deflated” and lifeless. Her friend sits with her and reminisces about how they used to have fun together before her friend started “smoking pot” and became lazy and boring. Lastly, the “Cocoon” commercial portrays a boy smoking weed and every time he smokes, he adds more weed to this “cocoon” that he is slowly building around himself. Once he is completely consumed by the “weed cocoon”, it says, “What you choose today, affects who you are tomorrow”. Flashforward, and it shows an older, heavier-set, version of himself finally breaking out of the “weed cocoon”, where he still lives at home with his