Advertising

The Persuaders segment on Frontline was a very interesting examination of just how much machination goes in to selling us a product or service. There is a constant battle going on to get consumers' dollars, and the casualty is our consciousness. In order to shill their products, no arena seems off-limits to advertisers, including subliminal mind control tactics.

Now when people hear 'mind control' they usually think of science fiction or perhaps very powerful hypnotic suggestion (such as the Manchurian Candidate). However, sorry to say, these sorts of fantastical things are not necessary to control our weak minds. This again plays to a major theme I talk about throughout my blog: human brains are susceptible to unconscious influences. These are usually emotional in nature, and they often go unnoticed until some news magazine does a documentary on them.

This very much reminded me of a segment by British illusionist Derren Brown, Subliminal Advertising where he turns the tables on a couple of advertising professionals. I recommend you watch it, its very interesting and somewhat spooky, and shows just how powerful subliminal suggestion can be.

In all I was not entirely surprised by what was revealed of the advertising industry. Their tactics may have changed in delivery and in physical media, but the primary goal of companies selling their products has not changed. They want to do whatever they can to get the consumer to identify with a product. Not just to want or need it, but to feel a bond which co-opts their branding as a small part of your identity. They can do this through the front door with logos, or through the back door through surreptitious subliminal advertising, the effect is the same.