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M: We're having the debate on Advertising evening. And I have to take part in. W: That's interesting. Ishould like to hear what people think about advertising. M: What is there to say? We must have advertising, mustn't we? W: Why? M: Well, we wouldn't know what there was to buy if we didn't have advertisements. W: Yes, that's true up to a point. Advertisements provide information that we need. If someone has produced a new article, natually the seller wants to tell us about it. M: Yes, and the advertisements tell us which product is the best. W: Do they? I don't think so. Every manufacturer says that his product is the best, or at least tries to give the impression. Only one can be the best, so, the others are misleading, aren't they? M: Well, in a way, I suppose. But we don't have to believe them, don't we? W: Are you saying that advertisements aren't effective? I don't think that intelligent businessmen would spend millions of dollars on advertising if nobody believes the advertisements, do you? M: Perhaps not. But after all, it's their money that they are spending. W: Is it? I think not. The cost of advertising is added to the price of the article. You and I, and all the other people who buy the article pay for the advertsing. M: Well, I suppose we get something for our money, some information. W: Yes, but don't forget it's often misleading information, and sometimes, harmful. M: Harmful? W: What about advertisements designed to persuade young peole to smoke cigarettes. Wouldn't you say they're harmful? M: You've given me a lot to think about. I'm quite looking forward to the debate now. |