Abstract
Advertising is regarded with suspicion because of its perceived manipulative powers and its intrusion into our lives. ‘The good, the bad, and the ugly’ looks at the positives and negatives of advertising, including cigarette and alcohol advertising, and brand advertising. Since the middle of the 19th century, advertising has been increasingly regulated by laws and controls. Television advertising was statutorily controlled from its inception. Studies show that brand advertising can be ineffective for products that are well-established and satisfy a basic need. Advertising can sell new brands but its role in social engineering is minimal. Advertising has, however, helped discourage drunken driving and this is due to a strong emotive element.
