Advertising. It makes a difference.

I have been said to have sold my soul, because I am in the business of making people want to buy things. Can anyone honestly say that advertising has not affected them as human beings? It's not about being exposed to x number of ads a day, or being bothered by constant Facebook ads, but about picking Land O' Lakes over Challenge butter, and buying an iPhone over a non-smartphone. There is a fundamental desire for human beings to identify with a belief they have about themselves ("I am edgy", "I want to show I live in a life of luxury", "I choose not to buy brands because I am a non-conformist") to connect and socialize with similar people in their societies. 

Ads ultimate create claims and everlasting images (if succsesful) that their product is better (truth or no truth) in the marketplace -- as its profitable. And profit is good right?

This ad by AlmapBBDO brings up tons of thoughts I have about selling goods, consumerism as a whole, and just agreeing that competition is good for the market. Advertising is in the business of creating a brand image. It's foolish to say that brands don't have an effect on you -- even people buying solely generic brands at pharmacies and grocery stores may splurge from time to time to purchase 'branded' clothing, technology, or experiences.

Advertising is here to stay, and I do hope that I'll get to be a part of erasing the stigma that differentiating a brand via a paid medium is wrong.