| I have a problem with public advertisements. Unlike TV, radio, the Internet, or magazine ads, people are forced to look at public advertisements. It’s naive to think these campaigns are harmless. These ad campaigns are aggressive. Aggressive because the public’s voice is marginalized. Aggressive because only those who can afford the space are allowed the use of these very public outlets. Aggressive because these campaigns represent a system that has been relentless in its attack on the environment and the poor. A system that puts monetary gains over all else. |  |
Poster Boy
I have a problem with public advertisements. Unlike TV, radio, the Internet, or magazine ads, people are forced to look at public advertisements. It’s naive to think these campaigns are harmless. These ad campaigns are aggressive. Aggressive because the public’s voice is marginalized. Aggressive because only those who can afford the space are allowed the use of these very public outlets. Aggressive because these campaigns represent a system that has been relentless in its attack on the environment and the poor. A system that puts monetary gains over all else. You can’t tell me that’s not invasive, offensive, and aggressive. When I see advertisements I can’t help but think of everything wrong with the prevailing system. I think of the one-party political system that advertises two parties. I think of the current puppet in the White House, an ad campaign himself, who is paraded around as progressive, or even more laughable, a socialist. I think of the campaign of preemptive attacks on poor countries in the name of security and democracy. I think of the bailouts given to institutions responsible for the financial crisis, which they use for ad campaigns and bonuses instead of their victims. I don’t have the patience to finish this list, but it goes on. It may be a reach for some people to make these connections to public advertisements, but when your back’s against the wall you’re forced to make a decision: be crushed or fight back. I decided to fight back, but not without knowing who I’m fighting and what I’m fighting for. I may not be the most eloquent when it comes to explaining why people should be upset, but I don’t let that keep me from expressing myself. Thank goodness for people like Hans Hermann and Noam Chomsky. Look them up if you want to understand why I do what I do. This isn’t about Poster Boy. It isn’t about ads. It isn’t about street art. It’s about coexisting with your fellow woman and man.
