Drawing a clear line between standard marketing practices and unethical behavior is not natural. Identify two forms in your area, that you feel are or have demonstrated unethical behavior (although not per Se illegal).
The marketing activities of few products sometimes cross the limits of ethics, especially those who are unhealthy for human consumption. Two products which are marketed in a lovely way in some countries of Asia millions of dollar are often spent on them. The description of the two products are mentioned below:
- Tobacco is consumed in different ways by many countries of Asia. Tobacco takes the form of cigarette, country cigarette, Pan Masala (a concoction made of tobacco, catechu, betel nut and calcium carbonate), snuff, chewing tobacco etc. The masala is very popular in Indian subcontinents, and hence it is readily available here. It is believed that the most significant cause of throat and mouth cancer is tobacco. Due to increasing awareness about its ill effects, the company often hires big celebrities and spend million on them to give the message that this product is meant for wealthy, successful, brave and macho. This attracts the attention of the customers and these ads spell opulence, and consumers are shown in the garb of noblemen, industrialists, landlords and royal heirs. But the reality is far more shocking because the actual consumers belong from a poor household, semi-literate youth which sees them as their heroes and walks on the same path.
- Another product (lets name it X) is made by the global giant FMCG. It often claims through the advertisement that which says that the health drink is essential for the growth of the children and it will help in the advancement of the child’s brain as compared to those who don’t drink it. A model measures the height of a consumer with a measuring tape and declares that the taller child drinks the product X. The country who have millions of malnourished children and where even the healthier ones are also with moderate physical attributes, many believe the vast base customers purchase these claims, the item popularity increases and hence, they. But only a few portions of this customer base can afford it. The advertisement changes the mindset in no time, and sometimes they encounter the protest from consumer protection groups, but the concept remains unchanged.
Among these two ads, no-one is illegal. Still, they are considered to be unethical as they entice the unaware and ill-informed customers and prey on their lack of awareness to sell the products which hardly add any value in the customer’s life.