Ethics and morals in advertising?

Question

--I just saw an ad on TV for a law firm saying if your child committed suicide after taking (--drug name?--), call us to sue them.
--If it was for their benefit, and minimal profit to the lawyer, this wouldn't be an issue, but I know they are making beaucoup money off this.
--How the hell did this happen on TV...I wouldn't allow that to air.

Answer 1

You wouldn't allow it to air?
You'd have no choice in the matter.
Free speech ain't always pretty, my friend.

(Also, I second zoeksalamander's suggestion that you read "The Persuaders.")

Answer 2

That's OK, I saw one of those ambulance-chaser "Have you been injured in an accident" firms with this gem: "Have you won money in a settlement that's just not coming? Are you trying to pay bills ... OR PURCHASE YOUR DREAM HOME?"

Wha-wha-WHAT!? Dream home!? What the hell does that have to do with justice?

The answer is nothing. But it is, sadly, playing to a very specific demographic out there. Think about when these things usually air, too; often during the day when these lazy slugs are sitting on their lawn chair in the living room trying to think of a way to sue their neighbor with the nice Beamer.

Answer 3

I think that class action lawsuits should be outlawed. No one profits from them but the attorneys, because plantiffs do not have a say in these as to what is acceptable as a settlement. It's totally up to the attorneys suing.

Answer 4

I think removal of the ad all depends on how much business they get because of it. I haven't seen the ad you're talking about, so it might just be insensitive. If it's being crude for the sake of being shocking, and preying on the emotions of the victims, it will probably get removed regardless, because then you're offending the victims, and why would they want your business.

Answer 5

what and what in advertising? Have you been living under a rock or something?