In recent years there has been a tremendous increase of young people, particularly girls, who favor clothes emblazoned with designer names and logos. A. I must say that this still amazes me. That so many people are willing and eager to be used as human billboards certainly says something about peer pressure and the power of advertising. In addition to eroding self-esteem, the fallout from advertising can be a matter of life and death. You are most passionate about the role it plays in leading girls and young women into tobacco and alcohol addictions.
Addiction is the major public health issue of our time.
Alcohol kills more than 100,000 Americans every year and is the drug most linked with violent crime, child abuse, family violence, and suicide. At least one in four American children is growing up in an alcoholic home. Many of these children suffer physical abuse as well as psychological and emotional abuse. In addition, girls and women often use alcohol and tobacco to medicate themselves for depression and to stifle rage. Not only do the addictions damage our health and limit our lives, they also suppress energy that might otherwise be used for profound political and social change.