Ads sell more than products. The argument states that if it's not banned by government, it's fair game for marketers. A rational point of view, one would say. Applying that logic, any number of socially unacceptable practices could be deemed appropriate from the segregation laws of the '60s to the fen-phen marketing of today. From worst to questionable The best way for the marketer to confront the ethical conundrum is to address the specific case.
Nothing focuses the mind better than applying the principle to the application.
Look how much effort it took to drive a stake through the heart of cigarette icon Joe Camel. At least the candy and soda companies are honest in their intent and practice. They're selling sugar and lifestyle, nothing more. And, they're proud of it to boot. Politicians are poor ethical example For calculated dishonesty and marketing cynicism at its worst, nobody can beat the politicians.