Advertising

I just saw Minority Report. I know it’s a movie not “advertising” but bear with me. The personalized advertising in it freaked me out. Probably because I can see that actually happening. Advertisers already “target” us… if they could personalize it (as some do with junk e-mail, etc)… then why not?

As annoying as advertising is, and as filthy as it is at times, I think ultimately it points to our need as humans. The crux of most advertisements is “you need this product to be happy”. While that statement is false, one that rings true for everyone is “you need something”.

In the Young Life talk sequence, it’s my firm belief that the “need” talk is the easiest to give. That is, it’s the easiest to give and have kids respond. People are aware that they are without. They see it all around them. Advertising only increases the contrast of that need (sometimes unhealthily so). But, what often doesn’t get told is The Answer. I’m not looking for McDonald’s to say “hey, hungry? Have a big mac. Spiritually hungry? Try St. Marks’ Episcopal this Sunday. Services at 9:30 and 11:00.” But it seems that we as Christians could address the needs of people better, talking about out own, and also talking about the fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Jesus.