Our debate on the marketing of the global warming/climate change issue has been fascinating. Thanks for all the articulate arguments put forth by everyone.
What other social issues have either been marketed poorly, or well? Did “This is your brain on drugs” accomplish its goals? Didn’t Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign in the late ’70s actually backfire on her, actually helping the gay rights movement? (Although it may have helped orange juice sales, so Anita shouldn’t hang her head too low!) One of the most successful efforts I’ve ever seen is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). What about the effects of over-exposure to the sun?
And, what other issues could use some effective marketing? (Which, of course, does not just mean a cool ad campaign.) Childhood obesity? Teen smoking? Or, would these be futile efforts? (Or, you may argue, its nobody’s business but the obese 17-year-old with a pack of Marlboro’s in his pocket.)