Unethical advertising . . . the "Shake Weight" as an example

           

              Last time I talked about children being advertised high-fat foods, and hit on the idea that this can slightly be linked to ethics. Now, I want to explore ethics in advertising. How we can tell if advertising is ethical or not . . . what says something is ethical or un-ethical. To me, I think the distinction is plain and simple. If an advertiser is advertising something and the product or service is not exactly how it is advertised towards the consumer or customer, then this is un-ethical. Ethics can also relate to children, as before, as children do not have the mental capacity to understand the backgrounds of advertising and how they are being targeted. So if someone sells a product and they advertise this product does “X & Y,” and then consumer has the product and this product does not does “X & Y” after the direction have been followed, then this is unethical.

            One example that immediately jumped to my head, is the example of the “shake weight” fitness accessory. This device that is as big as a regular dumbbell, it shakes as one holds the device and does a couple different motions. Anyone knows this is not possible. One cannot gain as much muscle, “in only 6 minutes a day” as it has advertised through its commercials. I also read multiple forums and responses of users, which identifies that this product does not work. Therefore, the “Shake Weight” is definitely, and example of a product that is unethical and is advertised unethically.Here is a video f the "Shake Weight" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbsSeVr5NSI