Question

Can you explain two ways in which you think advertising affects issues of equality in a democracy?

Answer 1

Hint: Advertising touches lakhs of people every day and has the power to mold or change the culture. The different advertisement promotes different ideas and conveys a message which indirectly affects the individual, especially in a diverse country like India.

Complete Answer:
First, let's understand the meaning of equality. It means that all citizens should have equal access to similar political rights like the right to vote, contest elections, and give their opinion towards government policies. Should have equal opportunities, status, and rights.
Moreover, if we see the advertisement part it makes a lot of influence on individuals’ life in terms of mental health and social life. And this actually raises the issue of equality. In a democratic country like India where people of diverse cultures, caste, religion, community live together, advertisements affect society’s mentality in a subconscious mind.
Two ways in which advertising is affecting the issues of equality are:
Firstly, since advertisements use different kinds of emotions like caring or love for the family for promoting their products, but those who cannot afford the branded products feel that they are not able to offer the quality product and the care to their family.
Secondly, overlooking important issues: Since advertising focuses more on the lives of the rich and the well-known people, it makes us ignore the issues like poverty, discrimination, and dignity; the issues that are the basis of the functioning of equality in a democracy.
For example, Some cream advertisements show that by applying that particular cream they will turn white. So don't black or dark skin people have the right to be what they are. Another example is most men are shown doing office work and women are shown doing household chores or they are chosen for domestic ads.

Note: Democratic country promotes equality to all its citizens but in some or the other way it hampers the person's dignity or status in society. Advertisements build up the stereotype in a person's mind. Individuals start feeling that they are lacking behind or they are being neglected by society. Because only the creme section of society is being prioritized.