1. Advertising & Consumerism
What is the media’s role?

2. What do you buy?
Think back to the last day, week and month and try to remember everything you’ve bought. (Include things your parents or anyone else bought for you)
In your notebook, list as many things as you can and then under the Why did I buy it area, write “I needed it,” “I wanted it,” or “I don’t know/can’t remember.”

3. What kinds of consumer goods would you consider to be essential in any of these categories?
Look at your list of things you’ve bought. Where would they be?
Are there any consumer goods that you would associate with Maslow’s highest level of actualization?

4. Buy Nothing Day
Read the handout and answer the questions. You may use the back or a separate sheet of paper for more space if you need.

5. Buy Nothing Day
Do you think that we buy more things than we really need each day? Make a list of things which your family would normally spend money on each day, i.e. food, gas, bus fare, clothing etc. 
Why do we, as a culture, feel compelled to buy things we don't need for survival? 
Do you think commercials and advertisements make us feel we need things when we really don't? 
Why do you think our culture and media encourage us to buy things constantly? Is this a good, bad or neutral thing? Why?
Do you think Buy Nothing Day is an event worth observing? Why or why not?

6. Advertising in the Media
Consumerism Diary
Between now and next class, write down everything you see and hear that is telling you to buy something. (It doesn’t really matter what it is, just that you’re being encouraged to buy things.) Keep note of where you get each message and the medium it was in (billboard, TV ad, etc.) Don’t just count obvious ads – include every time you see a logo, a product placement, etc. 

7. Marketing to Teens
Many ads are targeted specifically at teens. Why do you think this is?
Teenagers are important targets for advertisers since many of them have high disposable incomes (money from allowances or part time jobs that they can spend on things they like or want, but don't necessarily need).
Teenagers are important targets for advertisers because companies need to build brand loyalty. They want people to start using their products when they are young and continue using them for the rest of their lives.

8. Marketing to Teens How to marketers reach teens?
Where are some of the places you see ads?
in bathrooms, on the net, bus shelters, bike racks, food packaging (fast food packaging, cereal boxes), matchbooks, billboards, coasters, under the ice at hockey games, on people's clothes, on shopping carts, on busses.
Which of these locations do you consider the best for reaching teens?
Where do you see ads in school?
Can you think of a place where there are no ads?

9. Agree/Disagree
Place yourselves along a continuum depending on whether or not you agree with the following statements.
1) I can ignore most advertising
2) Songs from commercials stick in my head
3) I have made a conscious effort to look like someone specific I have seen in the ad
4) Some ads make me feel bad about myself or inadequate

10. Being an ACTIVE consumer
Don’t just sit back and accept all of the messages the media feeds us (advertising or news stories). You can “talk back” and voice your opinion.
Do you think talking back makes a difference?
In 1999 Calvin Klein ads were pulled because consumers complained they sexualized children; Camel cigarettes stopped using the 'Joe Camel' character in advertisements due to consumer complaints that it targeted kids; JC Penny chose to stop selling children's T-shirts featuring Budweiser's "Whassup!" slogan when parents began an campaign.

12. How ads get our attention
Some ads are popular because they go against the norm. Some of these ads make fun of overused clichés or show that they know we are too smart to just accept advertising without questioning it.
McCain Pizza Pocket ad that has teenage boys talking about how stupid pizza pocket ads are

13. How ads get our attention
Product Placement
Greatest Movie Ever Sold Trailer

14. How ads get our attention
Parody Ads
Understand that advertisements don’t necessarily tell the whole truth about a product
Ads are designed to deliver very specific messages to consumers

15. How ads get our attention
Spoof Ads
Why is humor an effective way to make a point?

16. How ads get our attention
Pull on our heartstrings or try to teach us about responsible behavior. (These are called advocacy ads)
These are meant to benefit everyone.
Examples:
Cigarette companies that create ‘don’t smoke’ ad campaigns for kids.
A paper company that does an ad about environmental conservation.

17. How ads get our attention
Subtle advertising
Athletes wearing clothing with prominently displayed logos
Songs with product names in them “Pampers melt in a Maytag Dyer”
Shows or stars that have spin-off products like action figures or collectibles

18. How ads get our attention
Which of these types of methods make you want to buy the product?
Which of these is the most effective form of advertising?
Which of these is the least effective form of advertising?

19. Gender Roles in Advertising
Advertisers create campaigns directed at girls that are different from campaigns directed at guys. Often an ad will tell you whether a product is something ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine,’ even thought he product could be used by either gender.

20. Gender Roles in Advertising

21. Gender Roles in Advertising

22. Gender Roles in Advertising

23. Gender Roles in Advertising
What are some common gender stereotypes associated with guys and girls?
Do you believe these gender stereotypes to be accurate?
Where do you think these stereotypes come from?