The proposed images are to be used on all cigarette packaging and are meant to convey some very serious messages. To see all proposed images, go to this FDA warning label web page, and follow the links to each different message (BE PREPARED - SOME IMAGES MAY DISTURB YOU). Here are just a couple examples.
Some of the proposed images are graphic, others could be seen as saddening or scary. It is clear that, no matter what type of image is used, they are all meant to elicit some type of intense emotional response. Some people have been shocked by the images, and others, such as in this CBS cigarette label story, feel that they are not shocking enough.
Regardless of what you think of smoking, do you think that these new images will get the message across? Will people learn from these images? What do you think the FDA is trying to achieve through these proposed warning labels, and will they have the desired effect? How well do the message words and visuals work together?
For years, we have seen different ads where smoking was pictured as a source of relief or attraction. Of course, every ad was accompanied by a little written warning that cigar companies were obligated to show. Do I believe that the small printed words in TV ads or on cigarette packs are enough? Of course I don’t because, as we all have been reading most of the time, images are stronger than words. This is a YouTube video that shows an ad where the guy suddenly becomes attractive simply because he smoked. By the end of this ad, there is a health warning which I believe is useless since the message the visuals convey is stronger than the small words.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I believe that the new proposed anti-smoking campaign should score some progress in this issue. People tend to not listen but it is difficult not to see when the pictures are there every time someone opens his cigarette pack to smoke. In other words, images attract peoples’ attention especially when they are disturbing. For example, this is a YouTube video that uses visuals, text and narration to get the message crossed (belt up) very effectively and it plays on peoples’ emotions in a way that makes it hard not to think of the consequences. Realistically, this campaign might not be as effective on regular smokers as on those who are starting. Some regular smokers might see this as a wakeup call and quit but for those who are already addictive it will be very hard to get to them even through such disturbing images. Overall, this is a good step to raise awareness.
For some reason, the hyperlinked parts are not working. Any way here are the links
ReplyDeleteFirst video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p69Q8lTkZTc&feature=related
second video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ2EKswyTao&NR=1
I went to the FDA website through the link that you posted and looked at a few of the images. I am not convinced that these are effective images. Perhaps the method of delivery is not working. If the images are placed on the cigarette boxes then the consumer has already bought the product and are probably less likely to let the images affect them. I believe that these images may be more effective as smoking-prevention ads. They seem like they would deter people from starting to smoke, however I doubt that would be effective at getting people to quit smoking.
ReplyDeleteI also had a problem with the first image that you posted. This image reminds me of a comic book, which are generally geared towards younger audiences. Since cigarettes are displayed behind the cashier of convenience stores, everyone usually sees them whether they are smokers or non-smokers. This comic-like image may catch the attention of young people, which they had previously not payed attention to the bland boxes.
It is no mystery that smoking is addictive and causes cancer. That is not why people start smoking. They start smoking because of peer pressure, or they want to feel cool, or they think it relieves anxiety. I think that ads need to be focused more on the real issues issues about preventing the start of smoking. Clearly raising awareness of the dangers of smoking is not effective. We need to redirect our efforts to preventing the start of smoking.
The images are a great attempt to get the message across to either beginning or young nicotine users, however, for those who are habitual smokers, the images may not be enough to make them quit smoking. When considering the pressure of loved ones (children, mother, father, sister, or brother) who try and get the user to quit, these images won't do much if the pressure won't already. There is a strong possibility that the FDA will achieve it's served purpose, but it may be hit or miss depending on the person who chooses to continue the habit.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the images and words, the images are far more graphic than the words themselves. Having the all of the images suggest "death", however, the words do no in some cases. The images are affective even without the words just because they are so graphic.
FDA is attempting to help consumers quit smoking because of it's negative affect, however, the intended audience varies. there is a strong possibility that
Again, young users may learn and could possibly be influenced, however it would be very hard to stop a habitual smoker, especially if they have become dependent.
The picture that spoke to me was number 9. It has cigagettes in the shape of lungs and the words portay a double meaning using the bold letters.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought someone would have created one with someone exhaling smoke that is shaped like a skull. Another I thought I would see would be how cigarettes age people so having a picture of a young woman that has smoked and one of her without smoking.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that a few problems exist in this approach to getting people to stop smoking.
ReplyDeleteThe first is that an ugly package will not stop someone from buying or smoking cigarettes. Since smoking tobacco products can be addicting; an ugly picture, no matter how disturbing, will not stop or decrease the urge to smoke.
The second is a question of why. Why choose cigarettes and leave out many other dangerous consumables? While not being a smoker, myself. I do believe that people have the right to choose for themselves what they would like to consume while also being given the facts. This does involve regulation, but not that of placing an ugly face on something. Simply forcing the information to be given. The problem with most people is that they don't trust the government to give information that is unbiased. Don't forget about things like "Refer Madness." The consequences of smoking weed were blown out of proportion. The lies people have been told by the same people that enforce these policies make them not trust them, at least not enough to quit. They just ignore it, like something they don't like on TV.
If giving information to them through a clear, honest, and unbiased source does not get them to stop smoking, than from an evolutionary standpoint they will be thinned.
People want to scare, others into not smoking. This does not work with human, especially in our society. If it did, than the scariest Horror movies would tank at the box office. Instead, we as humans find it a challenge. These pictures are not scaring people away, they are challenging them.
Many more reasons exist that this approach is wrong and not only that but only picking on one group to make everyone feel more comfortable and take your mind off of other groups that we do not perceive as threats like tobacco. For example, the sugar and corn industries. Here is a link on the addiction of sugar (http://www.princeton.edu/pr/news/02/q2/0620-hoebel.htm), and here is a link to a trailer for a decent movie on the food industries like corn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4eu22MbzTU&feature=watch_response)
I could go on and on, but I will leave it at that, for now.