In our ethics class we usually discuss "contemporaneous issues." That is, we're expected to come to class with something to discuss from an ethical standpoint.
Here are my notes for tomorrow:
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I pass a Hennessy Cognac billboard on I-30 every time I drive to the Texas Wesleyan campus. A photo of Marvin Gaye appears on the advertisement, along with the words “true character." Marvin Gaye was a successful, critically-acclaimed singer. He died April 1, 1984.
He was shot by his father, who was widely reported to be an alcoholic. Marvin Gaye was also a cocaine addict for much of his life.
I cannot imagine by what manner of ethical caveat Hennessy believed it appropriate to advertise that particular product by utilizing the image of a man so closely identified with substance abuse. The fact that this is a posthumous campaign also underscores that the person(s) overseeing the Gaye estate approved the use of his image. Everyone involved has committed a grievous iniquity in the interest of money.
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This really chaps my butt.
I haven't sent an email to them, but I plan to.
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1 comment:
I can't agree more with you on the Gaye Billboard. It upsets me every time I see it. It's shows no respect for either the artist or his audience.
I'll send an e-mail protest as well.
Michael
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