The breast-feeding ad that was launched for the Department of Health and Human Services targeted mothers everywhere in order to help them see the benefits of breast-feeding over any of the alternatives. The part that was particularly controversial, I think, is that they used fear as a tactic of persuasion. The ad discussed the detriments that could occur on one’s health if they didn’t breastfeed and that stirred up some disagreements. Breast-feeding can lower risks of many chronic illnesses and other health issues and the ad used this information in their favor. The people who opposed the ad or were offended by it were formula companies, women who probably couldn’t breastfeed, and those who just disagree with breastfeeding in general. The DHHS ad was pretty heavy and could have definitely been delivered in a different way but the fact that they used that way in particular to influence the public was their choice. Would it have been as effective had they gone about it a different way? Probably not.
I agree with the fact that breastfeeding has health benefits and is overall better for both mother and child but as a woman who will never be able to breast feed, I found myself almost offended by the ad because they didn’t take into account the fact that there are people that physically can’t do this thing that they’re striking fear into us for. In the future, DHHS should consider that bit of the population and also probably consider toning down their ads.
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