When You Think About It: The American Way

F LoBuono

You can often tell a lot about social trends simply by watching the commercials on television. Studies have shown the symbiotic relationship between television advertising and social norms; TV frequently influences the way people think. But, the converse is also true - society effects what is shown on TV.

With that in mind, perhaps, you've notice that virtually every commercial break contains at least one spot for a  pharmaceutical (i.e. drugs), one for an automobile, and one for insurance for that automobile. Late night breaks usually throw in some type of sex ad, as well.

Therefore, we may extrapolate that these are indicators of a sex-crazed, ailing society that loves to drive safe vehicles. There can be no other explanation. This is TV telling us what we need most.

However, as I mentioned in my first paragraph, what is currently trending in society is often reflected in what is being sold on television, as well. With that in mind, a new series of commercials are being added to the mix: 1-800 phone numbers that connect the callers to some type of addiction counseling. Of course, this is in response the horrible scourge of opioid addiction that is sweeping certain areas of the Country.

I'm sure that you have seen them - one young person (usually an actor portrayal) after another delineates their various addictions, i.e. crack cocaine, heroin, etc. They are usually followed by someone representing a doctor (you can tell because they are wearing a lab coat and have their stethoscopes draped over their necks) who say, "you can't do it alone. Come to us. We can help."

Now, I'm all for doing everything we can to take on the scourge of addiction. It is a blight on our youth. However, at the same time, these entities are in the business of addiction. If you read the fine print at the beginning of each commercial you will notice that the people making the adds are NOT the people treating the disease but, rather, a marketing firm that will put you in touch with a medical professional who will. They in turn, are paid for every referral that they make, either by the doctor, the insurer, or the patient themselves. In other words, they profit on the misery. Perhaps, you remember the term used for lawyers who only handled accident cases, i.e. ambulance chasers. Yes, they help AND they make a lot of money doing so. This is the same scenario.

Again, I'm for anything that helps alleviate suffering. And, if they do help, more power to them. However, it's a matter of perspective. They like to present themselves as a solution to the problem. They are not. Some people even see them as not-for-profit agencies. That is far from the case. Let's face it, they are not in the fight simply because it is the right thing to do. They are in it for the $$$. If people are actually helped, that's great. But, they're making their profit no-matter-what.

Well, When You Think About It, it IS the American Way . . .