Commentary
This article’s headline seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Since when has there been integrity in advertising, let alone honesty? When one sees print ads, commercials, and other promotional materials from the 1940s or 50s, they look refreshingly wholesome, clean, and patriotic compared to today’s foolish and often filthy advertising. Celebrity endorsements from Hollywood’s Golden Era are extremely convincing and shame the 21st century influencer culture. After all, wouldn’t you trust Harriet Nelson’s opinion more than Dylan Mulvaney’s when choosing your toothpaste or blender?
As sincere and convincing as vintage ads look, it’s naïve to believe that all companies were honest and all advertising was truthful in the good old days. The advertising industry has always been a somewhat ruthless industry, with advertisers fighting for contracts just as the companies for which they work fight over customers and sales. Perhaps because of this dog-eat-dog mentality, it’s an exciting, day-to-day business, which is why it’s been the subject of many movies over the years….