Introduction/Background Information
Human use of tobacco has existed since before the recording of time itself. Experts believe that by the year 6,000 B.C. inhabitants of North America were already using the plant for smoking and chewing. Christopher Columbus had even encountered the tobacco plant when he first visited America in 1492. It was thought to be a “cure-all” substance, relieving any pain one may have had.
It wasn’t until 1847 when Phillip Morris became the first tobacco company, selling Turkish cigarettes. Their popularity was initially centralized in Russia until British soldiers began bringing them back to England. Then, in 1875 R.J. Reynolds opened its doors to capitalize on this new innovation (Randall). Throughout the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s tobacco companies began advertising mainstream, featuring their products in movies and on television. During World War II, “Lucky Strikes” were a general issued cigarette for soldiers fighting overseas.
Whether by habit or addiction, this time tested novelty is still being used today. In the modern age, corporations have caught wind of tobacco use. They have built this common hobby into a world known franchise and business is on the rise.
Ethics of Target Marketing
The most common way for a business to thrive is through the use of advertisement. In the early 19th Century scientists began to analyze the natural chemicals contained within tobacco products. In 1826 they concluded it was an addictive substance and carried health risks. After this proclamation was known to the public, tobacco businesses had run into a problem: popularity of their product was steadily falling and they were losing revenue. On the contrary, managers and other high level employees now understood the potential of their product and used it. The only way they were to get business was to advertise to the public.
Targeting Youth
Presently, the tobacco industry spends $42 million each day on advertisements and promotions. Managers and Chief Executive Officers have mastered this tactic of selling and it is shown statistically. Therefore, it is to be expected that their tactics also appeal to children, especially under the age of 18. Before society began to buckle down on Big Tobacco they were using subliminal advertisement through child activities: television, brightly colored ads, cartoon character mascots, etc. They have also released products with various flavors including cherry, blueberry, bubblegum, apple, cherry, and grape just to name a few. This is an obvious target towards children to make them habitual users. The Food and Drug Administration has recently passed a law to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco. The following is a passage from a New York Times article:
“The ban is intended to end the sale of tobacco products with chocolate, vanilla, clove and other flavorings that lure children and teenagers into smoking. The agency will study regulating menthol products and hinted that it might soon take action against the far larger market of flavored small cigars and cigarillos. One unique aspect of tobacco marketing is that once the initial sale is made there is little need to reach that same consumer again due to the highly addictive nature of tobacco products. The previous is evidenced by the fact that half the people who start smoking in adolescent years continue to do so for 15 to 20 years. The marketing of tobacco companies is largely responsible for such staggering statistics.” (Harris)
Targeting Women
Last year companies such as Camel and Phillip Morris released products appealing predominately towards the female population. Innovations such as the “purse pack” and “Camel No. 9” presented new ways to attract customers. The “purse pack” is a rectangular box that appears to look like everyday cosmetics, using flower imagery and feministic colors. The cigarettes inside have been names Superslims. This has arguably been related to the female attraction for a slim and slender body image. Camel No. 9 has been advertised in most women’s magazines and implies the same notion as that of any perfume (Lewis).
Introduction/Background Information
Human use of tobacco has existed since before the recording of time itself. Experts believe that by the year 6,000 B.C. inhabitants of North America were already using the plant for smoking and chewing. Christopher Columbus had even encountered the tobacco plant when he first visited America in 1492. It was thought to be a “cure-all” substance, relieving any pain one may have had.
It wasn’t until 1847 when Phillip Morris became the first tobacco company, selling Turkish cigarettes. Their popularity was initially centralized in Russia until British soldiers began bringing them back to England. Then, in 1875 R.J. Reynolds opened its doors to capitalize on this new innovation (Randall). Throughout the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s tobacco companies began advertising mainstream, featuring their products in movies and on television. During World War II, “Lucky Strikes” were a general issued cigarette for soldiers fighting overseas.
Whether by habit or addiction, this time tested novelty is still being used today. In the modern age, corporations have caught wind of tobacco use. They have built this common hobby into a world known franchise and business is on the rise.
Ethics of Target Marketing
The most common way for a business to thrive is through the use of advertisement. In the early 19th Century scientists began to analyze the natural chemicals contained within tobacco products. In 1826 they concluded it was an addictive substance and carried health risks. After this proclamation was known to the public, tobacco businesses had run into a problem: popularity of their product was steadily falling and they were losing revenue. On the contrary, managers and other high level employees now understood the potential of their product and used it. The only way they were to get business was to advertise to the public.
Targeting Youth
Presently, the tobacco industry spends $42 million each day on advertisements and promotions. Managers and Chief Executive Officers have mastered this tactic of selling and it is shown statistically. Therefore, it is to be expected that their tactics also appeal to children, especially under the age of 18. Before society began to buckle down on Big Tobacco they were using subliminal advertisement through child activities: television, brightly colored ads, cartoon character mascots, etc. They have also released products with various flavors including cherry, blueberry, bubblegum, apple, cherry, and grape just to name a few. This is an obvious target towards children to make them habitual users. The Food and Drug Administration has recently passed a law to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco. The following is a passage from a New York Times article:
“The ban is intended to end the sale of tobacco products with chocolate, vanilla, clove and other flavorings that lure children and teenagers into smoking. The agency will study regulating menthol products and hinted that it might soon take action against the far larger market of flavored small cigars and cigarillos. One unique aspect of tobacco marketing is that once the initial sale is made there is little need to reach that same consumer again due to the highly addictive nature of tobacco products. The previous is evidenced by the fact that half the people who start smoking in adolescent years continue to do so for 15 to 20 years. The marketing of tobacco companies is largely responsible for such staggering statistics.” (Harris)
Targeting Women
Last year companies such as Camel and Phillip Morris released products appealing predominately towards the female population. Innovations such as the “purse pack” and “Camel No. 9” presented new ways to attract customers. The “purse pack” is a rectangular box that appears to look like everyday cosmetics, using flower imagery and feministic colors. The cigarettes inside have been names Superslims. This has arguably been related to the female attraction for a slim and slender body image. Camel No. 9 has been advertised in most women’s magazines and implies the same notion as that of any perfume (Lewis).
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