Anti Advertising Ad - Rebtel - Speak Freely

Consumerism Has Nothing Left To Say - So Its Talking About Itself

I've always liked this postmodern form of advertising (Like Cadbury's Gorilla) because it's clever, self referential and witty. However I realise it's not about building value and is all about a quick profit (unless there's a long term commitment to  content strategy). It wont last and you can read an intelligent post on the topic over at Eaon's

Does Advertising Numb Basic Human Compassion?

China's capital has banned outdoor advertising that promotes hedonistic or high-end lifestyles as the government seeks to ease public concerns about the country's widening wealth gap. This seems quite timely on the heels of my, is advertising immoral or unethical post. How long can pimping luxury products blatantly in the face of people who cannot afford them but create the wealth that purchases them continue? Something is shifting in the world with respect to conspicuous consumption. Full story over here and hat tip to David for finding the story.