Tobacco Advertising Then And Now

Tobacco Advertisement: Then and Now People have been using tobacco for centuries, but it was not until about one hundred years ago that tobacco companies began to spring up. As with most companies, advertising is a must ; it helps to draw in potential customers and boosts sales. For years tobacco advertisements were everywhere. Tobacco companies advertised on television, radio, movies, and even at sporting events. As times changed tobacco advertising changed dramatically from what it used to be. In 1954 one of the most famous tobacco advertisements ever was conceived. This advertisement was known as the Marlboro Man. The Marlboro cigarette company created many advertisements using the Marlboro Man, including videos, illustrations, and

This advertisement, mainly appealing to men, depicts a cowboy smoking a Marlboro cigarette. The image of the rough riding cowboy helps to give a sense of masculinity to the cigarettes. The Marlboro Man also represents the classic archetype of the “lone hero”. This “lone hero” helps to bring forward the image that these cigarettes are made for the “true American man.” The simplistic design of the advertisement also appeals to men’s senses. Marlboro uses a plain white font and a simple picture to get their ideas across. The caption, “Come to where the flavor is. Come to Marlboro Country,” is punctual and effective. The use of the word “country” also adds to the simplistic effect of the advertisement. The advertisement implies that Marlboro cigarette smokers live clean and simple lives, but as time went on, the Marlboro Man’s popularity began to die

The toe tag, usually used for identification, reads “Smoking kills.” The tag is also decorated with the classic Marlboro ribbon. The ad contains two short facts regarding cigarette smoking centered at the top of the illustration. These facts are strategically placed here so that they are quickly noticed and easily read. The illustration also features a black background. This plain black background adds to the somber tone of the advertisement. The intended audience for the advertisement is everyone, but it is specifically geared towards teenagers. Most anti-smoking and anti-tobacco campaigns tend to target younger audiences just like tobacco companies did before their advertisements were