Source: Róbert Puzsér in the Hungarian weekly Nevem Senki, November 16
The most dangerous poison contaminating the soul of our country – I’ll go further, of civilization – on a daily basis is the TV commercial. True, the brainwashing is interrupted now and then by reality shows and soap operas. Nevertheless their destructive impact is immeasurable….
The TV ad must now be put on a par with child labour: it is highly profitable economically, and a simple, quick solution. At the same time, however, it is also despicable to the point of being inhumane, since it degrades human consciousness, turning it into a mere commodity….
With the help of foul psychological tricks, it drives us on to adopt repugnant consumerist behaviour – and to purchase things we don’t need.
If we prevented people from buying things they don’t need, our economy would unfortunately grind to a halt. That is the price we pay for (nearly) full employment!
Perfectly true - but let us cultivate the oases which are ad-free. Hungary apparently is not one of them.
If TV commercials are truly the worst thing in Hungary these days, we have been egregiously misinformed about political events there.
What would you do about ads on the internet?
While acknowledging the inadvertently self-inflicted damage done by TV ad exposure over time affecting a relentless commercial contamination of the mind, two ready-made recipes come to mind. One is to unsubscribe, to un-hitch and to selectively resist. The other entails switching the frame of mind from content to form. At least some commercials are worth watching and experiencing as phenomena of magic art.
May we please have some sensitivity here? Why are we bring this up during this wonderful season of “Swag und Bling”? Have some respect for the debt burdened consumer!
Well, there is an obvious alternative, don’t watch TV and that is most easily accomplished by not owning a TV. It is surprising how much time it frees up to do other things. Although, people will wonder if you have indoor plumbing.