Mad Men Ad Causes Controversy

              As advertising professionals we need to be aware of how advertising can affect those who see it. I feel that the recent Mad Men ad has negatively shined a light on the advertising industry. The ad was placed on the side on three building in New York City, featuring a white background and an image of a falling person. This image is played at the beginning of the Mad Men show, and is meant to be the make character falling to his demise, because of being overworked and unethical.

            This Mad Men advertisement has become controversial because of its media placement.  The image on a falling man on the side of a building reminds New Yorkers of the falling man who jumped to his death from the World Trade Center during 9/11. This controversy could have been avoided if the ad was placed on a billboard instead of the side of a building.  Some have suggested that this placement might have been planned to cause controversy, in order to create a buzz about the show. I myself think that as professionals we should be respectful people and their feelings and not use a negativity to create desired results.