Advertising is harmful to society

Advertising is everywhere in our modern world. Wherever you care to look, you can find advertisements for an unimaginable variety of products. Ads play on the Internet and television, they show up in newspapers and magazines, and they decorate our cities as billboards and signs. Advertising has become so prevalent, in fact, that many people now feel it needs to be regulated. These people worry about the false messages and materialistic tone of many advertisement. Another serious concern is the negative influence that advertising has on children.

Advertisements can give false messages to people. The main purpose of advertisements is to persuade people to buy things, so they are often misleading. They are often untruthful and promise things that are unrealistic or cannot happen. Many times, people will see an advertisement and think that using the advertised product will make them feel better. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case, and many people end up wasting money because of the false messages conveyed by advertisements.

Advertisements can also be very harmful to society. They make people want things that they don’t necessarily need, so people may become more materialistic. This can make people selfish, and advertisements can make them feel bad or inferior for not owning a product. As a result, people waste vast amounts of money for material things that they don’t really need. Advertisements make people forget about important values and they create a materialistic society in which people constantly focus on superficial things.

Advertisements also have a very bad influence on children. Young children do not know that an advertisement’s purpose is to sell. So, they see advertisements and are easily convinced that they want what was advertised. This is because advertisements make their products look exciting and desirable, or they make it seem like having or using a certain product will make a person more interesting and popular. Therefore, advertisements for cigarettes, alcohol, and unhealthy foods are obviously not good for children. When children see advertisements for these items, they will want to try them. In fact, several European countries have banned advertisements that target children, and many countries have placed restrictions on cigarette and alcohol advertising.

Advertisements have become a big part of our lives, especially because of television and the Internet. Because they are so common in our lives, they can easily influence the way people think and how they spend their money. Therefore, we should be careful of what we advertise and make sure that all advertisements are strictly regulated.

Celebrities are positive role models - Pro

In all societies, the renowned and influential people become role models for the younger generation. Today, our role models have become the people featured on television and the Internet - athletes, actors and actresses, and singers. However, which role models have the most positive impact? In many ways, actors and actresses, and singers are the most positive role models in our society today.

Actors and actresses possess many admirable qualities that make them excellent role models. First, to become a successful actor or actress requires dedication. Most actors and actresses start out as unknowns. They often spend years working with little or no pay to pursue their dreams. Actors show perseverance in never giving up even when faced with failure. They must also suffer through the highs and lows of the acting world. People can become stars overnight, then fall into obscurity. This quality of dedication is admirable quality in role models.

In addition, actors and actresses must work to develop their talent. Even the most beautiful or handsome person cannot become a good actor or actress overnight. Actors and actresses must spend years fine-tuning their acting skills to express a range of emotions honestly and accurately. In the end, they become talented individuals through this intensive effort. Good role models are those that continually improve their abilities. Actors and actresses fall into this category.

Now let's look at singers. Singers also make positive role models because they show the same qualities as actors and actresses. On top of those qualities, however, they are positive role models because they express themselves in an artistic way in front of real people. It takes courage to perform in front of a crowd. By bravely wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they give the world the gift of their beautiful voices. While actors and actresses rarely perform live, singers must connect with a real audience. This bravery makes them excellent role models.

Actors and actresses, and singers are usually noted for their persona and ability to entertain. But they also possess the inner drive and ability to succeed. By using their gifts and working tirelessly, they are a positive force and make excellent role models for everyone.

Celebrities are positive role models - Con

Millions upon millions of people watch sporting events. For these millions of fans, their favorite athletes become people to admire and respect. There is good reason for this. To be an elite athlete takes immense dedication and commitment. Athletes have many great traits that make them positive role models.

First, athletes show physical and mental excellence. Physically, they must always be in top physical condition. Athletes must always eat the most healthy, nutritional foods to make sure they are in good health. This is a positive example to follow. Not only must athletes be in good physical shape, they must be mentally sharp and focused. Athletes must concentrate on the single task of being the best in their sport. They must use their time efficiently and wisely.

Second, athletes value teamwork and sportsmanship. Unlike actors, singers, and other entertainers, most athletes must work together to achieve their goal. The ability to work flawlessly with teammates is a great quality for all people, including students and office workers. Athletes also show good sportsmanship. They do not brag when they are victorious. When they lose, they graciously congratulate their opponents. This sportsmanship and humility is a great quality of role models.

Finally, athletes must fight through adversity. Athletes must constantly face and overcome failures. There are few champions and many losers in any sport. Athletes must learn to handle defeat in a positive way. If they compete and fail, they must quickly recover and continue to practice and improve. This means waking up at dawn daily and training relentlessly no matter what. Perseverance is a great quality for any role model to have.

In today's culture, there are many types of people we may consider to be role models. Not all of them are. In order to be positive role models, they must show the qualities of excellence and achievement. Athletes possess these very qualities. They are very positive role models for everyone who follows and admires them.

Students should not follow fashion trends - Con

Fashion and style in clothing has always been an important aspect in the way people present themselves to the world. For better or worse, the fashion choices people make reflect on their individual personality, and even character. For students, education is the top priority. Education includes learning about the ins and outs of fashion. The earlier they learn to follow the trends in fashion, the better. Students should be influenced by fashion.

Students would be well served to follow the influences of the fashion around them. In order for students to succeed in the real world, they must be knowledgeable not only in academic fields, but also trends and styles that shape society. Many criticize fashion as being a negative influence on students. However, the truth is that learning about fashion at an early age will help students adapt and fit into the realities of an increasingly appearance-based society.

For parents, the influences of fashion on students would be a positive force. For most parents, a main concern is that their children fit in socially with their peers. Fitting into social circles is an essential skill for students as they transition into adulthood. Lacking this social skill sets students up for failure in life. By following the influences of fashion, students can avoid falling behind socially. Parents would be reassured that their children were learning about all aspects of life. 

The influence of fashion on students would be of great benefit for companies as well. The main reason, of course, is that clothing companies could target students in their fashion lines. Companies could bring in more revenue as students bought more clothing. With students more educated in fashion, companies could create clothing styles that better matched the age of students. Companies could listen to the feedback of students and tailor more age appropriate clothing for them. 

For students, school is a time for education. Education includes not only learning academic material, but also learning the real-world skills needed to succeed in life. An important lesson for all students is to choose fashion wisely. For students, following fashion helps in their education as adults.

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Students should not follow fashion trends - Pro

Fashion has always been for the young generation. This has been true as long as people have been wearing clothing. Whether for style, image, or reputation, people desire to wear clothing and accessories that leave an impression on others. There has been a disturbing trend, though, of fashion pervading the lives of students. This is not a positive trend. Students should not be influenced by fashion. It is not healthy for students, nor is it helpful for parents and companies.

For students, following fashion trends is simply not a productive use of their time. Students today have enough work and responsibilities without having to worry about staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. Fashion should not be a priority for students who should be more focused on academic achievement. Following fashion trends is an enormous waste of time and energy that could be much better utilized. Also, following fashion trends stifles the independence and creativity of students. Students should be encouraged to be critical and independent thinkers and not blindly follow popular trends and fads.

If students are influenced by fashion, parents will be affected as well. First, there is the cost on the family of students following these trends. Children will reject perfectly fine clothes because they are out-of-date or unpopular, causing parents to spend more and more of their hard earned money on clothing. Then there is the stress parents must endure to always make sure that their sons and daughters are keeping up with the latest fashion. Children will whine and beg to wear the newest clothing, or risk being ostracized. What parent wants their children to be mocked and teased at school? So they are forced to splurge on expensive clothes. It is better if children were not influenced by fashion at all.

From the perspective of companies, it may seem like a positive for students to follow fashion closely. More interest from more buyers will bring more sales of clothing. However, there are dangers for clothing companies in terms of selling to children and students. Younger children following the fashions pushed marketed by companies is not always desirable. There is a real risk of public backlash against the marketing of inappropriate fashion styles to children. A company's reputable brand could be tarnished by the perception of exploiting children for profit. If this were to happen, companies could easily lose sales, as well as the trust of the consumers.

Although fashion has always been an important part of culture and society, there is an appropriate place and age group for fashion. Fashion trends should remain in the realm of adults. For students, following fashion trends does little to improve their lives. It is not helpful for parents or companies either. Students should not be influenced by fashion.

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Lotteries Should End - Con

The use of lotteries by governments to infuse funds into the national coffers has always produced great debate. Opponents of the lottery believe that lotteries contribute to societal problems. On the contrary, lotteries have added a positive effect in many areas. They improve the lives of people, provide money for non-profit organizations, and help the government operate.

Proceeds from lotteries are a big contributor to the inflow of revenues to the governments. All governments need money to operate. This money is traditionally collected through imposing taxes on the public. Lotteries provide a useful way to bring in this much needed money without imposing burdensome taxes on everyone. Lotteries are essentially a free and fair way for the government to collect the revenues it needs to operate and improve the country.

Lotteries have also been a boon to non-profit organizations. These non-profit organizations need a steady inflow of money in order to carry out their missions. One valuable source of this money is the revenue generated from the lottery. Non-profit organizations are able to use these funds to better serve and help local communities and society as a whole. These types of organizations have always been pressed to find ways to procure operating funds, usually relying on kind-hearted donations from people sympathetic to their mission. Often, these contributions were insufficient. Thanks to lotteries, the government is able to give portion of lottery money to non-profit organizations.

For the public, lotteries have given hope to the lives of ordinary working people. The lottery does not just improve the lives of the winners. It gives hope to everyone that, with some spare change, they may be able to instantly change their lives. It is not true that addiction is a problem regarding the lottery. For the vast majority of people, they understand that lotteries are a form of entertainment. Plus, there is the real chance of winning a fortune. Consider those average people whose fortunes have changed overnight by winning the jackpot in the lottery. Without the lottery, these people would never have had the opportunity for wealth.

In the end, lotteries have shown to be an effective means for governments and non-profit organizations to collect revenues. For the general public, lotteries add excitement into their daily lives - while providing hope for instant fortune. In this light, lotteries are a positive tool to improve a nation's economy and level of happiness.

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Lotteries Should End - Pro

In many countries, governments have instituted state run lotteries that allow the opportunity for citizens to become wealthy on the premise that this is a sure win-win proposition for all involved. The reality of lotteries cannot be further from the truth. The lottery has proven to be a failure for all parties, the government, for non-profit organizations, and especially for the public. There are too many hidden problems with lotteries.

Governments have instituted the lottery on the overall assumption that it is good for society in general. When reviewing the evidence, it is clear this is not the case. Lotteries place the mental wellbeing of citizens at risk. Too many people play the lottery because of an addiction to the fantasy of overnight wealth. The government should not encourage this. The promotion of lotteries contributes to a society that values easy wealth over hard work. It is hypocritical for the government to criminalize gambling while endorsing lotteries.  The money the government receives from lottery proceeds could easily just have been collected through taxes. For the government, lotteries are unnecessary. In fact, through the lottery, the government is hurting its people far more than they are helping them.

For non-profit organizations, lotteries are an easy source of funding and revenue. This money, though, comes at a steep price. Consider that the goal of most non-profit organizations is to better the lives of those in society who are most susceptible to financial hardship. The fact that lotteries encourage those people to foolishly fritter their money away makes lotteries contradictory to the mission of non-profit organizations. If playing the lottery is akin to gambling, these organizations are contributing to the degradation of society. It is especially ironic for those non-profit organizations that help treat people for gambling and addiction problems.

Finally, the lottery is a hazard to the general public. Addiction to gambling is already a major problem in society. Lotteries only exacerbate this problem. The miniscule chance to win a fortune gives people false hope. Lured by this illusion, millions of people end up buying lottery tickets they cannot afford to buy. Some people must even be treated for their lottery addiction. What's worse, playing the lottery makes it more likely for people to begin trying other, more serious forms of gambling. For average people, playing the lottery is a quick and steep path to financial ruin.

For the government, the public, and non-profit organizations, it is easy to be lured by the idea of easy money. However, a hard look at the consequences of instituting lotteries shows this to be no more than an illusion. When evaluating the pros and cons of any idea, long-term harmful effects cannot be minimized. In the case of lotteries, any supposed benefits they may provide are far outweighed by the long-term problems they will create in society. Lotteries should end.

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