The practise of using entertainment to change thought and behavior is not new. But while very effective, it can also be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands, and may raise ethical considerations. Where do we cross the line between communication intended to educate and persuade, and manipulation designed to control and coerce? Even when it’s for a good cause, are propaganda tactics ethical? If we could solve all of a society’s problems, save lives, etc., through mass hypnosis, would that be ethical?

This has been on my mind this week, after watching the video on YouTube, “Toxic Sludge is Good for You” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaMh8KGfkTM) when I came across it on the myragan homepage. It’s heavily biased against our industry, but raises some issues I think are valid.

I’m not sure what the answers are, and I’m certain I’ve probably used tactics in the past that fall into this category. But I’d like to see more discussion of issues like this. I think our industry is rapidly losing credibility and “anti-spin” sentiment is growing, so if we don’t address these issues ourselves, it might end up out of our hands.