Drugs are Bad, Mmmmkay?

I'm in this AdLaw class. In it, we're discussing the legality of direct to consumer advertising (DTCA). DTCA has been legal since 1997, when DTCA laws changed in the U.S. Only the U.S. and two other developed nations share this distinction, if that's what it can be called.

So, if you're wondering whether you're socially inept, impotent, or believe the Jarvik artificial heart guy you're probably a victim of DTCA...or a total fool - take your pick. It's an epidimic that's sweeping the nation and doctor's offices, across this great country. Marketers and companies do some pretty sleazy things, but messing with people's health? That's the bottom line.

It was educationally estimated that $4.2 billion (yes, billion) was spent on DTCA in 2005. 94% of which was focused on everyone's favorite medium, the tv. Is anyone else sick of seeing boner commercials when trying to watch a wholesome episode of Jeopardy with their mothers? I am, and it has to stop. It has to stop like JJ had to stop Michael from joining the Black Panther Party on Good Times. It has to stop like the hearts of those goldfish you bring home from the state fair. It has to stop like George Bush's term in office. In other words, for the good of the nation we must join together as if we were Voltron to bring justice to the meek.

I'm a marketer and I'm usually all for direct communication to consumers, but drug companies are already known to be suspect. We know they pay off doctors to push their medications to their customers. I call it drugola, from the famous payola of the old radio days; although I think this still exists. How else would Soulja' Boy Tell 'Em get on the radio? Come on, "Kiss me Through the Phone"? But I digress. The psychological power and danger that exists with having an overdrugged and hypochondriac nation could be enormous. I remember when the only things we had to worry about as kids was the asthma puffer and lice. Now, kids are popping pills for everything from ADHD to depression - a kid, DEPRESSED!

Can you picture kids needing a boost of legal speed before going outside to play? It's already hard enough to get their fat asses to put down the PS3. Do old men who can't get it up really need to be doing it? I'm making t-shirts that say "Remember Vioxx." If you've forgotten, this is the company that went on an all out marketing blitz of their product in 2000 and 2001. They won advertising and marketing awards for being a "power company." Soon, we found out that tens of thousands suffered severe cardiovascular problems from this drug. The yellow bellied government won't do anything unless the constituents say something - so say something!

To join the fight against this disturbing practice, go to www.stopdrugads.org/learnmore.html.