28. This argument is untenable for two reasons. First, the claim that high-quality ads are used to promote tow-quality products is unsupported empirically and by common sense. Second, undue attention by schools to consumerism is unnecessary and inappropriate, especially for younger students. Regarding the first reason, empirical evidence does not suggest that high-quality advertising is used to promote low-quality products. To the contrary, companies that produce low-quality products seem to resort to low-budget, poor-quality ads, especially in broadcast media. Firms that take pride in the quality of their products are far more likely also to produce ads they can be proud of. Furthermore, high-quality products are more likely to succeed in the marketplace and thereby generate the revenues needed to ensure high production value in advertising. As for the second reason, it is not the job of our schools to breed legions of smart shoppers. Teachers should devote class time to examining the market place of ideas, no that of consumer goods and services, which students spend sufficient time examining outside the classroom. Admittedly consumerism and advertising may be appropriate |