What the occupy movement means for Madison Ave

You’re conflicted.

You work in advertising, which means you are a cog in the consumerist wheel. So, when a group called “Adbusters” helps start a movement on Wall Street, you shy away.

But like many who work in advertising, you’re pretty liberal, so when that group of people gives voice to many of your deeply held views, you nod approvingly.

So what should you do Mr. Ad Dude? Shy away or nod approvingly?

It’s a tough question, but after a little reflection, it should become clear.

You may not agree with everything the occupiers stand for. I know I don’t. For instance, I don’t hate corporations. I work for one. My employer treats me well. I want to see them succeed. But I do not want them to have more influence in our political system than you or me. Despite what Mitt and company say, corporations are not people.

So, for that reason, I think we should nod approvingly.

I’m skeptical of unions. I question their ability to provide meaningful support in today’s economy, which requires more flexibility than they seem to be capable of. But they have also been the driving force behind our increased living standards and our improved workplaces. And I truly believe we need a strong voice to counter the inherent cost-cutting (which means job cutting) nature of corporations.

So, for that reason, I think we should nod approvingly.

I don’t think anyone is completely blameless for the debts we took on during the bubble years. We have to accept some responsibility for our decisions. But I truly believe that those in power must be held to an even greater standard. We rely on our institutions to provide us with the information necessary to make intelligent decisions. When those institutions lie and manipulate that information in a way that leads masses of people to take on more than they can handle, we are all doomed.

So, for that reason, I think we should nod approvingly.

Many of us gravitated to advertising because we felt we could make a difference. We didn’t want to blindly follow the corporate drones—we wanted to create something. Well, this is our chance. We’re on the inside. We see things many don’t get to see. And, if we’ve developed good relationships with our clients, we have earned a level of trust.

Let’s create something more than a print ad or TV commercial. Let’s leverage the trust we’ve earned and develop a new kind of communication that starts from within organizations and works its way out. Instead of simply trying to change customers’ minds, let’s change corporations’ cultures as well. If we can convince people to purchase differently, surely we can convince a business to think differently. 

Will it be easy? Hardly. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying. Because if we don’t, the gap between the haves and have-nots will only grow wider. And pretty soon, there won’t be anybody left to advertise to anymore. 

Which means we’ll be out on the street, with plenty of free time to march with the rest of the occupiers. 

And while I would be happy to lend my support, I’d strongly prefer to do so from the comfort of my climate-controlled office, nodding approvingly.