Are sex and death taboos in advertising? An analysis of taboos in advertising and a survey of French consumer perceptions

Sex and death, subjects traditionally considered taboo, are now presented in advertisements. Focusing on the French cultural context, this paper analyses whether these topics are still considered taboo in our society.

Are Sex and Death Taboos in Advertising?

An Analysis of Taboos in Advertising and a Survey of French Consumer Perceptions

Delphine Manceau and Elisabeth Tissier-DesbordesESCP-EAP

INTRODUCTION

In recent years advertisers have been looking for new ways to communicate. The proliferation of television advertisements has resulted in advertisement 'tunnels' in which one ad follows another with the result that each ad is hardly perceived. It has thus become particularly important for a brand to be presented in a striking way so that consumers will remember the message and possibly change their buying behaviour. In this context, some advertisers...

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