Marylaine Block

In the following viewpoint, Marylaine Block states that advertising cheapens American culture by teaching that nothing is too sacred to be used to sell a product. Furthermore, she contends, advertising glorifies antisocial behavior, promotes greed, and damages people’s self-esteem. Block is a librarian and a columnist for Fox News Online.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are the good qualities of advertising, as explained by the author?
2. In what ways do ads glorify lawlessness and abuse the sacred, in Block’s view?
3. According to Block, how can individuals counter the harmfulness of advertising"

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