Walking in Waterloo Region

[danbrotherston]

OK, so the real issue you have is toxic advertising. I understand what you are saying now.

I mean, yes, I have a general problem with advertising...

But I do think it plays a large part in this specific issue...I don't think it's correct to say that people in North America prefer SUVs and Pickups. I think they are exposed to considerable advertising (and now the world around them) which influences their preferences.

And I think saying that "The auto industry responds to consumer demand" fundamentally misstates the facts...the auto industry influences (at a minimum, and arguably even creates/controls) consumer demand.

But I do also think this is more/less relevant for every product category. But few product categories are we so convinced to buy such a destructive product that provides us so little benefit. Yeah, I also have an iPad and that's influenced by advertising to be sure, but an iPad is not inherently dangerous to my neighbours, and contrary to owning a short bed pickup truck, actually provides me new things I can do that I couldn't before.