ABSTRACT
Advertising is such a constant presence in our cultural conditioning, virtually from birth to death, that it is hard for us to view it objectively or critically, and particularly to think of it as a form of propaganda. Much advertising, especially on the local level or by nonprofit groups, is straightforwardly informational and honest, and many ads sell products that have a limited target market and features that legitimately distinguish them from their competitors. Advertising and public relations agents use the noun hype or the verb to hype as synonyms for a sales or publicity promotion, especially in show business. Hype exploits our wishes that our life can be like the fantasy world depicted in the media, where everyone is young, beautiful and slender and leads a carefree lifestyle. Travel hype entices us with pictures of glamorous resorts and cruises, isolated tropical beaches, and youthful, romantic couples hugging beneath warm waterfalls.
