Marketing, Not God, Says What Evil Is

by Maverick Steffen on 12/6/2023

The Fluidity of Evil

Today we are going to take a deep dive into nature of evil. After all, this is a marketing blog! When thinking about evil, it's crucial to acknowledge a pivotal factor: perception.

More often than not, the line between good and evil is not defined by the act itself but by how it is perceived and presented. Marketing, a tool known for influencing opinions and behaviors, plays the most significant role in this perception. After all, marketing is the practice of manufacturing perception.

In my humble opinion, the perception of an act as evil largely depends on the public's perception of its underlying motivation: selfishness or selflessness. Consider the case of Ted Bundy. His heinous acts were driven by selfish motives, branding them as unequivocally evil. However, when the government executed Bundy, it was perceived as a necessary act for the greater good, despite being the same act of murder.

Perception is also deeply influenced by cultural and historical contexts. During World War II, Nazi Germany's aggressive expansion was seen as a righteous endeavor by many Germans, believing it to be for the nation's benefit.

In contrast, the rest of Europe viewed these actions as clear examples of evil. This discrepancy highlights how the same act can be interpreted differently based on cultural and national perspectives.

The Nazi regime's use of propaganda, led by Joseph Goebbels, is a prime example of marketing techniques employed to shape public opinion. Though they didn't label it as marketing, the strategies used were similar: crafting narratives, controlling information, and appealing to emotions.

This manipulation of perception underscores the power of marketing in redefining good and evil.

The timing of certain events during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, such as the release of the controversial "Grab her by the p#ssy" tape involving Donald Trump, followed by a series of sexual assault allegations, raised questions about strategic timing and influence.

In modern politics, we witness how certain ideologies and actions, though inherently selfish or detrimental, are repackaged and marketed as beneficial.

This phenomenon raises concerns about the power of marketing in justifying or obscuring evil acts.

Marketing's power to shape perceptions carries with it a profound ethical responsibility. It is important, but not imperative, for marketers to exercise vigilance in crafting their narratives, ensuring that their influence promotes truth and upholds ethical standards.

In recent times, an increasing number of politicians are turning to professional marketers to amplify their messaging, attract donations, and garner public support. This trend underscores the significant impact of strategic marketing in the political arena.

A pertinent example of such strategic influence can be found in the works of Robert Cialdini, particularly his book "Pre-suasion."

This book delves into the art of priming an audience with certain facts or ideas to make them more receptive to a subsequent message or product. Interestingly, Cialdini’s concepts gained notable attention in the political sphere, particularly around the time he was reportedly associated with Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

The timing of certain events during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, such as the release of the controversial "Grab her by the p#ssy" tape involving Donald Trump, followed by a series of sexual assault allegations, raised questions about strategic timing and influence. To some observers, the concurrent emergence of these issues seemed more than coincidental, appearing as a well-orchestrated effort to shape public perception — a move that could be attributed to the sophisticated techniques of pre-suasion.

For those attuned to the nuances of political marketing, these events did not seem random but rather a meticulously planned campaign strategy, showcasing the power and potential of marketing techniques in shaping political narratives.

The hope for a morally sound society lies in the hands of marketers. Our powers of mass persuasion (ahem, manipulation) can be used for good, or "evil." By effectively promoting genuinely benevolent causes, marketing can help maintain a balance where good is recognized and celebrated, and evil is rightfully condemned.

Even at the local level, I've dealt with quite a few prospects that obviously specialized in churning and burning their customers only to seek help from me in adding more sausages to the kitchen.

Conclusion: The Future of Moral Marketing

It is my understanding that dollars go where competence lives, and so I must believe that if the best marketers command the highest fees, then what is best for man, in the long run anyway, is in safe hands. The marketer's hands.

To your success!

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