“Why Alcohol, Why Credit” may be a strange title but once you delve into the article, it will become clear the issues that lay behind the title, are not strange. They should and must be addressed. With over 100 TV channels to click on, this writer does “tons” of clicking! Recently, it has been observed that numerous alcohol and “get credit” commercials are aired. Where they are aired is what sparked our attention…

Commercials Displaying “Booze-Drinking”

This image shows a Black couple “taking drinks.” They seem to be having a “good time!” Personally, I am a hot water-with-lemon-drinker, but well-controlled alcohol intake is accepted by many. However, if one flips through most channels, alcohol-imbibing is not aired. Then…the question becomes why do we see such commercials aired on channels frequented by African Americans–channels like BET and BETHer?

In a two-hour show, one can conceivably see 10 to 15 commercials on “booze-drinking.” Research says this can have a negative effect on thought-processes.

The Structure of TV Commercials: Why Alcohol, Why Credit

Ads are constructed to promote action or leave the viewer with the idea that this product can “change my life!” In fact, many commercials use that precise phrase. “Drink this booze and life will be easier” or “It will solve your problems!” Decades of research reveal that is “a lie!” But…constant doses of such nonesense impacts thinking! Further, to prevent “ad brain-washing,” the viewer should have equal dosages of information in opposition to the ad. That does not occur! So, the viewer is left with “boozing it up is good!” It’s not! The more you drink, the more you want to drink. That is the goal of the manafacturers, but should it be your goal?

Alcoholism has destroyed the lives of millions of people and is still doing so! Numerous car accidents resulting in death, stem from drivers under the influence of alcohol. Thus, the question becomes, “Are advertisers seeking to increase the number of African American drunks?”

Why do we not see white actors “enjoying booze” on TV stations frequented by whites? Wake up Black people, take a look at what is going on!

Keep these commercials away from yourselves and especially, your kids! Mute the sound and do something away from the TV when the commercial is airing!

Some researchers say: “When you’re watching ads and so forth, you’re kind of passively watching it, but your brain is responding to it. So it’s not always conscious. It’s subconscious, or “nonconscious, but the awareness is still there.” They warn against feeding your brain negative information.

A deeper question maybe: “Is displaying alcoholism on Black stations and not on white stations a form of racism? Think about it! You decide.

Get “Credit” People!

Many poor people have poor credit. They have not learned one simple lesson: Don’t spend money you do not have! For example, a person having a monthly income of $4500 may spend $5500. That puts him/her $1000 “in the hole” each month. Unless this is corrected, the person gets further and further in debt each month; ruins his credit and has to pay cash for everything he purchases. What does he do? Finds for a way to soften the blow, by trusting unethical businesses that “dangle” a credit card in front of his eyes with obscene “pay back fees” attached.

Credit Card Companies Advertising on BET/BETHer

Think about it…if you get a credit card when you are in a desperate situation, the company is going to make you pay dearly for a “desperate solution!” Credit card companies advertising on BET, BET/Her and many other stations, have commercials that reveal such instances.

Believe me, there is fine print most desperate individuals overlook when applying for a card in “10 minutes.” Also, phrases like “no mandatory fees” have a special meaning. What is that meaning?

In some instances, it may mean no annual fee or no foreign or transfer fee from one card to another. It certainly does not mean “no fee at all,” and the fee to get that card, will probably be very high. You pay a “no credit fee.” It is not called that, but that is what it is. Businesses need to make money to stay in business! So…use of the card is not free!

Why are such ads bombarding TV stations like BET and BETHer? Is it because companies believe Blacks have less intelligence than whites? Is it because they believe Blacks don’t read? I don’t know, but a valid question is: Why do I see less commercials on stations viewed primarily by whites?

For centuries, Blacks and people of color, have been taken advantage of, and the American poor have been used and abused by clever wording on contracts, leases, job apps and credit cards. It’s time to become aware! Open your mental eyes and see the pitfalls before you sign your name!

One particular troubling commercial makes it seem sensible to borrow money from your paycheck before you get it. That’s incredibly unwise, because unless the person has good spending habits, the money will be spent on “wants’ instead of “needs.” And…when the check arrives “short,” bills go unpaid and credit gets worse. When I see such commercials, I find myself yelling at the TV “That’s stupid!”

People… think before you jump! Businesses ask “Why alcohol, Why credit?” and the answer is: “People who are alcoholics and have poor credit!” Make sure you do not answer.