I am writing in regard to Steve Daley`s article in the Tempo section, headlined ”America`s addicted to the quick fix.”
I strongly agree with Daley about the feeble propaganda campaigns aimed at social problems, such as the ”Just say no” campaign. Programs like these with slogans and anthems and photo opportunities are too often conceived and executed as a substitute for the time and work and resources that are required to begin alleviating the causes of drug abuse and other social ills.
I am a counselor of a youth group and I often see the teenage members mock these advertisements with contempt and disappointment. They mimic the catch phrases and mix the messages, saying, ”Just say no and while you`re at it this Bud`s for you!” The kids consider these shallow advertisements for simplistic solutions about as meaningful as they would a commercial aimed at teen suicide that featured the slogan, ”Just be happy.”
