Alice in Designland

I am not sure if its naivety or self-aggrandizement, but it seems that many graphic designers these days have an inflated sense of importance and influence. While these are not uncommon characteristics for most humans, many designers seem to think they live in a different world than everyone else. The truth is the consumer holds all the power and the market merely gives them what they want. As such, the advertising is simply a reflection of the current social climate it is infiltrating. If advertising is deceptive and lacking morality and integrity, it's because they are not important qualities within that society. While it would be ideal to work with only the most righteous and respectable organizations, I think it is irrational to suggest that it should be a responsibility of the designer to do so. The reality is, we don't live in a fairy tale world. You can find issues with even the most charitable and sympathetic businesses. It is just the landscape in which we live. The most we can hope for is to better educate the public and improve as a society. This is an action as an informed citizen though, not as a designer. If we can use our knowledge and skills to do so, all the better.