But not in advertising.

It's the 4th of July, the day we in America celebrate our democracy or what passes for democracy at a time when our entire civilization seems to be coming apart at the seams.

It was Churchill, I think, who said "democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." And I suppose I'd agree with him with the possible exception of the rare times on earth that there has been a decent absolute monarch.

In any event, this isn't about politics, it's about advertising.

Since it's about advertising, I'll make it simple: Democracy doesn't work in advertising.

Finding consensus about work doesn't work.
Treating people absolutely equally doesn't work.
Listening to public opinion doesn't work.
Finding something for everyone doesn't work.

There's a great impulse in our business to be inclusive. To make sure we're all pulling on the same oar. To make sure everyone gets a vote. To share accolades and to mitigate blame.

All that is pig swill.

Good advertising is balls out.
It demands notice and takes a stand.
It is meant to make people uncomfortable.
It is meant to effect.
It is not meant to be nice and safe.