I think when we use the term manipulation as it pertains to marketing, we already attaching a negative connotation on that term. Perhaps if we use the term “persuasion”, in relation to marketing, we wouldn’t be so quick to refer back on that negativity. Although some might argue that “persuasion” is a less obvious form of manipulation, I believe the intent of marketing isn’t necessarily to “manipulate” customers. I think “manipulation” is only observed when the customers who already predisposed to believe in the greatness of the product itself. For instance, there are some weight loss pills that claim that if you take them ( even with no change in your diet and activity level) you will lose 10lb in 10 days. Although I would never believe in a scam like that, there are some desperate people who have battled weight gain for years to whom this claim might sound practical, especially when those claims are being presented by a famous figure they admire. Although they may have doubt about the efficiency of this claim, they would most likely buy the products because their ‘idol’ said it was good. This whole issue of manipulation in marketing, reminds me of the line from the french poem “The Crow” And The Fox By Jean De La Fontaine, “Learn that every flatterer, Lives at the expense of the one who listens to him.”. In a nutshell, I think marketing is manipulative depending on the individual ( whether she or he is easily gullible).