Getting the Message
The Ad Council's messages have stuck in American minds and become part of popular culture since 1942. Here are some of their more memorable slogans and characters:
- 1942:
- "Loose lips sink ships" and Rosie the Riveter (World War II)
- 1944:
- "Only you can prevent forest fires" and Smokey Bear (fire safety)
- 1961:
- "The toughest job you'll ever love." (the Peace Corps)
- 1972:
- "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." (minority education)
- 1978:
- "Take a bite out of crime" and McGruff the dog (crime prevention)
- 1982:
- "Just say no." (anti-drug use)
- 1983:
- "Friends don't let friends drive drunk." (drunk driving prevention)
- 1985:
- The Crash Test Dummies (seat belt use)
- 2001:
- "I am an American." (diversity unites America)
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