Last year was a rough one for Lindsey Lohan. She was in and out of drug and alcohol rehab, with DUI charges against her. Ten months later, her past behavior is still catching attention. As reported by CNN, her mug shot from July 2007 was used in an anti-ignition lock device legislation advertisement that was paid for by the American Beverage Association. The ad argues that ignition-interlocking systems are a bad idea for casual, low-alcohol level drinkers and a good idea for someone with multiple DUI offenses, such as Lindsay Lohan.
The article raises a lot of really good questions about both alcohol and advertising. Is it fair for Lohan’s mug shot to be used in an advertising campaign when she is nearly a year free of DUI charges? Is it fair for the ad to be printed without letting the public know it was paid for by the American Beverage Association? Should ignition-interlocking systems be mandatory in all cars, just like seat-belts? Will these systems mean the end of drinking at parties and ballgames or will it just mean more responsible drinking?
What do you think?
Personally, I think it’s a shame what’s happened to hollywood stars these days and the horrible example they set for our children.