What does it really mean to be Cruelty-free

Assignment: In the media and in advertising, words are frequently used in ways that are distorted, confusing, or misleading. In this assignment, you will be choosing one such word or phrase and exploring both its “real” and the intended meanings. The idea of this assignment is to approach persuasive language with a critical eye. Is the gap between actual and generally perceived meaning intentional? How do these representations affect consumer behavior? Are advertisers or people in the media responsible for misunderstandings, or does the principle of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) prevail? You should provide examples of your term as it appears in the world at large and discuss the economic, social, and ethical implications that spring from it. All questions must be answered within essay. Chosen Topic: Cruelty Free (or Free-range)