I am a bit disappointed with the lack of vital reactions among Italian online newspapers to the Financial Times article about women in advertising. I have read some responses, but they mostly fell within three categories: plain accounts, ironic acknowledgements of how bad the situation is (I agree, it is bad) or arrogant counter-attacks, based on the most superficial argument: "look at 3rd pages in tabloids, you’re no better than us".

In the blogosphere, the debate started earlier, lasted longer and showed a wider range of approaches: somebody urged us back to basic values, others made bold counter proposals to women in order to fight back some dignity. There’s been some reinforcement to the "look at yourselves" attitude as well, but the same argument in a blog has a limited scope and is naturally perceived as just one of the facets, with the simple intention of putting things in the right perspective. The conversational nature of blogs suits the controversial subject better than an authoritative, one-way article…

Anyway. I don’t believe in the existence of a conspiration to anesthetize the population. It is simply a deadly convergence of bad education, lack of fantasy and of creativity.

Domiziana argues: lack of artistic education is a major national problem, and my opinion is that it applies to the "naked ambition" controversy. Illiteracy in arts causes a progressive decay in the average, common perception of taste and a widespread inability to appreciate the quality – even in the 30" narratives or 6×3 visuals  that represent the main course in our expressive diet.

I am not saying that italian creative professionals are not good: my point is that the population-wide, extended ability to understand art makes the difference – both in public acceptance (determining success…) and in the decision-making process about ad campaigns (creative professional are not alone in creating a campaign, starting from the idea and bringing it to the public).