The article discusses the unethical practice of astroturfing, where organizations disguise their true corporate interests under the guise of grassroots movements. The author illustrates this with the hypothetical example of a CEO facing scrutiny for factory farming practices. They describe how deceptive tactics such as using appealing names, creating commercials featuring common citizens, and maintaining anonymity serve to mislead the public. This manipulation not only distorts the perception of animal welfare issues but raises ethical concerns regarding honesty and corporate accountability.
The use of deceptive names is unethical because of their rhetorical influence over people who might not otherwise support the group if its name matched its purpose.
Astroturfing involves concealing those behind a message or organization to make it seem that it arose and is funded by grassroot participants.
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