This is kind of tough to answer. I don't know much about the individuals in the company. Since you're asking this question, I presume you feel like telling your opinion, but feel hesitate because of what may happen. Thus, I would recommend don't say anything. If you really like this job, then I don't blame you for not saying anything. There aren't many jobs out there. I think it would be a great idea if you were to think of some ideas for yourself for a new ad campaign and write them down. You would keep the info to yourself. This would meant for you to show what good ideas you have when you're looking for another job. Also, you show your ideas if the higher up were to ask you to come with ideas.

It would depend why I was opposed to it. If I just thought the advertisements were sort of stupid, I would let it go. What works in marketing is not always appealing to everyone; if they thought that something sort of dorky or annoying was actually the best way to attract business, I would let them have at it. If it failed, they would take the fall.

If, however, I was opposed because I found it really offensive, I might say something. It's possible that they missed how it was being interpreted. For example, if the ad portrayed someone in a racially offensive way, I might write a short e-mail (I think it's good to have things in writing), saying something like "I just saw the new commercial/billboard/etc. It looks like a lot of work went into it, and some kind of praise. I was concerned, however, because it seems like some people might interpret offensive thing in a racial context. I'm a little worried that maybe people will misconstrue our message. I was thinking that maybe if we said this instead, it would maintain the ad's integrity, but prevent any miscommunication."

I think it's important to show that you see the positive, as well as the negative, but if you can help your company save face, I think it's worth a try. Not everyone knows enough about other cultures to catch subtle things that could offend someone. If you're knowledgeable about a group of people, culture, political cause, etc., you may help your career by sharing that knowledge.

It's always a tough call whether to tell the "higher ups" that they've got it wrong.

A lot depends on what your reputation is with them, what your relationships are like, and whether they're likely to listen. If you have their trust, they see you as smart and loyal and having good judgement, then you can go ahead and tell them, and there's a good chance they'll take on board what you have to say.

If not... well whatever you say probably won't change things. But if you feel so strongly about it that you are willing to take a stand that might even hurt your career, I'd say go ahead. Yoiu'll respect yourself more for that than ducking an issue that's important to you.

Also be aware that even if you think you are so respected by them that you can safely "speak truth unto power", people being what they are, you may have misjudged the depth of their respect, and no-one really ever likes being told they're wrong.

No I would not say anything on a public level but if asked I would express my opinion as to how I feel it will be percieved. If the ad is offensive the general public will inform the Company of their shortfalls.

I disapprove of a lot of stuff my employers do, but it's not my business, and in this economy...honestly...I just want to get paid. I might express my opinion in a non-threatening way, then let it go. For example, I have a site I visit frequently that has started putting sexually provocative ads on the front page. I asked why, and he said he was losing money on the site until he started doing that, and he wanted to keep it open for us. I can live with the ads, because I love the community and content of the site, and the ads aren't pornographic, just sort of half-X sexy.

No, I would just do my job. I have found it is much better to let the owners and management make the decisions about the business. If however, I am asked to give my thoughts and opinion about something then I would. But it seems in the end the business owners do what they feel is the right thing.