Final answer:
The anti-smoking ads depict irony by contrasting the healthy image of the Marlboro Man with the reality of a coughing, sickly cowboy to highlight the dangers of smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anti-smoking ads showing a coughing, decrepit cowboy, when compared to the iconic Marlboro Man, best exemplify irony. These ads use the rugged, masculine imagery that was once utilized to glamorize cigarette smoking and juxtapose it with the harsh realities of smoking-related diseases to create a striking, persuasive message about the dangers of tobacco use.
The Marlboro Man originally symbolized the epitome of manliness and the all-American lifestyle. However, the re-creation of this image in anti-smoking ads serves as a cultural counter-reform, providing a visual argument against smoking and highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco addiction. This contrasts sharply with the past advertising strategies that targeted men by associating cigarettes with toughness and appeal.