From: Meaningful Beauty
I am so glad you posted your experience because I have been wondering about Meaningful Beauty. I really wanted to try it but it is a little expensive.…
From: Late Nite Indulgences
oh yes, I have had same experiences, but no more! Denise, you already know what part of your problem is as you have said that your insomnia is probably…
From: Marketing Tantrums
Michael, I laughed as I read your post. It reminded me of two other instances where McDonald's was at the wrath of the unwashed masses we call society.…
The word controversy is sometimes overhyped in today’s media in efforts to help draw attention to a story or given situation. But in reality, the term controversial is linked to an individual’s response to the subject matter.
For instance, when I first saw the Aiwa stereo commercial featuring a young man cranking up his stereo to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” in 2005 I was actually quite amused by it. The ad shows various people around the driver jamming out with him, much to the dismay of the passenger of the vehicle. At the end of the commercial it zooms out to show that the driver is actually driving a hearse in a funeral procession. Maybe not the best time to crank up the tunes and definitely not the best choice of song to do so with, but it did resonate with the audience. But was it controversial?
Fast forward to May of 2007 when Verizon showcased its new V-Cast with ESPN in a variety of ads that showed people being able to take their sports with them in various situations such as baby showers, children’s recitals and a very briefly aired version that was featured in a funeral. When I first saw this ad, it upset me greatly. I believe that I was not the only person who felt that way since I do not recall it seeing it often so I believe it was pulled off the air quickly. This version seemed very disrespectful, more so than that of the Aiwa stereos. But why?
Perhaps it is because if I were to witness the scene played out in an Aiwa commercial it could be part of an elaborate prank or stunt to get a reaction out of people? Maybe it seemed less personal since I wouldn’t be a part of the procession and could see the irony of it? Whereas if I were to envision myself in the V-Cast ad, I would be a part of funeral, actually know the individual for whom it was for and immediately take offense and see it as very disrespectful.
Each of these commercials was thought up, cast, filmed and somewhere someone decided it would be a good idea to utilize these vehicles to promote their product. Sometimes controversy helps sell a product, other times it just helps to create a negative taste in the minds of consumers.
What controversial commercials do you remember?
Graphic Credit:
Animationfactory.com
