Shawn R. Stenberg

I was driving to work a few months ago and I saw a billboard that shocked me. “No one thinks they will lose their virginity here. Meth will change that.” The back drop to the words was a dirty bathroom stall in, what looked like, a public location. I almost drove off the road trying to make out the details.

I believe the advertisers got the point out about meth not being a very cool thing to do. I also believe that this type of shock and awe from the road side will create a branding position that has residual effects. I went to work and discussed my opinion about the billboard all morning with my co-workers. They drove by the advertisement and relayed their opinions back to me. I am sure that the conversations went home with them as it did in my home. My wife and I actually got into a debate about whether a girl would lose her virginity due to the meth raging through her system or whether she was going to sell herself to buy some and lose her virginity in the process.

This type of emotionally charged advertising does not have to be seen as much as a normal billboard to get the message across. This type of shock treatment in the world of marketing is frightening, but it brings the message home. Intrusive home advertising provokes uncomfortable conversations with children. Uncomfortable conversations brought home will contribute to a shock and awe today that will get desired, people not using meth tomorrow.

What is the message here? Celibacy or drug addiction?

Graphic/Photograph Credit:
Sabrina Segal