Archive for September, 2009
Health Warning: Women
Posted by: | CommentsIs it a health warning geared towards women explaining that it isn’t normal to look like the women in most advertisements or is it a warning meant for the audience cautioning them about their personal health due to the highly attractive women they see in the ad? This article discusses the warning women should receive in order to caution them that all women indeed do not look like the airbrushed women in advertisements.
The article says that “Many young people, particularly girls, do not know the difference between the virtual and reality, and can develop complexes from a very young age.” Not only, though, is the article concerned strictly about airbrushed women trying to sell stylish products but it also touches on politics and product packaging, to name a few.
I thought that this was a very reputable step taken by France’s government and one that stands for social responsibility. We have come to realize that the typical woman depicted in most advertisements is either a size zero, has flawless skin and body features or has the most put-together composure one has ever notices. As the article discusses, this is harmful to women and especially young girls. By airbrushing these models to perfection we are causing the innocent young audience to get a false read on what a true role model and stylish woman should truly look like.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1215017/French-MPs-health-warning-photos-airbrushed-women.html#ixzz0RyDiibUC
An innovative “sustainable marketing platform” in your closet
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EcoHanger Samples
AT&T Lost Dog Commercial w/ Tyler Hansbrough
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Cheers to AT&T for providing its audience with socially responsible, feel good ads that warm the heart while avoiding sex, negative stereotypes and raunchy humor. I saw this ad for the first time tonight and was touched by not only its message but also its sense of community and friendliness. In a world where we have learned to shy away from certain situations whether it be from time constraints or lack of motivation, it is amazing to see an ad that depicts such a random act of kindness.
We are introduced to a little girl who is pinning up lost dog signs in hopes of one day finding Sarah, her adorable young pup. As the ad progresses, a student on campus sees the sign, snaps a pic with his AT&T phone and forwards the text, “Can you help find this dog?” to Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough, obviously on North Carolina’s campus sends the message to his MANY friends. Eventually the little girl and her companion are reunited.
As human beings, we are swayed with many appeals and that’s alright. However, as aspiring professional advertisers, we must keep responsible limitations on how far we take certain appeals. Yes, sex sells. Yes, raunchy humor sells. However, changing advertising in a way that can inspire should also be present in our everyday work. Looking at the positive feedback this ad received is just amazing. I know a lot has to do with Hansbrough’s cameo, but the ad itself is effective in grabbing the attention of the audience and pulling at its heartstrings. We’re not seeing rookie NBA Hansbrough as a sex symbol or sports icon. We are introduced to him as a person.
Walmart promoting responsibility
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This commercial from Walmart poses interesting questions about the way consumers are now thinking about the way in which they aquire, use and dispose of products.
Walmart has been continuing a campaign that focuses around saving X-amount of dollars per year by buying and consuming Walmart products rather than other stores’ products. One example-eating breakfast items bought from Walmart instead of spending $5 a day per person at a drive-thru can save a family hundreds of dollars in a year.
Now, Walmart is going a step beyond encouraging the consumer to save money, and allowing the consumer to save money while helping the environment.
Consumption factors are main reasons behind the way in which a consumer buys. Walmart knows consumers want enviro-friendly products they can buy conveniently. Use is especially important here, because the product offered is one that consumers will buy on account that it can help the world as well as light the house.
I think ads like this are not only effective in engaging the consumer, but also really hone in on the fact that a lot of consumers are demanding green products.
Check out more ways Walmart is “going green” at walmartstores.com/sustainability.
Halifax Ad Shows People Helping People….Literally
Posted by: | CommentsI came across this commercial (above) on www.adland.tv, which features an interesting visual by Halifax (U.K.) on how their business is “teaming” with customers to provide superior service and reward customer loyalty. It’s not by nature the most virtuous of topics by category (banking) but it does reward personal savings, and I think this particular ad conveys a positive company image to their consumers and the general public. Plus, it’s just an interesting and creative visual. What do you think? Virtuous ad or just a persuasive visual for selling financial services? Check it out and post your comments!
