Author Archive
Plan B making its way into Advertising… What is Next?
Posted by: | CommentsThe issue of contraceptives remains scandalous to talk about it in the first place, but the scandal instantly grows when contraceptives are advertised on television. The only thing that could make this scandal become even bigger would be an ad for abortion, and many consider the new ads in the UK about The Morning after Pill to be pretty darn close. View the following ad:
Just two weeks ago, the pharmaceutical brand of Levonelle aired the first ever Morning after Pill advert in London. I am sure that this will surprise no one, but some rejoiced that this information was broadcasted on television while others adamantly complained that this would translate into younger girls desiring this pill and using it as their method of choice instead of a pro-active birth control method. Opponents of the advert also criticized the commercial due to their belief that it will innately lead to an increase in teen promiscuity.
While this is the first time that I know of that The Morning after Pill has been advertised on television, it is reasonable to assume that Levonelle has initiated a new trend. Birth control ads have been seen on television in the United States, but not the Morning After Pill. I thought that this was an appropriate issue, since as of two weeks ago the United States government ordered that Plan B (another name for The Morning after Pill) to be sold OTC to those 17+ (the original law was 18+).
With the Obama administration changing this law so soon in his presidential term, I think this amendment is the beginning of a new trend in the United States. In the UK, women 16+ can purchase Plan B without a prescription; do you think that America will eventually drop the age limit even more like the UK? Also, do you think that we will begin to see Plan B commercials aired on American television? If so, do you think that is going to become a controversy in the advertising world? Advertising is supposed to be socially responsible right?…But I think supporters of pro-choice, abortion, and The Morning After Pill would consider Levonelle’s ad to be socially responsible. Levonelle does prevent pregnancy, but is it safe to advertise the pill when there are so many critics and complaints about it.
What about this sells jeans?
Posted by: | CommentsJust like people, sometimes companies don’t learn the first time around, and apparently Calvin Klein is one of those companies. As shown below, their ad showing Eva Mendes promoting their Obsession fragrance was banned due to racy content. I must warn you before viewing, that this commercial is pretty pg-13, and the reasons for the ban are pretty obvious (not only is it racy, but her nipple is also shown). Well, according to New York Magazine, Calvin Klein is even coming out with a racier ad. I realized that it must be pretty racy because all the links I found to the ad had already been removed due to content violations. The magazine reports that it shows men and women in only jeans while participating in sexual encounters including threesomes…oh and more nipples… While New York magazine said that the commercial will be banned within the US “because if anyone in the U.S. sees a bare breast for a millisecond, children will die, obviously,” I think that this is a problem that a company would try to produce such a terrible and degrading ad ONCE AGAIN. I mean what about this is productive for our society? And please tell me how this actually sells jeans?
To view New York Magazine’s article by Amy Odell: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/01/video_calvin_kleins_revives_sc.html
Celebrate Life Even in the Worst Times
Posted by: | CommentsI saw this commercial earlier today, and it sure made me want to go register for this. For those of you who do not know, this breast cancer walk lasts for 3 days and 60 miles, and the volunteer walkers raise money and awareness to try to find the cure for breast cancer. At the walk, everyone is there for the same purpose: they believe in a world without breast cancer. I love the idea that so many people volunteer in many cities nationwide to help with this valid and wonderful cause, and I also think the advertisement preaches a valuable message: do something that matters. Women that have either personally suffered or no someone that has truly understand that the virtues of life become much more apparent in your life when in a time of need. If you look closely in the advertisement, women are holding up signs saying “optimism”, “love”, and “hope”. I think that the most remarkable line in this ad is saying that this walk is a “celebration of life”, what a positive and encouraging way to look at this dreadful disease. Let’s all join this cause!
Almost Anything for Love
Posted by: | CommentsI think that most people will agree with me when I say that being in love involves making many sacrifices. People do crazy things in the name of love. I had seen this Dr. Pepper commercial a while ago, but I recently saw it again. Obviously, this spot is funny and humorous because it makes fun of the fact that this boyfriend or husband will buy tampons for his girl friend or do other things that guys stereotypically hate, yet he is uncomfortable sharing his Dr. Pepper with her. While I still think this commercial is funny, I now see that the commercial has a wonderful message: Love requires sacrifice. A reasonable person would understand that the man not wanting to share his drink was an effort to joke at the idea about how much he loves his Dr. Pepper. I could really identify with this commercial though because so many people do things in relationships that they never thought they would just to make the other person happy. What a great way to share a great message about love in a humorous and new way! Dr. Pepper understands that we must all stop being as self-centered, and do something for someone else which I think most people would see as a crucial part of romantic love.
The Lyrics read: “I will do anything for love, but I wont do that”. Dr. Pepper used this back in their 2005 campaign.
Responsibility of the company and Phelps
Posted by: | CommentsAs a religious Foxnews.com reader, I was immediately informed last week with the news that Michael Phelps, one of the best Olympians of all time, was accused of using marijuana at a college party in South Carolina. Not only is there a picture of Phelps doing so, but he also has not attested the statement and gave an official apology for his “immature” actions. His apology is listed below:
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps said. “I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”
I immediately was disappointed in Phelps. As a young athlete, he needs to realize that he is a role model to so many. I think he was given a second chance after receiving a DWI, but I guess he hasn’t learned yet what it takes to be a role model. Being so famous and successful, it is clear to see why so many companies endorse Phelps and use him to promote their product in advertisements. While his contract with Rosetta Stone ended in 2008, the company made a statement that “we do not condone his activities and are disappointed in his recent judgment.” On the other hand, two of his sponsors, Omega and Speedo called the news a “non-issue”. As a young athlete who is seen as a “role model” by so many people and especially YOUNG children, I would be shocked if this recent drug use didn’t lessen the number of companies interested in endorsing him. Phelps has been extremely successful not only in the pool but in receiving endorsement, I think that companies will now look twice before using him in ads or endorsing him again. I think most socially responsible companies will not want their company in any way correlated to drug use even if Phelps is a highly worshipped athlete for America. While the company might have to make a sacrifice by not using him, I think that they will benefit from focusing on the values of character and responsibility.
To view a couple of advertisements with Phelps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY1Qn1g6V8g (speedo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ5W3zWGQK8 (visa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5oUJg-J5tw (visa mobile)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPhzCXewLo (guitar hero)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axkCrMJBFfM (at&T)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNri467qHDI (olympics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9E8O_NyYg (power bar)
Nike’s Inspiration
Posted by: | CommentsWhen looking at the Foundation for Better Life, I realized that their overall purpose was to inspire you. Immediately I thought of the Nike ads that show talented athletes. I think that even people who don’t consider themselves “sports fanatics” are inspired by many of their ads. I love this following ad showing Michael Jordan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-EMOb3ATJ0&feature=related
Or if you want to simply read the text of the ad:
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
Or another great Nike ad with Michael Jordan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0d2Ep_y_tY&NR=1
I think the reason that I was so inspired by the ads was due to the simplicity of their message. So often people see only the negative things about themselves, and this ad is proclaiming that failing over and over again leads to success. I think they are trying to define that success is never giving up despite the circumstances. Also, I think most people think of Michael Jordan as one of the best, if not the best, basketball players to live. So if he is making mistakes in what he is best at, well I guess it okay if I am too.
Finally, I compared the Michael Jordan Nike ads to his Gatorade ads. I think Gatorade tried to create a similar message. Unlike Nike, I think Gatorade’s message was too complicated, and their message failed to inspire me like the Nike ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpfzaqIuR34 (Gatorade, is it in you?)
