Every year, Super Bowl ad enthusiasts hover around the computer anxiously waiting for the top commercials list. Which ones were the raciest, most homophobic, ROFL-inducing… the list goes on. Usual contenders include: beverages, Jason Statham destroying in an Audi, Danica Patrick. You know, stuff guys like.
This year, though, I’d like to redirect your attention to the rejects of the coveted Super Bowl inner-circle, and why I agree.
PETA “Veggie Love”
To clarify, I’m a big proponent of carnivorous pleasures, but I can also sympathize for those who elect another consumption lifestyle. The actions PETA have taken over the year, however, I cannot agree with. The extent to which they carry their message continually cross lines of decency. This ad is the perfect example of the hypocrisy that is PETA. They tout moral standards of humanity as associated with consuming meat; but on the other hand, they disseminate the message by salacious ads filled with scantily clad, and almost naked, women doing unseemly acts with various vegetables.
AshleyMadison.com “Morning After”
Cheating is already reprehensible, a site dedicated to capitalizing on the misdeed deserves a whole other level in Dante’s Inferno. I cannot condone the behavior, nor do I find the ad entertaining. I thought it was a spoof until I actually visited the site. I’m very tempted to sign up just to see the creeps infesting the place.
GoDaddy “Censorship Hearing” and “I Own You”
If you learn nothing else from Ad School, you take away at least this much: make sure your message is relevant to what you’re selling. While these ads might elicit a slight chuckle, there is definite backlash potential. Superfluous bouncing breasts and inappropriate mother-doing jokes cannot possibly entice audiences to buy a domain. Back to the drawing board, Creatives.
I do not hold a holier-than-thou attitude. I actually encourage the use of beautiful, sexy women in ads, if it fits. Gratuitous sexuality to sell vegetarianism and domains? I just don’t get it.
