Beaver-y Careful How You Talk about Women
Just read an article on SNAFU-ed regarding Australia’s Advertising Standards Bureau’s release of their list of the most most complained about commercials in 2008.
Tops on the list was the following Kotex commercial:
As a woman, I prefer this take on feminine hygiene infinitely over those awkward “not-so-fresh-feeling” Summer’s Eve commercials. As a human, I prefer these ten times over to listening to Jamie Lee Curtis extoll the intestinal virtues of Activia.
What I find most interesting is we are constantly watching ads that portray men as dumb, lazy, single-minded, and/or inferior to women. I have to guess that the advertising industry is still male-dominated, therefore it’s men creating these ads, and therefore we don’t hear about men complaining about being portrayed in this negative light.
But the minute there’s an ad – no matter how harmless the intent – that seems less-than-respectable about women, people get their panties all in a bunch over it.
Motrin’s well meaning campaign (below) drew a ton of criticism from women for its insensitivity and has since been yanked from their site. Not being a mother, I’m hesitant to weigh in, but my initial reaction to the protesters is they need to lighten up.
On the flip side, JC Penney received all sorts of acclaim for this commercial featuring men sent to the doghouse as punishment for being too stupid to figure out what makes a good gift for their number one gal.
I say double standard.
What do you think?
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Personally I find the motrin commercial truthful (and I'm a Mom) I can't understand why other women would have issues with it.
craftisan's Recent post…null
Thanks for weighing in on the motrin commercial. Sometimes I feel since I'm not a mother, I risk sounding naive or insensitive if I take a different point of view.
I have a hard enough time taking care of myself, much less a child, so I completely respect everything mothers do. And I think the power "mommy-blogging" community is one of the benefits of the way the web has evolved. That said, I don't know that motherhood is so sacred as not to be able to have a sense of humor about it!
It was nice to hear someone point out the fact mean in commercials are looking more and more like morons. I think it was Trojan that had the commercial with the pigs walking around in bars that magically became men when they got a Condom. I'm a male and I'm extremely pro women's lib. I found it offense as a man being portrayed as a pig and would assume women should be equally offended. The saying goes sex takes two to tango safe sex practice are the responsibility of both parties.
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I forgot about that Trojan commercial. Another great example! Thanks!
ok, sorry maybe just being a dumb guy here but I though the commercials were hilarious, the motrin commercial may just be true .. not much in there that I could see as controversial. But the other 2 still giggling (he he he he!) Ok so the first one was not that funny just a little chuckle, but the dog house (been there done that!) just had to laugh. Anyone that gets upset over these needs to get a life. Oh and by the way .. Yep I think there is a double standard in commercials and life. Tis unfortunate and I do not condone it or promote it just the way I see things.
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I think the bottom line is they are all intended to be lighthearted and humorous. What's good for the goose should be good for the gander – no? Thanks for weighing in!
LOL I am still laughing. The Kotex commercial is great. Seriously, people need to get with the program and make light of the uncomfortable. I'm way more into a brand that isn't afraid to be clever!
As for the Motrin one, as a mom of three who "wore" her babies, I thought it was funny, at first, then I thought it was a bit lame. Because "wearing" your baby isn't something new to do to be hip, it's actually very traditional there are just more options these days. (which I am thankful for) I would give a sore back for two free hands any day. And I think I cry more because I'm maxed out on hormones, bring on the Motrin baby
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