Well look at what the Gay Gods brought upon us here in Times Square...
It's baaaaaaaaack! Queerty reported today the oh-so-infamous Manhunt ad I reported about earlier is now one of a few ads rolling on a giant screen billboard in Times Square and in the eyes of millions of tots and their parents during this jolly season. Now that it's up in the same location that the Michael Korrs ad is depicting...well, let's go with depicting a girl getting her Christmas gift early this year, I'm anxious to see what kind of complaints these parents will come up with...
Okay, ready to see how Photoshop can CHANGE THE WORLD!?!?! Okay, not that dramatic, but it's amazing how a little retouching can change everything...
So I was breezing though the new Out Magazine and came across the ad below.
So yay! Here's a cute holiday ad for Banana Republic, again, advertised in Out Magazine, talking about how they're among the "Best Places To Work For LGBT Equality" by HRC (woot!), featuring two rather attractive fellas...
Or is it?
One the SAME DAY I bought the magazine, I ventured over to the BR with some boos so one of them could buy a trench coat (and he gave me his old one...win win situation people). As we were checking out, I saw the exact same picture, but with one more guy in it! Take a look below:
Where did the other guy come from? I mean, he's also very attractive and I do not mind it one bit, but who dat?
(Side note: As I was taking this picture, a worker came up to me and asked if I needed any help. I freaked out, probably for no reason at all, put my phone down and go "Oh, haha, no, just, uhhhh, looking at the pants" as I dart towards the great wall o' khakis, pulling several random pairs of pants out...)
Now, the reason I wanted to post this is to show an example of what companies do to create "gay" ads. From my expert opinion (which is not expert at all) it seems the picture with the three men is the original image that was shot. For the ad placed in Out, the guy on the right was photoshopped out, they put the HRC info, and BAM, gay ad. I showed one of my friends who used to work for the agency responsible for BR ads, and they said it probably was just a formatting issue and that's why they took him out. Fair enough, and possibly true, but when I first saw it the in a gay magazine, it came off to me as two gay men modeling some beautiful plaid shirts. And because it was two, my first thought was they were a couple. Just my own personal observation. Funny how the mind works, isn't it?
I understand a lot of companies probably don't want to put in a lot of extra money to make a gay-themed ad, which is understandable, and I think it's interesting how just a few tiny modifications to an ad can change the entire message. As much as I would love for companies to invest a good amount of time (and possibly money) towards making ads targeting their LGBT customers, I think BR proves it doesn't take much to create something that can a) show support for the community and b) increase business by targeting to a different cliental.
For those who are interested, HRC just came out with the 2012 list of Best Places To Work (Gap, which owns BR, is still on the list). Check out the full list here.
God, I remember sitting in the library during those crazy college years writing a paper I was just SO interested in about Chinese immigrants settling in Canada. Even more exciting, I was only able to use scholarly journals as resources. Let's just say I would've rather have been listening to Nickelback's complete library of songs on full blast while somehow simultaneously being forced to watch hours of Gilmore Girls (theyjusttalktoodamnfast) than read these journals.
I know, WHAT is the point of this story...I promise there's one, and here it is: The Journal of Advertising published a study done by the University of Miami School of Communication called "How Minority Consumers Use Targeted Advertising as Pathways to Self-Empowerment: Gay Men's and Lesbians' Reading of Out-of-the-Closet Advertising." FINALLY, a scholarly article mamma can enjoy!
Even though I really wanted to read this article, it costs $30 to read...and to me, that's two weeks worth of meals consisting of PB&J and whatever cereal is on sale at the store. However, the Eurasia Review wrote up a great article highlighting some key points and findings in the study. It involved 25 diverse gay and lesbians who watched 10 to 15 different commercials that “exemplified dominant gay and lesbian portrayals” in order to find links between advertisements that incorporated the gay community and how that affects their social/self perception. Below are the five strategies found in these ads that were interpreted by the participants. I'm highlighting what I think are key points using the fascinating tool called the "Bold" button...
Gay men accepted the perception of “higher disposable income of gay male households” and transformed material consumption into a definition of self-worth. “I was on many consumer panels because I fit the profile of gay men who have disposable income and travel a lot,” one participant said.
Participation in the mass market was equated to membership in mainstream society. “We got money. We contribute to the corporation. We contributed to big business. We got families. We are part of the mainstream now,” a participant said.
Targeted advertising was identified as an essential step in achieving social and political inclusion. “Consumer rights, citizenship, and civil rights are intricately connected in the United States […]. And when we express our identity as a consumer, that reinforces and strengthens our identity as a citizen,” a participant said.
Perpetuating problematic depictions of gays as effeminate men or lesbians as “sexualized femme” was tolerated in the interests of social inclusion. “I was ambivalent when watching this commercial. It’s playing up the stereotype. But for me, if you can see gay people on TV in Texas, it’s positive,” one participant said.
Participants were willing to give up something of their sub-cultural identity for the sake of total acceptance in society. “When we are truly accepted in the society, we will just blend in […] even if that might mean sacrificing our uniqueness,” a participant said.
It makes me very happy that this study happened and someone is taking a serious look at the subject. Some of the findings aren't very surprising to me, but others I'm kinda shocked by. I've always felt if more companies include LGBT figures in their mainstream ads, it can really have an impact on people's perceptions towards the community. Ads are something that people see every single day and truly do have an influence in our culture, and not only does the inclusion raise more awareness, but it gives the LGBT community more of a sense of acceptance.
The finding about "if you see gay people on TV in Texas, it's positive" is one that I've struggled with for a long time and sometimes don't 100% agree with. For me, if the way we're being portrayed is as a stereotype or as a punchline on TV in not-so-accepting areas, is that really a good thing? Yes, it's a gay person on TV, but I think it could just make it seem more acceptable think of the community as a joke rather than moving them one step closer to accepting the community. Again, struggle...
The last finding about "blending in" even if it means "sacrificing our uniqueness" just makes me sad. I'm a huge advocate of being yourself and not hiding who you are. (Please, I have Britney Spears crap all over my desk at work, and I'm not ashamed of it at all.) However, I know it's much easier said than done and many of us (myself included) have scaled down who we are to fit in one time or another. But the more exposure we get (i.e. in advertising, hence why I'm here) and understanding we have from mainstream society, I hope there will be absolutely no need for "sacrificing our uniqueness."
Whew, my fingers hurt. Again, I really think this study is fantastic and let's hope we find more like this very soon.
Thanks to the amazing LGBT marketing firm Target 10 for posting this article!
Like Cabbage Patch Kids or eight ball pog slammers, I found a trend for y'all...
If you recall, I posted a few weeks ago about local Kansas jewelry store Tevol releasing a billboard that featured two men, one with his arm around the other, looking at some wedding bands. Just to recap, I was a tad bit annoyed with the fact they said the ad was open to interpretation and not coming out (no pun intended...JK LOL BFF it totally is) saying if it was or wasn't meant to be a gay couple.
Well, mamma's got ANOTHER local jewelry store that put out an ad featuring two women, and this time they flat out saying, "Why yes! It IS a lesbian couple! And?" Check out the picture of the couple below and head over to CBS Baltimore to watch the news story:
This time, it's local Baltimore jewelry store Charles Nusinov and Sons that ran an ad in various local newspapers with the headline "Let's Grow Old Together" featuring various couples, including lesbians! Vice President Sydney Nusinov stated his reasonings for including a lesbian couple: "I think same-sex couples just want the same American dream that straight couples want...From a business standpoint, I think it would help us to have a whole new subsection of customers getting married." Preach gurl...eh...man. He even says they're getting positive responses for the ad, and when the TV crew showed it to random people, all of them were not bothered by it at all. Now, not to say everyone feels that way, but it's great to see these people not really worry about how they're advertising to the LGBT community.
Now, I've always thought local companies have a such an advantage/risk with advertising to the LGBT community. They have the a bit more freedom with their advertisements and the content they include, which is a plus, but also it's a bit more "risky" because the clientele is much smaller. So if a large part of the community doesn't like the fact they included LGBT figures in their ads, it could have a negative effect on them, which is horrible. I commend Charles Nusinov and Sons for doing this ad and standing behind the content. Even though gay marriage isn't legal in Maryland (yet) they still chose to tastefully support the community while opening up to a new type of clientele for their business. It's a great example for other companies looking to do ads like these that it CAN work and it CAN help the business. I mean, if more business' could think this way a) I'd have a lot more content for your viewing pleasure and b) it could help open people's minds to the subject and get us closer to the equal rights we deserve.
Props to my sista from the SAME mista Elizabeth for sending me this!
Okay people, I know we are all OBSESSED (and rightfully so) over the GetUp! Marriage Equality ad that is blowing up like J. Lo finding a red M&M in her bowl of only green ones. Seriously, up until now I've had 30 friend post it on their Facebook and the media attention just keeps getting bigger. The Advocate even stated that it's "possibly the most beautiful ad for marriage equality we've seen." It really is an amazing ad and should still be constantly watched and shared to spread the word. If you need to be reminded, here's the ad once again below:
After seeing this, it made me think: what about other beautiful and powerful gay marriage ads that are out there? Well, I got inspired and new list is born...I know, it's just like winning the lottery. Here are 7 marriage equality ads that I gathered and ranked to reveal my personal favorites. Just call me the Carson Daily of marriage equality ads. Okay, let's get started!!
#7: "Marriage" - Johnnie Walker
This ad comes from Australia (same as the GetUp! ad) and depicts two women on their very special day. The ad itself is okay, but I wanted to include it because it was made in 1997, which was very risky back then and way ahead of its time.
#6: "The Edge of Glory: Marriage Equality"
Even though this was more of a viral video than an actual ad, it still gets you weeping like Tammy Faye. Created by Jason O'Ffill and directed by Sean Penberthy, it shows the anticipation from both grooms getting ready for their wedding day and the love they have for each other. Style wise, the GetUp! ad reminded me of this video a little, but each show different sides of marriage beautifully. And it's to Lady Gaga...I mean...
#5: "Roy's Story" - marriagequality.ie
Just a warning, this one is a little darker than the rest, but this Irish ad for their marriage equality campaign really shows why it's so important for the LGBT community to have the right to marry. Also demonstrates the mind-boggling point that kids raised by gay couples can actually come out normal. Who knew!?!?
#4: "Love For All" - Bjorn Borg
Famous Swedish underwear company Bjorn Borg created this very pretty ad for the support of marriage equality. The fact that it's two priests will clearly not settle well with some (Religion? Fashion? Gay? Sound familiar?) the ad is beautifully made and tastefully done. Also, adding to my to-do list to buy this "True Colors" cover...
UPDATE! My insanely smart friend Maddie pointed this fun fact about the subjects in this ad:
"They are members of the clergy but not Catholic because the cross was not a Catholic cross and a woman married them. Episcopalians (part of the church accepts homosexuality) and Lutheran ministers both wear similar collars." Thanks Maddie!
#3: "Parents" - equalmarriage.ca
This commercial is one that brings humor to the subject in a great way. Part of the Canada's Equal Marriage campaign (which, you have to look at the website. Based on the look of it, it's VERY clear it because legal in 2005) this ad points out that gay marriages have the same problems as straight ones, even problems with future mother-in-laws...
#2: "Permission" - MTV
I have to say, I think this is hands down the most creative marriage equality ad I've seen to date. MTV created this ad that puts the question all LGBT people put in the hands of voters in a very literal sense. The Irish campaign from above also recreated a longer version this ad, which you can check out here.
#1: "Garden Wedding" - Let California Ring
So, when I was thinking about starting this blog and looking at a lot of so-so ads, I remember stumbling on this and being completely blown away. The ad was for Let California Ring and was released a little before Prop 8 blew up. Like the MTV ad, it turns the issue around and shows straight people what it would feel like if their rights got taken away, which I think is a brilliant angle. These are the people who's support we need, and this ad allows them to relate to our dilemma. The music, that actress (who truly makes you believe her), the way it's shot, it's over the top yet believable, it's creative, it breaks your heart...everything...just breathtaking. Okay, I'll shut my trap and let you watch...
Now, let's be real. Sadly, marriage equality is something that some people have, but most don't. Hopefully the attention of the GetUp! ad and ads like these will help people open their minds and join us in this fight so that one day we won't need these ads. Right now, there are many ways to help support the GetUp! campaign, such as sign the petition or donate to help get the ad on TV. For peeps in the US, you can head over to MarriageEquality.org, HRC, one that I'm affiliated with here in NYC called Swish, or find a local organization near your to see how you can help.
Cause the more we get the word out, the quicker I can go crazy with my registry gun at Bed Bath & Beyond, dammit!
Just watch this video and you'll be saying the same thing:
Wasn't that absolutely hilarious?! I can NOT handle that little kid. Amen! Preach little dude...
It was made by YouTube user playahata646 for an 8th grade PSA project a year ago, but it's just now getting a lot of attention. Not 100% sure if they specifically had to make the PSA about using the word or if they got to choose what PSA they did, but does that really matter? It's just amazing seeing kids making things like this and educators encouraging them to talk about the subject.
If it looks familiar, it's because it's a play on GLSEN and Ad Council's first LGBT-focused campaign "Think B4 You Speak" to stop the word "gay" from being used as a negative term. Created by ArnoldNYC, the campaign beat out 50 other campaigns in 2008 to win The Advertising Council's Gold Bell Award for Creative Excellence. I've always been a fan of these commercials since they came out and I think they really put into perspective how hurtful that kind of language can be. Check out the three ads that were released, which feature Wanda Sykes and Hilary Duff:
And here's their latest TV spot, featuring NBA players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley:
Ummm...do you wanna watch the kids again? Okay, great...
Well, there's a new ad in LA that has some mamma's all up in arms y'all (and by that I mean legit "I have a child" mamma's, not me referring to myself as "mamma" as I sometimes do. Just wanted to clarify...) Check it out below:
The ad is for the infamous website Manhunt, which, if you don't know, is a "dating" website dedicated to helping gay men connect in hopes of gettin' a little somethin-somethin (insert the one-sholder nudge move here). This particular ad is advertising their new uncensored mobile version of the website with the tagline "Zero Feet Away," promoting the GPS "finding a man closest to you" feature.
Okay, time for looking at both sides of the spectrum. First up, the parents...
Parents Side: This article, via StudioCity, is by Kelly Cloe, a single mom of a 9-year-old son who is not so happy about this ad. I suggest you read the whole article cause it gives a good representation as to why parents are upset. But to give a CliffsNotes, she talks about how she drives past this every day with her son on his way to school. She says doesn't know how to explain what's going on to her Army obsessed son (who noticed the ad because of the dog tags. Come on, that's a little humorous) without lying to him. She says, "I know some would tell me to use the opportunity for an illuminating conversation. But I don't need Manhunt Mobile to set my Important Talks Agenda. Our family really could have gone awhile longer without that particular conversation–and should've been able to do so." She also talks about how it's not necessarily the image she's bothered by, but the product they're advertising: "It’s not the blatant porn-iness of the over-lit image, or that it is of two men. It would be equally annoying if it were hetero. It’s the fact that I am forced to figure out a way to frame to my fourth-grader the fact that some people like to find causal sex partners fast using their mobile phones." Hmmm...okay. Not sure if every parent who's complaining about it is upset about the product versus the image, but I'm open to that thought.
Okay Manhunt, your turn...
Manhunt's Side: Manhunt's Jason Harvey came out with a statement on their blog (just FYI the website is a little NSFW) defending their ad "featuring two models in a sexy but tasteful pose together." He even address Kelly Cloe's article and her claims that the complaints she made cause the ads to come down, when actually their ads expired. He also released a statement from their ad agency Lamar Advertising emphasizing the fact that, "we used our restriction codes that we have in our system for alcohol, to make sure that we were placing Manhunt in appropriate locations."
They also brought up a very valid point about another company's ad that's out now. Even before I got to that part of them mentioning it in the article, I kept thinking about this particular ad my sister and I saw in Times Square that we both legit said "whoa" when we saw it. See below:
This ad is for Michael Kors underwear, and, if you didn't notice, it has a very naked woman hugging her man with her hands down his pants. Yeah. Whoa.
According to the Manhunt blog, they couldn't find any complaints for this ad, which in LA is placed not far from the Manhunt ads. And the one in picture that I saw is right in Times Square, which is family-tourist central in NYC. Again, no known complaints. Makes you ponder...
Here's what I have to say. I think if you come out with a "risque" ad, you'll always have someone – especially parents – who doesn't like it. Both of these ads are clearly suggestive, but I think the Michael Kors ad is just a tab...okay...insanely more obvious as to what this straight couple is about to do. Two shirtless men not even kissing vs a butt-naked girl about to have some fun with her underwear-clad man...yeah, it's pretty clear. However, even though the image in the Manhunt ad is just two shirtless men close to an embrace, what it's advertising makes it quite obvious as to what these men are about to do. I also understand the complaint of where the ads are placed, but it seems that Manhunt followed very specific guidelines and did their best to keep it away from children. (In NYC, there are Manhunt ads everywhere, but mostly in the gay neighborhoods.) I think this convo can go back and forth for days, but both sides have very valid points, therefore making very interesting conversation on the topic.
If the Manhunt ad were a straight couple, would it cause such a stir? I'm not sure, but judging by the reactions of the two ads at hand, I don't think it would. Just makes you think...
So after spending a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with the fam, I got home a) 10 pounds heavier and b) logged on to my FB to see that EVERYONE and their mom posted this video. So I clicked it, watched it, teared up a bit, and repeated those steps about a hundred times. Check it out below:
The (as of right now) viral commercial is for marriage equality made by GetUp!, which is an amazing Australian organization that helps raise awareness and fight various issues in Australia. I really don't think anyone can deny the power this commercial has. The message is so simple, and although it's one that's not very new, the way it's done and all the elements that are put into it make this something special. I know it has one of my pet peeves with the "Surprise! They're actually gay" element, but this is a great example of that serving a purpose to the overall message. It shows the SHOCKING point that gay couples, really, are just like any other couple. They have their ups, their downs, they care about each other, they're there for one another...so why don't we have the same rights?
Overall, I think this commercial really speaks for itself and GetUp! has done a phenomenal job. Not only is it a beautiful commercial, but it's now the talk of town (it's gotten over a million views in three days). Why there aren't more commercials like this in the US baffles me, but let's hope this one starts the trend...
Side note: I studied in Sydney for five months, and that ferry they're on in the beginning is one I took at least three times a week. Why I didn't meet that hunky man and fall in love on the Manly Ferry (that's not a pun, that' really what it's called) is still a mystery to me...
Orbitz Worldwide CEO Barney Harford was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and accepted the 2011 HRC Corporate Equality Award for their DECADE of LGBT advertising! You can watch the video here on Facebook. (Mamma could not find a YouTube video, therefore I can't put it on here. Fail.) If you can't see it, below are some some written highlights from his speech:
"For over a decade, Orbitz has recognized the importance of being LGBT inclusive. As CEO, I recognize the importance of our inclusive advertising and our policy of non-discrimination, not only in helping the Orbiz brand resinate with travelers, but also in helping change public opinion on LGBT equality...I hope that doing the right thing and respecting the rights of all employees is just the way things are done and we won't need to call individual companies like Orbitz."
He also reads a letter he received from a woman that a) thanks Orbitz for their humorous and inclusive ads and b) talks about the similarities to this and racial issues in advertising in the 50s and 60s. Coincidentally, my wonderful mother also sent me an email pointing out the same thing a few days ago! (She's just so with it. Love ya Mom.) She said as she was watching a TV ad I posted, a commercial before it featured an interracial couple, which today most people don't even think twice about, but back then it would've been a huge deal. The civil rights movement and issues with race have always been compared to the current struggles the LGBT community is facing now, and I think advertising is defiantly a great example to show the similarities of the two.
I think this speech is fantastic and really sums up why I started this blog. If you remember, it was an Orbitz commercial that first sparked my interest in this subject, so it's great to see them get recognized for their work. Their approach of using humorous ads in order to put the subject out there without being "in-your-face" and with the goal for these ads to not be an issue in the future is, just, brilliant.
If you're unfamiliar with Orbitz LGBT advertising, check out a few TV commercials below. (Found on YouTube. Score!) First is a great summary of their previous ads in TV, print, and radio, and the rest are a few newer TV ads. Also be sure to head on over to their website and Facebook page to learn more.
What do you all think? Do you enjoy these advertisements? Do you think the fact that Orbitz has done this for ten years has made an impact on LGBT advertisements?
WAAAAAAAH holy freakout people!! Men kissing, politicians, clothing stores, legal action, the world ending!?! (Last part's just for dramatic effect. Saw Melancholia a few days ago and it's still on my mind)
Why this massive hysteria? Let's get right to it peeps...
Yesterday, Benetton Group, a popular Italian-based clothing company, released this outdoor campaign, and let me tell you, the world is going bonkers. Take a look at the ads for yourselves:
Wow, right? But the one below is causing the most controversy out of all of them, and after only one day up it's already been taken down. Why? I'll let you take one wild guess:
WHOA Pope!
The whole campaign was designed by 72andSunny to promote Benetton's Unhate Foundation, targeted to "contribute to the creation of a new culture of tolerance, to combat hatred, building on Benetton's underpinning values." Based on the 1979 photo of East Germany leader Erich Honecker and Soviet Union leader Leonid Brezhnev, the company doctored photos of the leaders having a loving moment without permission by any them (which is a huge no-no, but seriously, there is no way in hell any of them would get permission. Just imagine them going to the Pope and saying, "Hi, yeah, would it be okay if we...") The ads were put up around Rome, Paris, New York, Milan, and Tel Aviv.
After these outdoor ads were released and everyone pretty much crapped their pants, Benetton Group SpA deputy chairman Alessandro Benetton told WSJ, "It means not hating. In a moment of darkness, with the financial crisis, what's going on in North Africa countries, in Athens, this is an attitude we can all embrace that can have positive energy." Their blog also has a full description about what this campaign is going for.
I have no idea where to start with the controversy of these ads. Yes, five out of six of these feature two men kissing, but the question I have is, are people upset by the fact two men are kissing or the fact of who is kissing whom? Right now, the one with the Pope kissing imam Ahmed el Tayyeb is getting the most attention, and understandably so. It's the only one that has been taken down, and Benetton has even apologized for the fact that "the image had so hurt the sensibilities of the faithful." So let's say the Pope ad was not a part of the mix and was never released, would the fact that two men were locking lips cause a ruckus? I think so, but I'm not sure it would get the amount of worldwide attention it's getting now. The video they released with this campaign features same-sex couples, but it's only one of many factors to this amazing video. Check it out below:
Some people accuse Benetton of creating these ads just to cause this controversy to brand the company. Ummm...you're damn right that's what they're doing! I do think they're kinda pulling a MMS with these ads and just doing it for shock value, but at least now people are talking about it and have these thoughts and images in their heads to think about. This isn't the first time Benetton has come out with controversial ads, including the one below depicting a priest and a nun kissing:
Okay, this is one I HAVE to open the floor. What do you all think? Do you think it's an issue of same-sex kissing or who is featured in the ad? Do you think Benetton took it too far or people are overreacting?
Also, shout out to my girls Nanda and Darya for their contributions!
UPDATE: Here's a clip from our girls at The View talking about their, well, views on this ad. It's a great depiction of the many different types of reactions this campaign is getting.
Apologize for the long absence. Just a busy bee in this busy world...but let's get back to gay ads, shall we?
So as I was reading the NYT article about the Absolute ad (insert shameless plug for other post here), they had a link to billboard ad in Kansas, and alas, a new post is born:
So here's a billboard for local Kansas jewelry store Tivol, that has two men looking at a ring with the headline "Tivol & Tomorrows."
Okay, yay! Great. Awesome. Nice way to target LGBT couples that are getting married and are looking for wedding bands...right?
Well, not so much.
When asked about the "gay" ad at hand, the director of marketing for Tivol said, "We did not go into it wanting to be political...Nothing is overt, and all the 'Tivol &T' ads are open to interpretation."
Is it just me or is there not much to interpret? Two men, trying rings on, one has his hand around the other who is admiring his hip band, and a headline "Tivol & Tomorrow?" When I see this ad, I think it's a pretty obvious observation that it's just a tab-bit...okay, extremely obvious these two men are together. Even the people who DON'T like the ad "interpret" it as gay...hence why they don't like it.
Now, Tivol really could have made this ad without the gay intent, but unless everyone that works there is blind, I don't really believe it. I understand that it's still a bit taboo for companies, large or small, to be creating ads targeted towards the LGBT community, especially about gay marriage since it's such a hot political topic right now. However, I think if you're going to come out with an ad like this, you should back up and stand by what you put out. And in this article, Commercial Closet founder Mike Wilke brings up a good point about how some companies put out advertisements that are "gay vague", meaning the ad has gay references targeting the gay community, but can be overlooked by everyone else. Understandable for some companies, but sad that it's still this way.
I don't know, what do you all think about this? Do you think it's okay for companies to produce these "gay vague" ads without acknowledging the theme or should they put it out and own up to it?
This also reminded me of a Budweiser ad that came out a while ago where people thought the two guys were just friends...and others thought it went a little further than that...I'll let you be the judge.
Okay people, I have another entry about vodka. I know, I'm feeling a little buzzed too, but bare with me, it's worth it.
My friends Amanda and Heather sent me this wonderful article The New York Times published yesterday that talks all about Absolut Vodka and their advertising/marketing towards the gay community. This is a must-read to catch you up on the history of their involvement with the LGBT community. But, the most exciting thing about this article is that Absolut will be releasing a new campaign to celebrate their 30 YEARS of advertising/marketing to the LGBT community! Not only that, but we get a first glimpse of an AMAZING print ad from the campaign:
Did your heart explode? No? Did you just glance at it? Okay I'll give you another chance to really look at it. Let's just post it again so you can save your mouse from moving back up...
Ob.Sessed. That's all I'm saying. I mean, just looking at this gives me chills. I think the art direction and what photographer David LaChapelle did is borderline genius. From the subjects photographed (i.e. Amanda Lepore, unicorns, you know, the usual) to the placement of everything, to the all around fabulousness of this (yes, that really is the only word to describe this) it comes together to create one breathtaking image. It's a perfect example of and ad where you can be walking down the street, quickly see it on the side of some phone booth, and just get the feeling their going for instantly. One big ol' gay celebration of living life and having fun, out and proud! And unlike other Absolute ads that just feature the bottle in different settings, this gives you so much to look at while at the same time making you beg for more. Did I mention I like the art direction in this ad?
I really love the copy as well. The "Absolut OUTrageous" line is very similar to other Absolut ads, however the line "Celebrating 30 years of going out and coming out" just is the icing on the cake. Sums up the brands history with the LGBT community, ties the product in, and celebrates this amazing culture we have.
To me, THIS is what I think LGBT ads should be like. It's very obvious that the company took a lot of time and thought to create something very creative, and in turn it shows that they really do care about their LGBT market. I am so excited to see the rest of this campaign, and will fo sho update you all as soon as it's out.
Absolut has pretty much become a staple in this small gay advertising world. They started in 1981, which at that time was thought of as an enormous risk for a mainstream company. But, peeps knew what they were doing, didn't really give a crap what other people thought, and now their LGBT ads are iconic.
If you're unfamiliar with their previous ads, here are a few examples, thanks to Commercial Closet. Fun thing to note: the last TV ad, part of a series of ads featuring RuPaul's Drag Race contestants, was just honored at GLAAD's 2011 Amplifier Awards:
So now that I've gushed about this, what are YOUR feelings? Do you think Absolut is going in the right direction with their new campaign? Are you curious to see what's to come?
Ah Halloween...one of the greatest holidays in NYC where all the citizens of the land have an excuse to drink rum with a splash of apple cider while dressed as "scantily clad" versions of their favorite 1980's cartoon characters...AND for some gay-themed ads! Who knew?!
On Saturday, I was making bi-weekly trip to my boyfriend Trader Joe's house to pick up some gourmet-for-broke-people food (Side note: Go on a Saturday during the day. It's dead and the shelves are P-P-P-PACKED! Mama's now got enough frozen pesto pizzas to hibernate until June 2013) Anyway, right as I was about to walk in I found this ad below:
Hey Rokk Vodka! As you can see, this ad is to promote their orange flavored vodka for the Halloween season. Before we talk about this ad, we should note that for the past year Rokk has had a partnership with GLAAD, creating ads that promote both products at the same time. The one below is their main ad that also won a GLAAD Amplifier Award (obvi):
And here's a window display I found at a local liquor store in the West Village :
So now that we have that little tidbit of history, let's talk about the halloween ad. Here's the thing, mama loves a good pun (example: the title of this blog), but this ad just seems a little too puny. "Orange you GLAAD it's Halloween?" Eh? EH? Get it? Like, okay, whoa, slow down partner...
I think if a pun is done well, it can work and be creative. But I also think some advertisements in general take the easy way out with puns, and I don't think this ad is any different. Their previous headline "Filtering Out Inequality" I really enjoyed. Relates to the product as well as the cause...wham, bam, thank you ma'am. Not saying the Halloween ad doesn't, but it just seems a little obvious to me. What I do like about this ad are the rainbow rays behind each flavored bottle, which this is the first time I've seen Rokk do in their ads. Cool way to show the flavors while mixing in the rainbow/"we're here for the gays" theme.
Regardless of this wah-wah headline, I think it's great to partner with GLAAD and cross promote with these ads. Not only is it loud and proud about promoting to gays, but they're getting the word about GLAAD out there that GLAAD might not be able to do otherwise. Before, I questioned if their ads were just going for the gay dollar...BUUUUT with this ad they have a QR code to their Facebook page. If you like it, they'll donate a dollar to the GLAAD! Damn, okay Rokk, way to be!
So what does everyone think? Do you think their headline for the Halloween ad is cute or a little easy? Are you GLAAD they did it? (Sorry, I had to go with the theme) What do you think about the other ads?
And if you haven't seen this SNL skit about Sex And The City and puns, it's very fitting this post...
A few weeks ago, Bevan Dufty, who is running for mayor of San Francisco, released his first campaign commercial. Take a look below:
Aw, what a great commercial. Just a friendly looking politician riding the MUNI with his daughter...
Hmmm? What's that you say? He's openly gay? Oh...errrr...okay. An openly gay politician riding the MUNI with...his...dau...*gulp*...oh...oh my...I just don't know about this. I mean, a GAY politician riding the MUNI with his child?! How DARE HE! Thinking gay people can raise a child?! Now that's appalling, just APPALLING!!
April Fools...in October! Like I'd really think that about this cute commercial. But, sadly, these are the thoughts of some people about this. As far as we know, this is the first time an openly gay politician has featured their family in a campaign commercial, and some people just aren't too happy about it. Some people complained that it was "exploitative" to feature his daughter in a political ad...
For real? Is it just me or have politicians been talking about their families and putting them in campaign ads for years? I just feel like if this was a straight politician, this would just be another commercial and people wouldn't think twice about it. I think it's great what Dufty did and if it's ads like this that get people talking, keep them coming.
What do you all think? You think it's a big deal his daughter is featured in a political ad? Do you think if this was anyone else it would be a big deal?
Oh, and what's Dufty's response to all this talk? "We are very proud of the ad an it was a great birthday present for Sidney who turned 5 yesterday."
UPDATE: Bevan Dufty responds to all the press about this ad! Read the whole story here.
It's baaaaaaaaack! Queerty reported today the oh-so-infamous Manhunt ad I reported about earlier is now one of a few ads rolling on a giant screen billboard in Times Square and in the eyes of millions of tots and their parents during this jolly season. Now that it's up in the same location that the Michael Korrs ad is depicting...well, let's go with depicting a girl getting her Christmas gift early this year, I'm anxious to see what kind of complaints these parents will come up with...
It's baaaaaaaaack! Queerty reported today the oh-so-infamous Manhunt ad I reported about earlier is now one of a few ads rolling on a giant screen billboard in Times Square and in the eyes of millions of tots and their parents during this jolly season. Now that it's up in the same location that the Michael Korrs ad is depicting...well, let's go with depicting a girl getting her Christmas gift early this year, I'm anxious to see what kind of complaints these parents will come up with...
