I quite enjoyed several of the Superbowl ads last night. Especially the Will Ferrell/Flint Tropics/Bud Light spot. But I think I am biased since I am from Flint.

If you care to see any of them they are here.  

Bob Garfield, the ad critic for Adage.com had lots to say about the ads.  And he had some of it all wrong. Especially about the Bridgestone tires spot. You can see his comments about the spot here

Bob got it all wrong. He was “repulsed” by the spot because he seemed it was homophobic. I could understand if Richard Simmons was replaced by a man who represented the gay community, and was strictly known for being gay. While Simmons probably is gay (I honestly don’t know and don’t care) he is most well known for being irritating and grating on the nerves. That is the point of the spot not, as Bob guesses, “its OK to kill a sissy”.

Well Bob, no one was killed in the spot, how do you extrapolate that message from the spot?

This is what our culture has come to. Everyone is unnecessarily offended, we are looking to be offended. We watch commercials and shows with an eye that is on the lookout for something to take as offensive. Or could it be that Bob himself actually thinks it is OK to kill a sissy and can recognize homophobia that most others can not simply because he himself is homophobic? Is that the message he is putting on the ad himself?

First that target ad now this.  People, we need to lighten up, this isn’t as serious as you take it.

-JSW-

Hitting the Sweet Spot, Positioning, Branding, Apple Products & Olde Number 22 from Arbor Brewing Co. . A great way to spend the sunday afternoon while waiting for the SuperBowl Ads.

-JSW-