Well, well, well– welcome to another Wednesdays with Will.
Whether it’s because we’re more diverse, politically correct or have a better way of policing those who aren’t PC (i.e. social media), today’s advertisers certainly don’t get away with offensive campaigns like they used to.
What’s utterly mind-boggling about offensiveness is its subjective-ness. Yes, there are words, stereotypes and depictions that will (rightfully so) offend the masses, but some “offensive content” is just in the eye of the beholder. After all, someone created the ad with the intent to sell and somebody signed off on it with the same goal in mind. But regardless of that fact, times are changing and neglecting different sexes, cultures and religions while campaigning could be bad for the brand.
So, for today’s WWW, I’m bringing you ads that have been red flagged as offensive, and I’m letting you tell me what you think is ridiculous (yet harmless) humor and what’s down-right offensive.
Red Bull Walking on Water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHPJN2ZR7jk
[poll id=”19″]
Volkswagen Jamaican
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0xPWAtaa8
[poll id=”20″]
The Gift of Water #First World Problems
[poll id=”21″]
Pepsi Goat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZZ_EFJYyRg
[poll id=”22″]
Cover Photo Source: Sharon Drummond via Flickr
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wpmaster.sjadv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Will.jpg[/author_image] [author_info] Wilhelm Lawrence is an Account Executive at SJG. He graduated from DePaul University in 2011 with a BA in Marketing and a BA in Management. The devious mind behind Wednesdays with Will, Will considers himself a jack of all trades whether that be sports enthusiasts, film guru or grand master of pop culture. Will always enjoys learning and stepping up to the challenges of the world we live in today. [/author_info] [/author]