The only thing creepier is the GEICO ad where an attractive young woman is trying to seduce a pig. Earlier Maxwell the Pig ads were fun but this latest one where he is in a broken down car with woman who needs eyeglasses is stupid and insulting. Is she a vegetarian who doesn't eat bacon, she dates it? And is there a snarky subtext that women want to date men who are pigs? Who are the ad managers approving these ads -- the nephew or some-in-law of the candy corporate CEO? And more importantly, do they realize how in need of intensive therapy they are?
I suggest the M&M consider dating Maxwell the Pig -- though there may be a real safety issue here for her.
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I completely agree with your concerns. As a student of Drury University I am currently enrolled in an ethics class and we are discussing the “pornification of America” and author Charles Ess, in his book, Digital Media Ethics, speaks about the rise of technology and how it has helped us in so many ways – to include negative ways such as the availability of pornography, games with violent and sexual material, and even cell phones and the availability of “too much information”. As a parent I can relate as well. During last year’s SuperBowl it honestly never occurred to me that an M&M commercial could be a problem, until both my 7 and 4 year overhead the commercial and for some reason, that one time, was irrevocably imprinted on their minds. The words, “I’m sexy and I know it” pop up at the most inopportune times! We’ve talked through, we’ve punished, and threatened…the pull to repeat the lyrics seems to be too much. As a matter of fact just this week my now five-year came home with a note from school for using the word “sexy”. He’s five! The GEICO ads have actually made me, as an adult, feel uncomfortable. I understand in marketing that’s the point, because here we are discussing it, but it in no way makes me want to switch to their company. I wish I could say I’ve sworn off M&M’s but I haven’t. Great post here – thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEss, Charles (2009) Digital Media Ethics: Digital Media and Society Series. Malden, MA
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I think a lot of annoying and foolish TV ads can be (and perhaps ought to be?) laughed off but something as offensive as a woman trying to seduce a pig deserves a response.
DeleteI think the best thing is not to read too much into these adds. I don't think anyone behind the adds wants to make a formal social point. They make weird/provocative adds like these on purpose to get a reaction from people and be noticed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I agree with what you said up to a point but the let it slide rule of thumb doesn't apply to a woman wanting to seduce a pig. I feel sorry for the actress who accepted that role as I can just imagine the comments from her friends.
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