Sexist or pc bollocks?

Forums › Off topic › Sexist or pc bollocks?

qwerty7

434 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12
Inactive user

#113872 30-Jan-2013 16:59

Here is the advert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPq7jVGPs3g

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10861323

Supermodel Kate Upton's saucy Super Bowl advertisement has been criticised by a parenting group for "selling sexual objectification".

In the 90-second promo for luxury car company Mercedes-Benz, Upton uses her looks to get a group of young football players to wash the company's latest car model.

The commercial was posted on YouTube on Tuesday and is due to air on TV during the American football game on February 3.

It has already attracted more than three million views.

However, the clip has attracted heavy criticism from officials at the Parents Television Council.

A representative for the organisation tells Britain's Daily Mail: "This ad reinforces for millions of wives, daughters and sisters across the country that you use your sex appeal to get what you want.

"If anything, this ad proves that we've regressed rather than progressed over the last several years."

##########
What do you think, right or wrong?
Should sex appeal be allowed to be used in advertising, why or why not?

1 | 2

5346 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3317

Trusted

#753374 30-Jan-2013 17:01

I know it's stating the perfectly obvious, but good looking chicks already use their sex appeal to get their way in life. Sheesh!

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7809

Lifetime subscriber

#753400 30-Jan-2013 17:52

I watched the ad. It looks like the dudes were washing the car before she arrived and she is just an annoyance. I am surprised it is controversial.

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7809

Lifetime subscriber

#753401 30-Jan-2013 17:55

Imho Mercedes stirred that up intentionally after VW got all the media controversy attention for this one. Do you reckon it is racist?

I can see how it might be offensive. Personally I think this ad could have been done equally well without using an ethnic stereotype. Stupid move on the part of VW.

vexxxboy

4336 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2072

#753402 30-Jan-2013 17:59

Dear God an attractive woman selling a product , what next , sportsman selling crap they never use.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

scuwp

3927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2510

#753405 30-Jan-2013 18:04

Can someone tell me what happens in the end...I am just off down to the Mercedes dealership.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

qwerty7

434 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12
Inactive user

#753419 30-Jan-2013 18:40

gzt: Imho Mercedes stirred that up intentionally after VW got all the media controversy attention for this one. Do you reckon it is racist?

I can see how it might be offensive. Personally I think this ad could have been done equally well without using an ethnic stereotype. Stupid move on the part of VW.

It makes a stereotype about a culture which is carefree and happy, a stereotype which is commonly known and I struggle to see how what the add portrays is negative. Maybe they could of done the same without being jamaican but I don't see the problem. Pc is going to far because no-one is willing to stand up and say it is a load of rubbish because they are worried of hat other people think of their opinions

In regards to the original add, I know sex sells is nothing new, but is it right?

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

Ragnor

8279 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 585

Trusted

#753486 30-Jan-2013 21:09

PC fun police gone mad in both cases imo...

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7809

Lifetime subscriber

#753488 30-Jan-2013 21:16

Well I can see how that VW one might be offensive to some in the US. The US has a history of actors dressing up as black people and making comedy fun about black people. Even in the sense of black people being carefree and happy which was one well known stereotype back in the day. So it is guaranteed to raise uncomfortable feelings for some people about that period. VW says they interviewed 100 Jamaicans before making the ad to make sure they had the accent right and were not being offensive. That is kind of missing the point because their target market is USA not Jamaica.

Actually I wish George Lucas had interviewed 100 Rastafarians before 'inventing' Jar Jar Binks. ; ).

Edit: As for the Merc imho just like the vast majority of ads employing supermodels it is aimed at female consumers not male consumers at all. The controversy started by a family first conservative organisation looks a little bit ironic in that light considering all the advertisements they could object to on a daily basis if they wanted to.

FPR

176 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 25

#753579 31-Jan-2013 01:22

Ragnor: PC fun police gone mad in both cases imo...

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 833
Inactive user

#753584 31-Jan-2013 05:14

FPR:
Ragnor: PC fun police gone mad in both cases imo...

+1

Jas777

840 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 111

#753668 31-Jan-2013 09:44

While they are at it can they also get those shaving advertisements banned too. Or if not banned can they show a man with a big stomach shaving as that would be more representative.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 833
Inactive user

#753670 31-Jan-2013 09:46

Jas777: While they are at it can they also get those shaving advertisements banned too. Or if not banned can they show a man with a big stomach shaving as that would be more representative.

I don't want to see a man shaving his big stomach?

Geekamouse

54 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#753680 31-Jan-2013 10:04

This ad reinforces for millions of wives, daughters and sisters across the country that you use your sex appeal to get what you want.

So what's new?

langers1972

1039 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 118

#753693 31-Jan-2013 10:22

vexxxboy: Dear God an attractive woman selling a product , what next , sportsman selling crap they never use.

Are you telling me Liam Messam doesn't use Brut? Glad I kept the receipt

Now where's my Powerade (official drink of the All Blacks) to wash down my Panadol (official pain relief of the All Blacks). It's enough to give you piles, anyone know which brand of Haemorrhoid cream the ABs use?

Rickles

3107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 445

Trusted

#753797 31-Jan-2013 12:40

Well, I thought the advert was just plain stupid ... and I'll not be buying the Mercedes, so there !

1 | 2