Look Out Rush Limbaugh!

This is a TV ad for VoteVets.org responding to Rush Limbaugh's remarks on soldiers speaking out against the war. I am not even going to attempt to take a side, but this is the definition of extreme advertising. I get a little uncomfortable when I watch this ad and I almost feel a little guilty. Maybe its because the war veteran is so bold in his attack on Limbaugh...Maybe its the way he talks about his traumatic brain injury as pictures flash on the screen...Maybe its because I feel guilty for supporting the war? I'm not sure. Nevertheless, the ad got a reaction out of me. Several to be exact. I don't know what category this advertisement falls under, but it's definately in-your-face!

What the Buck?

A funny, sarcastic summary of the lastest celebrity dirt...or at least the good stuff!

Free Speech: Dress Code Violation?

In Waxahachie, TX a Texas High School sophomore named Pete Palmer was sent home for violating the school district's dress code. His violation: wearing a John Edwards for president 2008 t-shirt. The school stands behind their decision by arguing that no t-shirt's are allowed unless they pertain to a school organization, club, or sport or are from a college or university. Under these laws, Palmer was in violation. However, the school board may be dealing with more than the media because Palmer's parents are considering filing a lawsuit against the district, and I can't blame them. Where is the line drawn between violating a student's rights and mainting order in the school environment? American's have earned the right to free speech and while I understand some things should be monitored and restricted at school, I think this crosses the line. Palmer in no way disturbed any of his classmates, drew attention to himself, or acted inappropriately. He wore a presidential campaign t-shirt! I went to a public high school and I am very aware of the dress code policies and I hated most of them as a student, but I did understand where the concern was. But this is ridiculous! At some point, school's are going to be like prisons where everyone wears a solid color jumpsuit so that no one is offended or ridiculed for having opinions or concern for what is going on in our world. Everyone in America is protected under the First Amendment and that is the argument Palmer's father is making in support of his son. It will be interesting to see how the school board maintains their reputation with all of the scrutiny and controversy that is resulting from the media's involvement.

Ignorance is Unacceptable!

This print ad was directed by Hisham Kharma for Alma Magazine. The tag line: "Wow! Ninjas are Awesome! Ignorance is Unacceptable!" What a great example of a symbolic signifier. The swastika is such a powerful symbol that doesn't need any translation. It carries a culturally determined meaning and in this case, is linked to something completely different from itself- a magazine. I love the tag line too because it adds a little humor to such a somber and disturbing symbol without being anti-semetic. When you first look at the ad, you're not really sure what company would consciously choose a swastika to promote their product, but for Alma Magazine it works. They're trying to appeal to prospective buyers and readers of the magazine and after seeing this, I want to check it out.

Short & Sweet

Not only do I like the art direction of this commercial, I really like that it is short, simple, and to the point. It is obvious the camera is waterproof because the picture is taken beneath the water, no explanation is neccessary. It captures an exciting and dangerous moment that appeals to a specified target market: those who enjoy acquatic activities and fall under the "risk-taker" category. Although I'm sure it appeals to the masses as well. This commercial for the Olympus 725 SW Camera was done by Springer & Jacoby, Germany and I think they did a great job!

Blood Donation Hourglass

"You could be saving someone's life this second, and he could be saving yours the next."

This advertisement was done by TBWA Shanghai, China to raise awareness of the urgency of blood donation in China. At the time this ad was run, September 2006, someone in Shanghai needed blood every 90 seconds and there was a severe shortage of people donating. The message of this ad is very powerful, yet easy to interpret. The red sand is representative of blood and the hourglass furthers the metaphor; when one side runs out, the glass will flip and another person will be in need of blood. One day, that person might be you. It appeals to a large target audience and makes an impression on anyone qualified to donate blood. This ad really hit home with me because I am a strong advocate for blood donation. My grandfather had to have a blood transfusion and required 13 pints of blood. It is so important for people to donate while their healthy so that we can help those around us. The intended message is very obvious even without reading any of the text in the lower right corner. This is another great example of how TBWA continues to make influential, creative advertisements all over the world.

One You Won't Forget!

If you didn't laugh when you watched this commercial you should try and find a new sense of humor. This commercial makes me laugh every single time I watch it, and I've probably seen it 50 times. It may seem inappropriate to some, which is probably why it was pulled off of television not long after it aired. But personal opinions aside, the commercial is successful. It leaves an impression on everyone who watches it and it's not an easy commercial to forget. When someone says, "Have you seen that funny commercial with the little kid who says penis?"...the first thing that comes to mind is, "Oh yeah, the BlueCross BlueShield one!" The point is, I remember it and the company associated with it. And isn't that what we as advertisers are striving to do? Create commercials, print ads, billboards etc that make an impact on consumers and viewers? I wonder if BlueCross BlueShield would see positive results if they put this commercial back on the air.