Touch and Go

This article at USA Today caught my eye in a bad way. It's talking about how advocacy groups now have incredible power over advertisers' content during major events, namely the Super Bowl. The prime example of this was the "suicidal robot" ad from last year's game that sparked a web-wave of controversy from those who thought the ad made light of suicide and ended with the original ad being yanked from the airwaves and GM's website.

Now I understand the concern. I myself felt uncomfortable watching that ad when it came on. It's not exactly the most humorous subject under any circumstances and definitely has powerful emotional connotations. But I made a specific decision when I saw the ad. I didn't want the ad pulled. That's a blow to GM, but not nearly the proper response. What about not buying from them? That might get some attention.

Hell, I forgot that the ad had even run until I read the article. With the ad pulled, there's nothing to remain in the psyche. Everybody goes on buying and barely putting a dent in GM's $3.3 billion advertising budget. In 2005, the cost of running a 30-second spot during the Superbowl was approximately $2.4 million. That's a small price to pay for indiscretion for some.

But then there's the other problem the article brought up from me. Things like the National Restaurant Association (there's an NRA you never hear about) complaining that the Kevin Federline ad (y'know, the one where he's a fry cook) was demeaning to fast food workers.

Note to fast food workers: If you work in a McDonald's or a Burger King, I have to problem with you or your job. You provide me with somethetimes delicious food to go. But somehow, I don't think that there's a great sense of prestige associated with your fryolator.

Really? I mean... REALLY? Demeaning to fast food workers? Should we say that the Budweiser ads are demeaning to mules or lesser horses? What about clearly absurd ads like the recent "Swiss Family Robinson" Emerald Nuts ad? Is that demeaning to Swiss maroonees?

I'm done I swear.

The thing that gets me is that these special interest groups are starting to dominate our national consciousness. Every conceivable group or demographic appears to have their own representation that every businessman or politician is afraid of offending. We're turning slowly into a nation of people with no sense of self-responsibility. We're letting these groups define us by what they think they represent for us. Until we stand up and take action for ourselves, we're like a nation of babies being told what we want. I don't think anyone really wants that.