Men in nappies, fish-based violence, French accents and deviant hippies: more mad ad complaints
It’s always Dr Mumbo’s favourite time of day when the moment comes to look at the latest complaints to the Ad Standards Board. Mainly because it’s always reassuring to find somebody who gets angrier about ads than him.
It’s a topic we’ve looked at before.
And today there are some more crackers.
There are people who find the Woolworths hippy ad offensive.
Or as the complainant puts it:
“The next thing we will be allowing deviants to hijack people as an acceptable ad. This is against everything we say about child safety and invasion of people’s privacy. Woolworths should be ashamed of themselves for stooping this low to win market share of the supermarket game.”
Then there’s Fisherman’s Friend:
Apparently:
“I am offended by the pointless violence and anti-male undertones of this advertisement.”
And for sheer, splendid are-they-watching the-same-ad-as-us? bonkersness, Snugglers:
The complaint:
“The advert suggests that the executive is wearing a Snuggle’s nappy and makes light of the very real need for adult personal products of this nature as well as making it appear as though an executive wearing a baby or toddler product is normal. I find the inference extremely offensive and in very poor taste.”
Then there’s the Budget insurance ad, which may be excerable, but Dr Mumbo isn’t sure deserves to be forbidden from our screens:
However:
“Several reasons I object to is the correcting of the accent. I find it derogatory when people do that. I do not have an accent but I know many people who do. The other thing I find derogatory (which my 20 year old daughter pointed out) is the fact that the woman who is in the shower is half the man’s age. Who is this advertisement aimed at anyway? Dirty old men?”
You may not be shocked to hear that none of those complaints were upheld.
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I too do not think the ad for Budget odd- couple should be axed.
The man is obviously not dirty as he is about his ablutions. He has had his shower and is now shaving. They are probably going to the RSL or for a nice curry.
In correcting the young lady he is attempting to save her the embarrassment should she use the word ” Boujet” outside the shower. For this he is to be commended.
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This is a serious question … Why does an ad or program that offends one person (or even millions of people) need to be taken off the air?
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Drama queens, over sensitive types out there! Calm down! Ads are supposed to be trying to sell magic and stupidity.
Good post mUmBRELLA, glad none of the complaints were upheld.
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These complaints are the sign of our ageing population…… damn our increasing lifespan and silver surfers!!
More time post-retirement and more internet savvy pensioners will make the ASB rethink it’s online complaints form.
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I wish to complain about the complaint about Budget on the grounds that it is discriminatory against dirty old men. Why shouldn’t dirty old men be allowed to hire cars just like normal people?
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They do offend my intelligence but that goes for most ads. Grow up people.
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The hippie / Woollies ad offends me just because it’s such obvious and old fashioned thinking. “Organic food…mother nature….home grown…mung beans….lentils….hippies!”. What happened to the actor who played Neil on the Young Ones? Is he writing ads now?
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