The uproar over the "homophobic" Snickers Superbowl ad.

[TheWraith]

Folks,

Seriously, this is what we're supposed to be upset about? The fact that a candy bar commercial made fun of two guys panicking after they accidently kiss? You're telling me that there's nothing more pressing, no injustice more deserving, or attention and exposition than this?

Even if there weren't, I would think that anybody who found this seriously offensive needs to recalibrate their priorities. Living where there's free speech means sometimes you get offended, and advertising is famous for that. If it had really conveyed an anti-gay message, you'd have a case, but it's a joke at the expense of two guys who panic after they accidently kiss because they're trying to eat the same candy bar.

[ClassWarrior]

1. It's just a stupid commercial. If it was a sitcom, we'd call it...

...an "idiot plot." It'd never happen to begin with.

NGU.

[PresidentObama]

2. We were watching it in my marketing class....

Viewing different aspects of the commercials (target markets, etc.) and that got the best response and laughter. It was funny, and not at all offensive. To me anyway!! I could see how other homosexuals could be uncomfortable by Snickers turning gays into a joke. But I thought it was a cute advertisement, and played off America's homophobia.

[Matariki]

5. I haven't seen it - but it sounds like it also makes fun of the idea of what's "manly" ?

[PresidentObama]

9. Exactly. And it kinda pokes fun at homophobia if you ask me.

And how silly people get when they don't want to be seen as gay.

[JackBeck]

15. And I guess the NFL wanted to point out the homophobia of their players

on the Snickers website. Look at the WHOLE campaign, not just the commercial.

[Bluebear]

17. The largest gay rights group in America disagrees

HRC Urges Ads Be Pulled from Campaign

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, is calling on the makers of Snickers, and its parent company Mars Inc., to pull the ad campaign launched yesterday during the Superbowl. The ad features two presumably straight men who accidentally engage in a kiss and then try to distance themselves from any perception of being gay by “doing something manly.”

Three alternate endings to the commercial spot are posted on the Snickers website, one of which includes the two men violently attacking one another – which sends a dangerous message to the public condoning violence against gay Americans.

HRC President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

“The makers of Snickers and its parent company at Mars should know better. If they have any questions about why the ad isn’t funny, we can help put them in touch with any number of GLBT Americans who have suffered hate crimes.”

Two other video clips posted on the Snickers website feature players from the Bears and the Colts watching the ads and responding to the two men kissing.

Solmonese continued:

“This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country. Eighty-four percent of GLBT students report being verbally harassed at school, and this type of ad only reinforces that.”

“Is Snickers suggesting that people who eat their candy bars are cavemen? It’s an odd market to court, particularly after the Isaiah Washington flap a couple weeks ago, which clearly showed that there’s a strong distaste out there for people who portray themselves as anti-gay or holding on to old prejudices and stereotypes.”

“Mars and Snickers need to pull the ‘Wrench’ ad and the footage of the NFL players out of their campaign immediately.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

http://americablog.blogspot.com/

[The Straight Story]

24. Ya know, I had the same take - it toasted homophobes

shows how silly people can be over something so simple which happens when no one else is looking.

[lancdem]

14. That was my reaction, too

[Glorfindel]

3. I thought it was cute; I saw it online this morning

I can't imagine anyone getting upset over it, except for straight guys, maybe, who are portrayed as so stupid they have to prove their masculinity by ripping off chest hair. You're right. There are many more important things to be agitated about.

[Dora]

4. Homophobia is not a family value, no matter how it's disguised.

As a country, shouldn't we have grown up by now?

[originalpckelly]

22. This isn't about that. It's making fun of homophobia...

because of all the idiotic steps "real men" have to go to prove they're "tough".

:eyes:

[Dora]

59. I am aware of that.

I don't believe that irony belongs in advertising. I think sincerity sells better. After all, what's the point of saying one thing when I mean another?

Sarcasm and irony are tools intended for destruction and should be used as such. They are weapons of the pen, and they sting with good reason.

[Radio_Lady]

88. I just saw it on Keith Olberman's show, and thought it was pretty dumb.

I can see that it was supposed to be like the scene in Disney's "The Lady and the Tramp." I wouldn't think it would offend a homosexual person, but I'm not living that life, so I really don't know.

I was exercising, but I think I heard Keith say that Mars Corporation pulled the commercial, so you won't be seeing it again.

A tempest in a teapot, just like the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" and the hoopla over Prince's phallic phreakout.

[sniffa]

6. yeah, don't worry about this

and don't worry about poLiticians conveying thinLy veiLed, racist, compLiments. there's more important things to worry about so pLease take a seat at the back of the bus, the grown ups are driving.

[treestar]

35. This is overstating the case

Nobody is losing any hard fought legal rights due to this commercial.

[meow mix]

69. thinLy veiLed, racist, compLiments

exactly. in this day and age.. they have to be careful. its all in the packaging, veiled message is what they do.

[spoony]

7. Well it's either that

or be outraged at Dungy for thanking God. :P

[uppityperson]

8. Hey, did you hear about Edwards house?

most of us multi-task, can send off a quick email. Some like to debate each issue more. DU is a big tent with lots of different people doing lots of different things.

[PresidentObama]

12. Edwards has a house? He isn't getting my vote....

:rofl:

[Porcupine]

67. Yeah, it's packed to the rafters with Snickers..

They have the pool filled with M&M's and Skittles. :sarcasm:

WTF is the connection between Edward's house and a homophobic Snickers comercial? Anyone?

:wtf: :agh:

[Bucky]

10. When you go to their website you'll get a better read on the homophobia.

I agree that the target of the main commercial was ridiculing guys being homophobic. But the gay community is calling this offensive and saying it perpetuates the image of gayness being unacceptable and wrong. Democrats owe the gay community big for being a loyal party base. Next year we're gonna ask them to hold off on the push for marriage equality again.

I think we should support them here to compensate for that. The sooner we as a society make two dudes kissing not an icky or laughable thing, the sooner we'll start to kill the more insideous and violent forms of homophobia. Are there bigger fights than this? Sure. But fighting this one won't stop us from fighting those others and it's still an opportunity to do good in the world.

[JackBeck]

11. This goes beyond the commercial.

It's part of a campaign that has NFL players' reactions which are quite homophobic.

[Bluebear]

13. A) My priorities don't need recalibration. B) Did you see the whole ad campaign?

C) Have you read the statement from the Human Rights Campaign?
D) Some of us can multitask.
E) I try to at least have some sympathy when someone is offended about something and don't tell them to 'get over it' as you are.

Thanks for reading.

[Lex]

19. Hey Bluebear, relax. There are more important things than gay-bashing commercials.

If straight folks think the ad was okay, then it was okay.

Got it?


(yes, sarcasm)

[Bluebear]

26. I forgot for a minute. I'll 'get over it' now.

Can you believe this shit, Lex?

[Lex]

43. No. No I can't believe it.

I'm disappointed and disheartened.

*sigh*

[The Straight Story]

16. I thought it was pretty clean and articulate, besides don't queer eye make fun of us

straight guys ;)

:popcorn:

[terrya]

18. Kissing another man is not the worst thing in the world.

Being in love with another man is NOT the worst thing in the world. And showing affection towards another man you love is NOT the worst thing in the world. I'm gay. I have a partner I'm very much in love with. And..."gasp". We show affection towards one another. Just like...heterosexual couples! Shocking, right?

Yeah, I think these ads are offensive. Why? Because they ridicule the idea of showing affection towards one another. I've seen more of my share of that "homosexual panic" crap to know that I'm seriously, seriously tired of it.

Yes, there's free speech in this country. Yes, the Mars Corporation can air their ads. But I've emailed them to tell them what they can do with their candy bars and to demand that they withdraw their ads. Because it's a big deal to me.

[Bluebear]

23. And it's a big deal to me.

And I am up to here (pointing) with people on a progressive website telling people to "get over it" when something upsets them.

[terrya]

25. And to throw in a huge whack of guilt as well.

"What the fuck, you whiny homos? There's a war going on, for Christ's sakes. So shouldn't you just shut the fuck up and not be so sensitive about trivial stuff like this"?

I'm getting so damned tired of people telling me what I should be upset about.

[Bluebear]

27. And I wish I could tell some of these people to fuck off

But then THOSE posts would be deleted and I would be tossed out. For being so "sensitive".

[JackBeck]

30. Kill them with kindness, sweetie.

I've found it an effective tool.

[Behind the Aegis]

33. I am with you!

Why does everyone else get to decide what is offensive to us? I have seen the response that this commercial ridicules homophobia, yet not one person has demonstrated how that is true. If it were really ridiculing homophobia, then another person walking in after seeing the kiss and bizarre display of ripping out body hair would laugh at their stupidity.

However, what I saw was "homosexual panic." Despite no one seeing their "indiscretion," they still felt the need to prove their "heterosexuality." How ripping out one's chest hair does that is beyond me. The commercial, IMO, displays a VERY prevalent attitude in the US; homosexuality, even "accidental," is something to be mocked and reviled. So, despite the "suckiness" of the commercial, it reinforces the idea that homosexuality, especially between men, is repulsive and a threat.

[donco6]

51. I kiss my partner right on the lips IN PUBLIC!

AAAAAGH! I should do something manly - cuz I'm not really manly if I do that! AAAAAGH!

I just don't need one more thing that makes me think I should be uncomfortable expressing a normal amount of affection for my partner - expressions that I see around me all the time from straight folks. I shouldn't have to think twice about kissing my partner goodbye at the airport, but after seeing this commercial, that's the response I'm going to get from the "manly" men in the vicinity. That's what this commercial does.

Sadly, I can't boycott Mars, because I never buy candy bars.

[Sterling]

80. That is totally cool. The ad has nothing to do with that

unfortunately. Be as gay as you feel you need to. Don't feel the need to apologize to anyone about it. I think that is your right. I also think you should be able to get married. However I think guys kissing is gross personally. Not so much to see but the idea of me personally kissing another guy is not something I would enjoy. That is my personal feeling, I don't expect you to feel the same, I don't expect you not to kiss other men where ever you want.

Being straight, I also don't want people thinking I am gay. Why? Does it matter? Am I not allowed to chose my sexual identity just like you are? If I accidentally put my lips to another guys is it not ok for me to be upset? It would be funny, sure thus the ad. If anything this ad makes fun of the fact straight guys are uptight about being considered gay. If you expect everyone to identify with your sexual tastes you will be very disappointed. Just like all those idiots who think being gay is something to be "cured of".

[Sterling]

78. "Kissing another man is not the worst thing in the world."

If you are gay then no. If you are not gay kissing another man may well be something that someone would find terrible. Straight guys should not have to apologize for not wanting to be gay or considered gay anymore than a gay man should be made to feel bad about being gay.

IMHO the ad was based on the idea that straight guys are afraid of people thinking they may be gay. I don't see the problem. Do straight men have to pretend they think being gay is cool to them? Why is that important?

It makes no sense.

[ruggerson]

85. Why would you find the idea "terrible?"

On the scale of 1 to 10 gay-o-meter, I"m about an 11. There ain't a bisexual bone in my body. I have zero physical attraction to women. But if I ended up kissing a woman accidentally I would have a neutral reaction to it. I would probably find it funny. The last adjective I would use would be "terrible."

Your feelings are culturally ingrained in you. If you had not grown up in a homophobic world, the idea of kissing a guy wouldn't be "terrible" it would just be.... nothing. It would be like kissing a dinner plate. Totally uninteresting, but not "terrible."

The "terrible" part is directly attributable to inculcated homophobia. No, you don't have to think being gay is cool, anymore than you have to think being left handed is cool, but to have a visceral reaction of anger/disgust is indeed a problem, as those feelings are rooted in bigotry, not enlightenment.

[Sterling]

106. It's just me, not to say that there is a right answer to this

I think it is all up to the individual. Guys are hairy and have none of the features that I find attractive that women do have. Just simple primal urges? I think I posted that I don't think the idea of two other guys kissing is terrible as long as I don't have to be involved. This world is a tough place. Anytime someone finds someone else to love and be happy with, I am happy for them, straight/gay whatever.

To me this is about my right to decide what I like and don't like. The commercial represented two guys that feel like I do about their own sexual identity. And I thought it was funny, even though I think guys who feel that way were the butt of the joke. Had the guys had a problem with two other guys kissing I would completely agree it was homophobic.

[Left Is Write]

104. But why do you suppose straight men are "afraid" of people thinking they might be gay?

Why? Because being gay is still "unacceptable" to many in society at large. If homosexuality were societally considered within the norm, then no straight man would have to be "afraid" of being considered gay. It would be a non-issue.

[Sterling]

107. No my sexual identity is important to me, just like it is to gays

I think being gay is totally acceptable, just not acceptable for me. Just like an openly gay person wants to be known as being gay, I want to be known as being straight. Not because I think it is better, because that is what I am.

[Left Is Write]

109. Putting your own personal feelings aside, don't you think that is the underlying reason

most straight men would be "afraid" of being thought of as gay?

My sexual identity is important to me only inasmuch as it affects me; I couldn't care less if someone else thinks I'm gay.

[ThomCat]

20. Oh, you're so right.

We should just look the other way whenever people make fun of gayness. After all, it's not like fag jokes create a culture that makes it acceptable to mock gayness. Right?

It's not like joking about how horrible it would be to be gay somehow make people think that it would be horrible to be gay. Right?

And it's not like that was an announcement, during the most watched evening of television all year, saying that being gay is unmanly and somehow horrifying. Right?
:eyes:

Bigotry happens because people get the idea that it's okay. And people get the idea that it's okay because they see and hear that it's okay. Jokes, comments, snide remarks, all add up to the culture that says homophobia is acceptable. You can't fight homophobia if you think fag jokes are acceptable.

[Warpy]

21. Since I'd much rather watch fungus grow on rotten fruit than

watch pro football, I have only read descriptions.

From the descriptions it sounds more like they were poking more fun at hypermasculine closet cases/rabid homophobes (same thing, really) than they were at gay men.

I might have thought a little differently had I actually seen the ad, but I doubt it.

[Bluebear]

29. Does this help?

HRC Urges Ads Be Pulled from Campaign

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, is calling on the makers of Snickers, and its parent company Mars Inc., to pull the ad campaign launched yesterday during the Superbowl. The ad features two presumably straight men who accidentally engage in a kiss and then try to distance themselves from any perception of being gay by “doing something manly.”

Three alternate endings to the commercial spot are posted on the Snickers website, one of which includes the two men violently attacking one another – which sends a dangerous message to the public condoning violence against gay Americans.

HRC President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

“The makers of Snickers and its parent company at Mars should know better. If they have any questions about why the ad isn’t funny, we can help put them in touch with any number of GLBT Americans who have suffered hate crimes.”

Two other video clips posted on the Snickers website feature players from the Bears and the Colts watching the ads and responding to the two men kissing.

Solmonese continued:

“This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country. Eighty-four percent of GLBT students report being verbally harassed at school, and this type of ad only reinforces that.”

“Is Snickers suggesting that people who eat their candy bars are cavemen? It’s an odd market to court, particularly after the Isaiah Washington flap a couple weeks ago, which clearly showed that there’s a strong distaste out there for people who portray themselves as anti-gay or holding on to old prejudices and stereotypes.”

“Mars and Snickers need to pull the ‘Wrench’ ad and the footage of the NFL players out of their campaign immediately.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

[cboy4]

28. I have a feeling the guys who have kissed in public and then had

a baseball bat taken to the sides of their heads wouldn't find the commercial funny.

Yes?

That was pure Archie Bunker humor at its best.

[JackBeck]

32. I wonder what Matt Shepherd thinks of the ad.

Oh, that's right...he was beaten to death because he was gay.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

31. Hold the phone.

I haven't seen the commercials, but the description to me sounded like the intent was to make fun of homophobes, not homosexuals. So then there's a case of misinterpretation, the same way somebody misinterpreted the word "douchebag" a few weeks ago.

That said, if somebody really thinks they're homophobic, then hell yes they should be listened to, and they should be upset.

[Puglover]

60. Do you honestly think that

your stereotypical beer drinking homophobe is going to get the distinction here? I really don't think so.

[treestar]

34. It wasn't homophobic because it was between straight guys

Nothing said they didn't approve of gays just that they were both straight. If it was a gay men and a woman it would be the same thing at the end. If anything, it made fun of straight guys of the caveman type.

Taking this stuff so seriously feeds right into the right wing's anti-PC stuff, which is very hard to argue against them about, when you're talking about the first amendment.

[JackBeck]

36. It's about the WHOLE campaign.

Did you see the NFL players' reactions as they recoiled in disgust?

[Bluebear]

37. Excuse me, but if I reached the end of a snickers and ended up kissing a woman

I guarantee you I would not react like that. And I wouldn't have to "do something gay" to purge myself of the 'revolting' experience. Furthermore, I could care less about what the right thinks of me as to being PC.

[ruggerson]

76. What if you accidentally tongued her?

:P

[terrya]

38. It's homosexual panic

It's the perception that if you're gay or showing attraction to another man, then you're horrible scum. And it's in plain view in these ads.

I have this idea that may be goofy to some. And perhaps I might be prejudiced because I'm gay. But you know...being gay is nothing to freak out about. But of course, that may not be representative to some of the people commenting about this situation.

[dsc]

39. Oh please

How many men have had the shit kicked out of them for kissing a woman who wasn't attracted to him? Do you really think an ad featuring a gay man and a woman would have been viewed the same way by the football players? That is just plain nonsense.

[cboy4]

40. OMFG, tell me what you just wrote was satire.

:spray:

"It wasn't homophobic because it was between straight guys." ????

[terrya]

41. You just have to marvel reading some of this stuff.

On a progressive message board.

[Lex]

44. I was just thinking that very thing, terrya.

Not here. :cry:

[terrya]

46. It's...I don't know what to say, Lex.

I really don't. Apparently, there are some around here who think we should be doormats or something. I guess our concerns just don't matter.

[cboy4]

45. Yes, it's so uplifting.

:eyes:

[Bluebear]

49. I haven't felt this welcome on DU since we "lost" the 2004 election for everyone. nt

[cboy4]

52. LOL! I thought we lost the 2006 election!?!?

You know, the devastating New Jersey supreme court decision right before the big vote.

It was doomsday around here, as you'll remember.

[Bluebear]

54. Oh THAT one too!

"We would have gotten even a bigger majority if it weren't for you gays!"

[Bluebear]

105. .

[NaturalHigh]

42. I really haven't seen much uproar except here on DU.

I didn't watch much of the Super Bowl and didn't really have an opinion of the ad one way or the other. It's a sad letdown after the monkeys in the office ads last year.

[Bluebear]

48. Statement from largest gay rights organization:

HRC Urges Ads Be Pulled from Campaign

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, is calling on the makers of Snickers, and its parent company Mars Inc., to pull the ad campaign launched yesterday during the Superbowl. The ad features two presumably straight men who accidentally engage in a kiss and then try to distance themselves from any perception of being gay by “doing something manly.”

Three alternate endings to the commercial spot are posted on the Snickers website, one of which includes the two men violently attacking one another – which sends a dangerous message to the public condoning violence against gay Americans.

HRC President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

“The makers of Snickers and its parent company at Mars should know better. If they have any questions about why the ad isn’t funny, we can help put them in touch with any number of GLBT Americans who have suffered hate crimes.”

Two other video clips posted on the Snickers website feature players from the Bears and the Colts watching the ads and responding to the two men kissing.

Solmonese continued:

“This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country. Eighty-four percent of GLBT students report being verbally harassed at school, and this type of ad only reinforces that.”

“Is Snickers suggesting that people who eat their candy bars are cavemen? It’s an odd market to court, particularly after the Isaiah Washington flap a couple weeks ago, which clearly showed that there’s a strong distaste out there for people who portray themselves as anti-gay or holding on to old prejudices and stereotypes.”

“Mars and Snickers need to pull the ‘Wrench’ ad and the footage of the NFL players out of their campaign immediately.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

[DainBramaged]

47. Another one of these hit and run posts by a disable profile

It really fries my ass when a post this insensitive pops up here and the poster hides behind a disabled profile.

let me explain this to you blind sir. Sure, there are plenty of other "things" more important in life right now, but gay bashing, even a humorous attempt at it, isn't funny to a gay person. And I am positive you never put up with any discrimination in your lifetime. So piss off, if that's the way you feel about this issue, maybe you should evaluate your need to post on a very very Democratic message board.

[Bluebear]

50. THANK YOU DB

I mean it, thanks very much.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

53. If you are not part of this minority group, how can you dictate to us what is or is not offensive?

I will give you a slightly long winded personal story. I grew up in India and was at the top of the food chain socio-economically. When I heard that black people in America thought that Lion King was offensive, i thought they were being ridiculous and 'over-sensitive'. Seriously did they have nothing better to worry about? However i moved to this country and became a minority and my perspective change. I saw Lion King again recently and could detect the subtle racism.


If you have never faced subtle oppression its easy to label people overly sensitive.

[Sterling]

79. Or conversely

Why do straight guys have to think being gay is right for them? That is in essence what you are saying. This reeks of "being gay is right for me so it should be right for all".

I understand why people have different ideas of what is attractive to them, why do we all have to agree on what is "sexy" and what disgusts us? I did not see anything in the ad that demeans gay people. Just a joke on the fact of life that straight guys get really tense when their sexual orientation is questioned.

Is it not OK for a straight person to not want to be considered gay? Or is it not OK for someone to think certain sex acts are not to their tastes? I don't get the outrage here, and yes their are more important things than this, even if you "multitask" chose better "tasks to take on".

This is dumb. More to the point it, does actually reek of what is right for me must be right for all.

[Pugee]

55. Snickers pulls anti-gay Superbowl ad Web site

http://americablog.blogspot.com/

[terrya]

56. Good

I agree with John Aravosis....I'd like to find out why Mars put that crap up in the first place.

And I now know that some players on my city's football team appear to be homophobes. So, that will save me some time and money if I ever have the stupid idea of actually going to see them play.

[DainBramaged]

57. Victory

I still think I'm gonna boycott their candy. I just don't like Rethug corporations who think they are better than us. Just like WalMart, who I will not solicit for any reason.

[Bluebear]

58. When they donate to the Matthew Sheperd fund I will be happy.

Until then, simply pulling the website does NOT address the issues. I am waiting for Mars' statement.

[ThomCat]

64. Good. Using homophobia to sell anything is disgusting.

And watching our so called progressive allies dismiss it as good clean fun is even more disgusting.

[KharmaTrain]

61. A New Right Wing Stalking Horse

Upfront...kudos to John at Americablog for jumping on this and getting such a quick reaction. When I saw the commercial during the game I thought it was more repulsive over the characters in the ad than in the "kiss". Both these characters were unattractive no matter one's perspective (unless you were their mothers, I hope) and kinda left it at that. Had it been two woman, I would have felt the same way. I had long forgotten about the ad, then saw John's post and went onto the site and saw the 4 "endings". It became apparent this campaign was looking to get some kinda of reaction...and possible over-reaction. Now I'll be curious to see what it evokes.

I suspect the right wing media will now latch onto what happened with the pulling of the website and the cancelling of the ads to play into their "victimhood". It'll be how we're "thin-skinned" and enforcing censorship and "it was only a joke" and so on. In the meantime, Mars gets a lot of free marketing out of this. Expect ALL those ads to now become "cause celebe" on Faux Noise and goons like Whorrie Kurtz is sure to get the right wing spin out there about this next weekend. The hate radio dial will load up on this "outrage" and sing the praises of Snickers. If anything, the wingnuts need a distraction right now...they haven't had much to rally around.

[Bluebear]

62. Thanks for looking into it so thoughtfully, KT

I hate to tell you, but we have been told we are "thin skinned" here, over and over, regarding this ad campaign. I applaud you for taking the few minutes in researching it to see what the fuss was about and the shout out to John A.

[KharmaTrain]

63. I've Seen Too Many Of These Flame Wars

And be assured, I didn't hop into this thread without a HazMat suit in place just in case. I know how emotionally charged this issue is and how it can easily spread to bad feelings and misunderstandings. If anything I've learned in my years here on DU is to take a step back and get as many perspectives as I can. Hopefully others here can see through emotions not be so quick to judge. This is the way we all learn and grow together.

Thank you very much, Bluebear...I applaud interesting discussions.

Cheers...

:toast:

[Radio_Lady]

90. Brings back memories of the uproar over the Madonna -- Brittany Spears "kiss" --

Was that on the Grammys a few years ago?

Another tempest in a teapot.

[deaniac21]

65. I like Three Musketeers better.

[Obamarama]

66. Ya know what TheWraith?

Why can't we be upset over the commercial AND all the other, bigger pressing stuff? When it comes to moral outrage, I'm perfectly willing and able to multi-task.

Taking Mars to task for a tacky, offensive ad in no way detracts from my ability to keep my eye on all of the other troubles befalling us thanks to the Boy King.

We're not dolts capable of taking action over a single ourtrage. I think we ALL know how to multi-task when it comes to holding RW shitbags accountable, so I suggest you get used to the "uproar."

[meow mix]

68. its a cleverly crafted hate message: Manly Men can Agree that Gays are Gross! and Disgusting!

hidden under the guise of "comedy" in order to avoid accustations of bigotry.

judging by yours and many other responses defending the hate-message, it was done expertly so.

[Name removed]

70. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Catherine Vincent]

71. One thing for sure....some men are stupid and insecure!

They'll do anything to prove their masculinity.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

72. Silliness abounds. Commercials are why they invented remotes.

[and-justice-for-all]

73. I dont see the "homophobia" in the snickers ad...

..and I am Gay. My husband and I got a little giggle out of it, we were not offened by it. The guys seemed to be more suprised then anything, at least they didnt vomit.

[JackBeck]

83. It could have been no big deal.

Hey we kissed, but it was worth it for the candy bar.

But more offensive was the online ad campaign that mocked gay people, including the football players' reactions finding same-sex affection revolting.

[and-justice-for-all]

86. I missed the online campaign...

Maybe thats more of a disturbance then the ad that aired..

[JackBeck]

87. It's disgusting.

What many here have failed to do is look at the entire ad campaign.

Once they do, they realize why there was such an uproar.

[and-justice-for-all]

91. Do you have a link? nt

[JackBeck]

94. Yes, but it's not to the original campaign, since our activism got rid of it.

But here is where most of our attention got organized.

HRC, GLAAD, and The Matthew Shepard Foundation came out with harsh words against this advertising campaign shortly after some on DU drew their attention to this campaign.

Unfortunately, some fellow DUers thought we were being shrill and thought we should just STFU.

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2007/02/snickers-superbowl-web-site-promotes.html

[Name removed]

74. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zhade]

75. Fuck your condescending dismissal of anti-gay social commentary.

I was going to be nice, until you went and told the group being attacked to "recalibrate". Here's the deal - I don't tell you what to focus on, and you don't tell me what attacks on my very being to ignore.

Got it?

[Hippo_Tron]

77. Let people decide their own priorities

Personally my opinions about the ad can be summed up here...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=146002&mesg_id=151043

Thus I think that complaining about the ad only adds fuel to the fire which only sells more Snickers bars.

But my interpretation is no better or worse than anyone else's and if people think that the ad is offensive and want to express their concerns about it then they are perfectly entitled to.

Not only that but humans are capable of multi-tasking to a certain degree. There was some validity in asking people to not expend their energy talking about '08 candidates before the '06 elections because those can interfere. But I can have a discussion about the Snickers commercial and still be very concerned about ending the war.

[Sterling]

84. "Not only that but humans are capable of multi-tasking to a certain degree"

Sorry but this is a bad choice of things to spend energy on, multitasking aside, anytime you dilute your time some of your efforts will suffer. If people want to burn energy over this dumb ad that is their right, but it seems like a pretty big waste of time.

Maybe we should go after Gieco for those caveman ads. Don't those make fun of minorities in general? It just seems like petty shit compared to what other things are going on. I have wasted too much time on this already. Flame me if you want. I wish I had time to come back and discuss this further but life is too short.

[Batgirl]

81. I think the ad was cynical as hell

I think they tried to make an ad that would appeal to the large number of ignoramus homophobes, giving them permission to laugh at the "disgusting" predicament it would be for 2 straight guys to accidentally have lip-on-lip contact. An attitude with is all too pervasive in "the heartland" where I reside. (No surprise, it's also an area where too many people still think nothing of making rascist jokes and comments when they're safely among lily white members of their own kind.) I can guarantee these dumbasses aren't taking away a message that "gee, look how silly and insecure those guys look in going to such absurd lengths proving they are straight."

I believe the ad was done in such a way that it could pander to this large mass of candy-bar consuming homophobes, while playing both sides and claiming they were actually satirizing homophobic attitudes, not pandering to them.

There is no depths to which modern day marketers will not stoop if they think it will move more product. Their one and only guiding principal is to sell, concerns about decency and offensiveness mean nothing. Even when they pulled the commercial it's not because they suddenly realized "gee, we were insensitive, hurtful, and helping reinforce mainstream acceptance that homosexuality is disgusting and unacceptable." Only if they felt there was enough bad PR to affect sales would they pull an ad which cost millions of dollars to produce.

[marions ghost]

103. exactly batgirl

they were playing to both sides. Playing the us vs. them card for all it's worth.

I can't see why ANYBODY on EITHER side of the fence would think this ad funny, OK, or acceptable.

It's stupid, manipulative, far-fetched. Sad that this kind of stuff is now entertainment. That's the area they're trying to exploit. Make ads debatable, entertaining...hook into deeply felt emotions. Right-- they think nothing of crossing boundaries of decency.

The best thing to do is not respond to it. But people have a hard time doing that.

[salin]

82. for those of us that missed the first few days of the debates

this thread is a great example of the "shudup/move on" dismissiveness that was referenced in later threads which were more supportive of those objecting to the ads. While I usually like old threads to die - this one works as a good example for more current threads per the attitude that sparked so many others per dismissiveness.

[mitchtv]

89. Sorry if I take offense at being an "Ick factor"

I'll think twice before my next M&M.

[ColdboyinStPaul]

93. Everything is offensive to someone

I have to admit - the uproar on this one has me stumped. Either Snickers was really smart and knew exactly what was going to happen and are loving the free publicity, or they thought that they had a kinda funny (not too funny though) commercial that would make the majority of people kinda wince but hopefully want to eat a candy bar. Either way, it worked.

[JackBeck]

95. Here is the link to a summary of the whole ad campaign.

Let me know what you think after you read about THE WHOLE THING.

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2007/02/snickers-superbowl-web-site-promotes.html

[October]

92. Many commercials offend

How many times have I had to endure slams on women? "You cry/hit/act like a girl...ew...," etc.

Just a thought.

[JackBeck]

96. And if you speak out about those you'll probably get people behind you.

But this is the whole ad campaign behind the Snickers ad. What do you think?

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2007/02/snickers-superbowl-web-site-promotes.html

[RedCappedBandit]

97. At least people have nothing worse to worry about..

:eyes:



And for the record, I don't see why this commercial should be offensive to anybody but "manly" men, actually. It seems to me that its poking fun at the fact that these two people got so uncomfortable over their little "kiss"

[meow mix]

98. its telling us gay is bad.

i guess having hate messages directed at you is fine and dandy? wtf?

[TheWatcher]

100. That was indeed ONE of it's messages

And no, it isn't OK.

AS for Wraith, he could probably care less. He likes hearing himself talk too much to worry about things like that.

[RedCappedBandit]

102. I just don't see it that way

obviously others do though, and I sympathize with them.
Nowhere did I say hate messages were okay in any way *sigh*

[TheWatcher]

99. Wonderful Hit and Run Post Wraith.

Typical of you, but hey, it got a lot of responses.

My take on the commercial?

Cleverly crafted propaganda marketing.

Whatever it's intended effect, it seems to have worked.

[Bluebear]

101. Well, he did get one recommendation

:eyes:

[JCMach1]

108. Some good points-- anyone remember the Friends episode

Where two of the guys enjoy napping and holding each other. Why not the uproar over that then?

I think a measured response is required here...



I hereby vow to boycott this commercial and won't eat any Mars candy until they take it off the air!!!

:evilgrin: