Advertising as a reflection of society

I read a great post by Richard Huntingdon the other week, which discussed how advertising should be more representitive of society, and how we can help break down barriers.

In the last two weeks, two huge brands have taken small but important steps along that road - and whilst we should always be mindful of what our target audience's preferences are, sometimes, reality is too important not to show.

Coca Cola and Chevrolet have done a great job of taking the realities of life in America, and bringing them into their advertising. Both are excellent examples of how the vocal conservative minorities should never stop what we do from reflecting the world around us.



In fact, in both cases, the inclusion of gay couples is so natural and subtle, that it's hard to understand how anyone could object. We know better of course, some people are just that reactionary. But those few seconds are very important to both advertising and the world around us. These are big brands, HUGE brands, who have produced campaigns that truly reflect their audience.

This is not some minority focused campaign, these are superbowl and olympic ads. No escaping or hiding from reality here. I think it's magnificent to see brands take this step, where many would have backed away. I trust and hope that for every idiot who can't see through their own xenophobia or homophobia, there will be a decent minded person or two to replace and increase their sales.



With that in mind, I'm sipping a coke as I type this. Well done Coca Cola and well done Chevrolet.

One World One Dream

So the Olympics are here, but in adland you would hardly know.

You might think I would enjoy not seeing tie-in ads with vague Olympic themes to promote the "Official stock cube of the Olympic Games 2008". But you know what, I miss them; I miss their optimism and cheerfulness at a time when people are droning on and on about China's human rights and Tibet whilst seemingly looking the other way at the progress they have made and the fact that other Western governments do exactly the same thing except more covertly.

I laugh at George Bush decrying China's human rights record on the day a Guantanamo Bay trial is concluded. Honestly its so mind blowingly hypocritical that I wonder how Bush can even say it without chuckling to himself.

Yes the Beijing 2008 games are political; but do you think 2012 isn't political? Every bloody Olympics is political behind the scenes, but the spectacle and joy they bring make it worth every backhanded shake and finance deal.

Of course China's government isn't perfect; but look at ours first. The only thing worse than being wrong is being hypocritical.

How Lo Can You Go?

Wow. The fuss over the new London 2012 logo is immense.
Designed by Wolf Ollins, it has a weird Jet Set Radio feel to it.

I like it moving, but im not sure about it still, and I dont think much of the colours. A bit too early 90s fluro...which is in style now, but in 5 years?

Its not timeless, but it might just be perfect as a piece of design to fit a specific moment. Time, and fashion will tell...