What’s Gotta Go

I have often wondered how many people who watch the Superbowl really do watch for the commercials. I doubt all that many, but it is part of the experience that is looked forward to. I have to confess, I didn’t watch the “big game” this year, but I did record it and will likely catch it sometime. Not sure I can give you any real reason why I didn’t, but I guess I just didn’t feel all that motivated to set aside the time for the big hoopla.

From everything I have read, the commercials overall were a bit of a disappointment compared to early years. A few highlights, but nothing that stood out all that much. There were the regulars that put in a good show, especially beer commercials as always. Why is it that beer vendors seem to be the only ones that have figured out how to hire the good ad agencies? You can always count on Bud and Miller to have something that gets you laughing…that is unless you are comedically challenged.

Where the big game and halftime show may have lacked in drama compared to previous years, apparently one particular commercial is making up for it in post game press. Mars, Inc threw their money at an attempt at humor with their Snickers commercial that overall has been well received…that is except for a particularly sensitive portion of our society…gay/lesbian “rights” groups have been in an uproar.

If you haven’t seen it, I have included it at the end of this post though I don’t know how long it will stay up on YouTube. Short version, two mechanics accidentally kiss while sharing a Snickers bar and feel compelled to “do something manly” to make up for it, which they decide is pulling out chest hair. I got a laugh out of it for likely the very reason it was intended, which was to be ridiculous and poke fun and some stereotypes. This is a good one in the long line of Snickers classics. Remember the “Gonna be awhile?” series? My favorite of those was the old guy painting the name on the football field and getting it wrong. That one still makes me smile just thinking about it.

Apparently this is is offensive to the homosexual community because it “endorses prejudice that is inexcusable.” Hogwash I say. Why is it commercials can make fun of every kind of heterosexual situation, gender, regional or whatever stereotype, but when it comes to this kind of joke, it is offensive? Aside from an obvious poke at most men being homophobic, which is likely true, this was more of a joke about men stereotypes, not those that are gay. Is this just yet another attempt at small interest groups trying to grab at any opportunity to garner some national media? My vote says that is the case.

Why isn’t the mechanics association of America coming to the mic with their complaints? “We find it extreme prejudice that these mechanics are being presented as hicks. Not all of our members are hicks, and it is inexcusable to have such stereotypes presented to such a large audience as if it were fact. Inexcusable I say.”

The “man law” series of commercials includes ones that talks about “sharing spit” if you tap bottles being “practically kissing” but that hasn’t caused such attention and uproar. Perhaps this is because there are so many big name celebs in it rather than just a couple of nobodies playing out a humorous scene.

I guess I really am not surprised to see these groups making such a fuss, but what does bother me is seeing Mars Inc fold so quickly under pressure. Not only have they pulled the ad from tv broadcast, but also its online site which allowed users to vote for varied endings of manliness to the commercial. The vast majority of people, including their target audience found the commercial funny and raced to the site to see the options. Get a hissy fit from the special interest group though and they pull the works. That had to hurt the advertising budget. Apparently the online reaction has caught their attention as well though as today they are beginning to defend the ad. Better late than never with a little “manly” fight to them, eh?

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