advertising and other stuff. no, really.



Wednesday, July 15, 2009

“Tacky, tasteless, moronic.”



New Wendy’s ads? Well, yeah, but, no, in this case, those are words describing a series of spots in Cumberland County, Fayetteville, N.C. welcoming U.S. troops to America’s first sanctuary community for soldiers. Or check out the spot that really freaked out the 90 year-old demo down there. (Yes, it’s always good to have a wingman while dating, or, picnicing.) The spots are by The Republik in Durham and have the blessing of the mayor: “I think it probably does appeal to those young people.” Well said sir. The spots also break out of the usual tourism clutter I go off on and do the most important thing: Get noticed.

A removal from YouTube? It’s the new black!

On a more serious note, if you’re really offended and wanted tasteful, I have no doubt they could’ve done a somber message in the spirit of Bud’s Super Bowl welcome home spot or the recent Community of Veterans PSA. Look at the other projects supported by the agency and you can tell they take the idea of honoring the service of the military seriously. Geez, do you think they wouldn’t, being in a military town? This just wakes you up a little. So what?

4 comments:

wpofd said...

When I was in, we called it Fayettenam: home of the barfly.

Anonymous said...

Another satisfied customer!

phillybikeboy said...

Excuse me, but isn't the underlying message here, "You've lived through Iraq and Afghanistan, but you're not ready for Ameria"? Eh, I suppose when you're a pretty shitty city, and Fort Bragg and Pope are they best of what you've got to offer, you make do. The only other option the Convention and Tourism Bureau had was, "Fayetteville, Gateway to....oh, never mind."

Unknown said...

Nice reporting job. It seems the whole world, except you and us folks in the military, seem to be missing the point here. Last year, Fayetteville, NC declared itself the first sanctuary community for soldiers. Now that might not mean much to civs but it did to us. I know it's hard to believe, but some of the towns and communities we live don't really want us there . So for an entire town to stand up and say we appreciate what you do and welcome you here is a pretty big deal to me and my family.

So about these videos. They're meant for soldiers not civilian tourists. I, for one, think they're funny as hell. And their point which is lost on all the misinformed critics comes through loud and clear. The citizens of Fayetteville love soldiers and they'll do anything to make us feel welcome in their sanctuary community for the military. It's a shame there aren't more places like Fayetteville and it's a bigger shame some people think it's moronic for a town to show its support for the troops. Way to go Fayetteville, NC you have my support for life.