advertising and other stuff. no, really.



Sunday, November 8, 2009

“It’s a European shoulder bag—for his balls.”



Based on a series of recent spots which can only be called as the continued pussyfication of American men, I changed my mind about an old post. Sorta. Not the “men are idiots” part, because at times, we are. But the dude in the Progressive spot above is popping up more and more: Mr. Just Let Me Sit Here and Take It.

Like the husband and wife mouse slayers below. The spot melds both themes perfectly, even though for the most part it’s men who are usually the first ones called by their dramatic significant other, our hero below gets the evil eye. (Click to go to Ortho for the spot.)












Then there’s my favorite BMW certified pre-owned spot with Hillary stunt double. Would she be a pleasure to live with? Oh, you have no idea.



Or maybe you prefer your berating over cereal?



T-Mobile fights back—somewhat. I call this one a draw because he holds his ground and only begrudgingly acquiesces at the end:



Although they gave it back a little with this next one. He’s not spineless, he just can’t help being the dog that all men are:



Pick a spineless dad scenario though. Brands just look at these as another way to highlight their product’s features using humor. While low-hanging fruit for a few agencies, a lot of them are like the guys in the spots, who cave and give the clients whatever stereotype they want.

Or not. I’m on the fence about it. I think.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here's the answer women have been hearing for years: They're selling product. Women make most of the family buying decisions. If the man is making the decision, he likely looks more powerful in the commercial. No?

Anonymous said...

Nice spin, if that's all it was. This is guys conceding more than buying power in a relationship.

wpofd said...

Isn't "European" and "sans balls" becoming redundant?

Dhalgren said...

Well if this is the result of some feminist conspiracy, those feminists are far more powerful than we ever thought they were. I ran this by a feminist scholar, and she told me, "I wish we had that much influence over popular culture."

KutWrite said...

Dhalgren:

"Feminist Scholar" says it all...

Isn't that an oxymoron?