The perfect merger between ad and social networking site

We've all seen those age-old maxi pad commercials showing young, vibrant women, sporting huge grins and having the times of their lives. They're horseback riding, jumping in a pool or on a hot date, all while dressed in all white, of course. The commercials end with the all too familiar pint of clear blue water being pored on a pad.

Now, women have chuckled at these commercials for years, mocking the pad companies' amusing attempt to convey how that 'time of the month' would be if women used their product. Most women agree that their periods are nowhere near as exciting as they appear in the ads, however, there is yet to be a woman to lash out at the pad company for their years of exaggerations and misguidance.  I guess it takes balls to do something like that.

Check out the Facebook comment below followed by the FB and YouTube responses that are getting attention from the social media world and ad lovers alike. Only thing left to see is whether or not all of the buzz will move maxi pads off the shelf.

As a lover of all things advertising & media related, I think it's a clever attempt, at the very least, and an innovative way to use social media to get brand recognition. Kudos goes to Bodyform, Carat and Rubber Republic, the brand and ad agencies that brought this campaign to life.

 

FASHION: Racism on the Runway? Say it ain't so...

Fashion is usually considered a safe place for people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and religions to come together and celebrate the art. It's typically music that pushes the racial envelope. Well, Dolce & Gabbana is shifting fashion's focus from the runway to racism.
Last week's D&G Milan show unveiled fashions that can be described as reminiscent of Jim Crow touting images that are blatant displays of old-school American racism. The well-known, historical images mock African Americans by showcasing exaggerated features like clown lips and largely disproportionate body shapes. While the D&G fashions aren't as detailed in their portrayal of black women, the fact that they are even remotely similar is eyebrow-raising.
Several arguments can be raised in support of this runway garb. D&G might be paying homage to the black women whose faces adorn the fabric. Or maybe it's meant to be a simple visual display of historical art--that's very common in fashion. Dolce & Gabbana designers say that the line is inspired by their Sicilian heritage. While there are obvious Sicilian influences seen throughout the line, the black female, Mammy resembling earrings and flour sack dresses are questionable.

My Focus Is Media!

I'm so excited about starting this blog! With all of the blogs out there today it makes sense to wonder what's going to be different about this one? What will make this one more captivating than the next or the one before. You're right, there are a ton of blogs out there--and several are specifically about media and/or marketing. So, what will make this one different? Simple. None of the others have my take on topics regarding the wonderful and not-so-wonderful world of media and marketing. A take that is unique, thought-provoking, controversial, and sometimes pretty deep--if I may say so myself.

I'm looking forward to getting other peoples' takes on topics like:
 - Media and it's affect on the perception of race in America
 - Media's influence on self-concept and self-esteem, especially for women and minorities
 - Are the lines blurring between minority-targeted ads and general-market ads?
 - Which brand-name products are you guilty of having an attachment to due to advertising?

and so on...

I'll ponder these topics and pick one to write about on my next visit to this blog...

Until I post again...