The People Behind My Eyes

Boy have commercials stooped low. There’s one commercial that says if we buy a wireless phone we’ll be helping war torn Darfur. That disturbs me. Another such disturbance has arisen. There’s a new commercial out about how little girls in Africa miss out on their education because they don’t have a pad or tampon. So now when I buy Always brand I’m helping a needy child. I guess that means if I buy Stayfree or Tampax instead I’m a selfish little something-something. Come on people. Are we really so complacent about world conditions that the only help the media thinks we’ll offer is through products such a telephones and tampons? Or is it that the media knows our materialistic ways so they help us not feel so guilty by saying we improve world conditions by purchasing their phone, not just a phone, their phone. This isn’t about world conditions or saving lives, it’s about the almighty dollar the same as the tampon commercial is about the almighty dollar.

The issue of vulnerability, of disadvantage and sitting out while another group moves forward is a powerful media tool! Through out history women and minorities have sat out while others moved forward. So when seeing commercials such as this, one can’t help but think back on these events. A good person wants to see advancement in all areas but a reasonable person will ask questions about their methods. This commercial plays on women once again by manipulating us into feeling for another vulnerable group in hopes that we’ll purchase their products and make them richer than they are now. There’s no statement in that commercial as to how many items will be given to the children or exactly what Africa country they’ll be given out in. It’s a vague promise with no start date and no end date given.

I’m offended that profit once again comes before welfare. And I’m offended that a company would show me a poor child in need of help and tell me all I have to do is buy their product and I can help that child. Give me your plan of action. Tell me when, where how and for how long then we can talk. But don’t expect me to act on emotion and give you my money just because you show me a disadvantaged child. I need proof that my offering will help. Your word isn’t enough. You’re the media. I have no reason to trust you. Prove to me that buying these products has made a difference and I’ll make sure Always is on next month’s shopping list.

I suppose it’s not enough to sell with sex. The media has now decided to step up it’s game and really put the pressure on by playing on the minds and hearts of people who really do want to see a change. They are truly a heartless group.

Austin’s August

Commercials For Social Change
Wednesday, January 02, 2008-12:39AM EST