Why Can't You Use Sex to Sell Condoms?
The NYTimes reports that the makers of Trojan condoms have developed a new marketing campaign called "Evolve." The message is all about thinking about your own health and that of your partners everytime -- a great public health message. However, CBS and the FOX networks are refusing to air these new TV commercials even during late night programming. This ad seems tame compared to some that are used to sell Viagra, shampoo (remember the "Organic" experience), and even dishwashers. Hurray to ABC, NBC, MTV, Comedy Central and Adult Swim who will air the commercials, and a great big wimp award to CBS and FOX.
-Andrea Kalfoglou
contribute a comment
Comments have been closed for this post.
comments
While on the one side I definitely agree the stations should be applauded for even airing these adverts, I wish they would actually air them at all hours and not just late night. I think it takes a bit of the effectiveness out of them when they're lumped in with the Girls Gone Wild and other sorts of selling sex advertisements.
Shouldn't we be advertising safe sex at all hours?
- by Kelly on Jun 18, 2007 at 6:29 PM | link
Y'all have forgotten that most of the people that networks are selling to don't live on a college campus. And don't want or need condom commercials or any ads "selling sex."
Have either of you ever explained "Gentleman's Club" billboards to a 4 year old? How about teaching about condoms to the 6 or 8 year old who just saw a commercial on the news?
Since we're talking "should:" most people believe that sex is properly private and that children shouldn't be exposed to sexual behavior of adults around them until they walk in on Mom and Dad.
I guess parents could turn condom and K-Y jelly commercials into the sort of
lesson that kids used to get on the farm when they saw sex between animals at a young age. Of course, those kids were exposed to birth and death in the home and in the barnyard, as well as watching their own food be killed and dismembered, too.
- by Beverly on Jun 19, 2007 at 2:40 PM | link