Socially Responsible Ads vs. Irresponsible

Responsible

Kaplan Thaler Group, New York

I applaud this spot for not using cliched sex scenes or suggestive interactions between a guy and girl at a bar. The spot was clean, to the point, and somewhat lighthearted. Also, this spot promotes safe sex, a message that is inherent within the product itself. Though the imagery that "wasn't there" could have been pushing it a little, I think the other factors outweigh this "visual".

Wieden + Kennedy, Portland

It'd good to see that amongst all of Heineken's other commercials promoting their beer, they decide to launch a campaign aimed at drinking responsibly. It shows that you can still have a good time when you're out, you just need to be conscious of your actions. The fact that a beer company is essentially going against it's own objectives of selling more product shows that they, as a corporation, care.

BBDO, New York

Though many advocate the banning of Starbucks due to it's image as a company only concerned with growth, by teaming up with Product (RED), it appears that Starbucks is hoping to change this view. Yes, it's promoting consumerism, but for a good cause, so if you must have your over-priced coffee, feel good that some of the money isn't going into the corporation's pockets.

Irresponsible

BBH, New York

I don't know if I even need to say anything. The suggestive language is unnecessary. Compared to BBH's Lynx commercial with the couple hunting for their clothes, this one seems like they ran out of ideas and went with something a 14 year old boy from the streets said.

DDB, Chicago

Though this beer commercial is different from others in their product category, I feel like it's still just as bad. Yes, it's funny, but when you look at it, if a young child saw this, or even teenagers, the message that is being sent is that professionals in the workplace can cast aside civility just for a case of beer. Kind of sad.

Wieden + Kennedy, Portland

With the success of the new Old spice campaign, this spot seemed to fall short for me. Portraying women as nothing but golddiggers, or just after a man because of material factors (his scent?) is getting old. We see enough of this from Axe, we don't need another product following suit.