1) Virgin Radio
I find it really disturbing that these ads have been everywhere in the city. Some people find it funny. Some people don't know what to think- it's just kind of shocking. Other people find it disturbing and offensive. I'm going to put myself in the latter camp. I say that because of the following reasons:
Huge media campaign blitzes plan out every single little detail. Nothing is there by coincidence. So let's look at the chosen language here: "Lock up your daughters": this simple phrase implies 2 things. First of all, that the girls are somehow in danger and cannot protect themselves against the powerful 'gods of rock'. Secondly, that this ad is implying that "daughters" need to be protected. Therefore, these female subjects are most likely not grown-up adults, but young girls under the care of parents/guardians. The contrast between 'gods of rock' and the helpless 'daughters' in need of locking up is pretty disturbing to say the least.
Since the girls are pregnant in this ad and not looking so happy, it alludes to the possibility of an unwanted teen pregnancy. Since the girls were warned beforehand to be locked up to avoid 'danger', this ad is promoting the possibility that the girls might have been raped.
Also, the setting in the pictures are usually pretty dismal...girl at a coin laundry, doing ironing, etc. also seems to suggest that these women are from a lower income bracket.
Everything about these ads are distasteful. Using women and sexuality to sell music is pretty low.
2) Freethought Association first introduced this campaign in the UK and it is now headed for Canada. Check this article here for more info.
So I actually don't have a problem with this organization voicing its opinion and 'encouraging discussion', I do have a problem with the chosen slogan. Again, no campaign chooses its words carelessly. Like the Virgin ad, I suppose these ads are supposed to be humourous (what is with Ottawa and its awful sense of humour?), but what in the world is this assumption that people who believe in God worry all the time and don't 'enjoy' life? I think that's a pretty ignorant and condescending statement to make. For example, the entire Christian faith is built on the doctrine of forgiveness from your guilt and sin because of the existence of a loving God.
These ads are basically saying that all people who do believe in a God are silly for doing so because they are immersing themselves in unnecessary guilt when they could be out enjoying life. And the whole 'freedom of speech' argument is pretty weak, when such speech borders on being disrespectful. Knowing my apathetic city, I will be surprised if Ottawa rejects these ads.
2 comments:
Update: Both series of ads have been rejected by the city and OCTranspo.
I think the Virgin ads aren't so much an attack on women as they are on Christianity. (and even the attack on Christianity is a side issue)
Virgin Mary was poor, but not oppressed and belittled by God when He caused her pregnancy. It wasn't a matter of female dignity or security that made her pregnant. He just chose a young woman
As much as I don't believe in gods of rock, if they want to impregnate women, I'm sure it's not to denigrate them.
I see it more as ridiculing a God who would choose to impregnate a unsuspecting virgin (and thus mocking the God of the Bible).
I don't agree with the ads, but I don't think they're offensive to the level where they should be banned.
(As to the atheist ads, they have a right to poster just as much as we have a right to post pro-christian posters) Use the posters as a segue to spiritual conversations.
T
Hey Monners! I hear that all those signs are coming down. Yay for that! See you soon :) Bec
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