Advertisement Review: PETA controversial print ads - Business strategy

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By sarahmkirkpatrick

PETA Ads

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UP IN ARMS

People seem to be up in arms about all of the controversial and boundary pushing PETA ads that are circulating. You know what I say? At least you have arms to raise up. These animals do not have their own way to stand up for themselves or declare war, so thank god someone is looking out for them.

I will be the first to say that I do not know all of the details about PETA and their standards and I admit that I have heard some shaky things, but I don't let this stop me from believing that they have their hearts in the right place.

Yes PETA may waste money on expensive ads but at least they are getting their name out there. You have to spend money to make money.

People do not appreciate seeing such graphic images portraying people as meat or anything of lesser value then their 'true near-godly selves'. Well... it's time to face the facts. We are the ones killing the environment, wiping out our food sources, and inevitably hurting ourselves; whether you care about the environment or are simply so self indulged that you will destroy anything in your quest for success, you have to understand this concept. However, enough about my opinions and back to the ads.

Yes, they are controversial, yes they push boundaries, and yes they get your attention. Here we are talking about it and how much the ads offend us, and here we are knowing what PETA is and what they stand for. So here we must be applauding PETA for a job well done on the marketing and advertising front because it no doubt boosted awareness and donations - media job well done.

Some people are so scared of confrontation that they refuse to stand up for anything and some simply stand idly by and watch as horrible things happen. PETA is not. PETA stands up for what they believe and have the support of those that are equally as passionate about animal welfare (such as myself) and being praised for finally saying what everyone in this category was thinking.

The concepts portrayed in these ads are vivid and strong. They cover topics that make most people uncomfortable and do it in a way that people cannot shy away from (refusing to agree and/or trying to ignore the issue are not what I am referring to by 'shy away') and they do it in an entertaining way. Even the PETA Superbowl ad had an uprising because it was too sexual. Too sexual by who's standards? With all of the porn and R rated movies and not-so-subtle innuendos being thrown at us left, right, and center how are we supposed to differentiate? Sex sells does it not? Why should PETA be exempt from offering what sells?

These ads are three of my favorite. They range from humorous to straight up terrifying, and I love every one of them. So I thought I would take this time to support both envelope-pushing advertising and what I believe to be a good cause.

I'll also admit that I am not a vegetarian, but I do pride myself on cutting down on meat and focusing on organic. I also only buy free-range eggs (different to free-run as free-run chickens are still crammed by the thousands into open coups).

You may not agree with PETA, but you have to agree that these ads get attention - which was their entire purpose. (some hot celebrities don't hurt either).

Banner Superbowl Ad - Veggie Love

Where do you stand?

Do you think these ads are effective?

  • They are just the right amount of extreme. People wouldn't listen if they were any less.
  • They are a bit too extreme for my liking, but they get the point across.
  • I think if they toned it down a lot more people would pay attention.
  • These are grossly overexaggerated. I don't pay any attention.
See results without voting

SMAK media

Thank you for visiting my page. I hope that you learned a thing or two and that I was able to spark some interest into the depths of advertising.

If you would like to see more of my work or are interested in hiring a freelance writer for your next project, please visit my website at www.smakmedia.co.

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