Google Inc. is now seeking to extend its brand awareness through advertising and has hired a well-known Madison Avenue executive to work with ad agencies on new ways Google products can be used in advertising. They have teamed up with Andy Berndt, co-president of WPP Group PLC's Ogilvy & Mather to be managing director of Google's newly formed Creative Lab unit. This unit's goal is to look for more creative ways Google products can used in marketing pitches. However, this new development has some on Madison Ave weary of the fact that Google may get into the creative services market and becoming the ad agencies largest competitor. On Google's side, a spokeswoman clearly stated that they are "not moving in the ad agency business" and that Google would not work with ad agencies directly. Many feel that this move is a step in the right direction for Google as they continue to grow their company and expand their services.
Google Inc now plans to launch a new digital ad format that lets marketers distribute ads that resemble mini websites through the network of sites where ads are sold. This service has been dubbed Google Gadget Ads, which include video, games, news updates, and images. For example, Six Flags has recently used Google's new ad format to promote its theme parks by creating a game called Sky-Drifter. Users can play the game where the Six Flags ad appeared or click on the ad to take them to the Six Flags website, or even add the game to their personal web sites. Advertisers can use this service to target their ads according to the web site, context, geography, or demographic.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Yahoo Avatars: A Miss With America's College Students?
Until this assignment was given to us, I had never heard of Avatars as a feature of Yahoo Messenger. I only heard about Yahoo's messenger service when my dad asked me to install it to communicate with him when he was living in Singapore. Since I did not hear about these features from my peers or from advertising, nor do I know anyone who uses Yahoo messenger, I think Yahoo has not been very effective in reaching this target market. However, another may be their market choice. Perhaps the US market is not where this feature can grow in popularity. There is Yahoo avatar's for Yahoo Asia with many different looks for the characters; from a stylish boy with his motorbike in Taipei to a older business man from Dubai, the characters had many options. I believe maybe Yahoo is making the right choice by choosing to expand features on this particular segment of the market. I think the US market and the culture is different as far as technology than Asia and that especially applies to the youth of both markets. If Yahoo were to try and re-introduce the avatar feature to American college students, Facebook should be involved. Facebook has now opened it's doors to many outside applications, and having an extension through a Facebook application for Yahoo Messenger or Avatars might motivate the college student audience to try it.
-Jane Brownfield
-Jane Brownfield
Evolve Already!
You've seen them on television and splashed all over Internet media. The commercial of the girl at the bar talking to a pig. Surrounding her are more pigs, all approaching or conversing with attractive girls. It seems as though the trendy bar has been converted into a pig trough where all the local derelicts come out to play. But one pig stands out from the rest, one pig outshines all the other swine. And why you might ask, why does he outshine the others? Because, he's got a condom.
It seemed like I'd been waiting forever for a condom ad to really rip men a new one in terms of personal responsibility. In previous years condom companies advertised couples romping in various locations and making off-color cheeky jokes that neither made us pay attention, or they deterred us from condom purchasing. But now Trojan had something else up their sleeves. The marketing team must have been thinking "Hmmm, what can we say that's going to make our consumers say to themselves 'Ouch, let me take another look at myself and make some necessary changes'. " I think the ads themselves are brilliant. I know much of popular media has given them flack for their positioning in mainstream, prime-time television. However, I feel that the move to place them directly in front of the consumer was excellent. All the ad was simplistic in it's concept: Guy gets out condom, guy gets girl, it was a great one in its simplicity. Basic men can understand the ad. And even if they don't remember or care about it, it makes an impression on everyone else.
I think that the idea for the ad was great in theory and execution. I've thought about it a total of, well, many times since it aired. That's what makes the ad so groundbreaking. Men are finally being made to take responsibility for "wrapping it up" and being safe. I'm happy the change has been made. Hopefully men can use this a s a reference point from now on-- don't let me the jerk who gets you pregnant or gives you HPV.
How awful would it be if a month down the line you had to tell someone, "Hi, sorry about the baby and all" ? And all she had to reply with was "yeah, well you're a pig."
^ ^
WRAP IT UP! (00)
--Corey Fitzgerald
It seemed like I'd been waiting forever for a condom ad to really rip men a new one in terms of personal responsibility. In previous years condom companies advertised couples romping in various locations and making off-color cheeky jokes that neither made us pay attention, or they deterred us from condom purchasing. But now Trojan had something else up their sleeves. The marketing team must have been thinking "Hmmm, what can we say that's going to make our consumers say to themselves 'Ouch, let me take another look at myself and make some necessary changes'. " I think the ads themselves are brilliant. I know much of popular media has given them flack for their positioning in mainstream, prime-time television. However, I feel that the move to place them directly in front of the consumer was excellent. All the ad was simplistic in it's concept: Guy gets out condom, guy gets girl, it was a great one in its simplicity. Basic men can understand the ad. And even if they don't remember or care about it, it makes an impression on everyone else.
I think that the idea for the ad was great in theory and execution. I've thought about it a total of, well, many times since it aired. That's what makes the ad so groundbreaking. Men are finally being made to take responsibility for "wrapping it up" and being safe. I'm happy the change has been made. Hopefully men can use this a s a reference point from now on-- don't let me the jerk who gets you pregnant or gives you HPV.
How awful would it be if a month down the line you had to tell someone, "Hi, sorry about the baby and all" ? And all she had to reply with was "yeah, well you're a pig."
^ ^
WRAP IT UP! (00)
--Corey Fitzgerald
Monday, October 1, 2007
My Avatar or My Twin?
No no, I'm not serious. But I did create an avatar forever ago. It was when I had long hair, really tan skin from running outside all the time, and a very slender face. Yahoo did an alright job with making my attributes as true to me as possible, but I wonder, what about all the different ethnic diversities that the US has to offer? If there are so many different races and types of people out there, why are we trying to create generic cartoon images of ourselves that aren't representational, nor are they functional?
Come on yahoo! Give us something else to work with.
What is your opinion, dear reader, about our manifestation through inanimate cartoons? Should it accepted as popular trend, or shunned as just a silly attempt at World Wide Web genericide?
--Corey Fitzgerald
Come on yahoo! Give us something else to work with.
What is your opinion, dear reader, about our manifestation through inanimate cartoons? Should it accepted as popular trend, or shunned as just a silly attempt at World Wide Web genericide?
--Corey Fitzgerald
Friday, September 28, 2007
South Korea does California: Will Americans Accept Korean Retailer Who.A.U as One of Their Own?
안녕하세요! Move over Abercrombie and Hollister: a new brand is set to enter the US market and compete for the top position in the "casual luxury" market. South Korean brand, Who.A.U (short for "who are you") has had major success at home, boasting 50 stores nationwide and plans to expand into other Asian markets. Their brand is as clearly defined as you can get, complete with sun-kissed, attractive blondes lazing by ocean scenes and looks of passion in the model's faces. Who.A.U offers many of the same product categories as Hollister and is similar in price point. The question remains however, will Americans accept a new player in the market and more importantly would body-conscious 14 year olds buy clothes from a Korean retailer?
My guess is most likely no, but Who.A.U seems to have already solved that issue. When asked, a friend from Seoul, Korea exclaimed, "It's not an American brand??" Yes, even a native, fashion-forward Korean had no idea; which speaks volumes about Who.A.U's branding strategy and their attention to consumer wants. They are aware that people from their domestic market (Koreans) buy a lot of Abercrombie and Hollister apparel when they visit the US and that a certain segment of the market was missing. Also, Abercrombie and Hollister have no operations in Asia, and have been slow in reacting to growth potential in the Korean and Chinese markets.
Who.A.U has reacted, and fast. Their plans of expansion are funded by their deep-pocketed parent company, and they show no signs of slowing down. However, the US market is very fragmented and vastly different from Korean consumers, making Who.A.U's entrance into the market challenging. From what I have observed, young fashion-conscious teens in Asia, namely Korea, enjoy international fashion, accepting and buying brands originating anywhere from Italy to Japan. Kids in the US (on average) do not have the same international exposure, and likely do not have the same understanding of other cultures. Capturing American teens could therefore be an uphill battle, but if a Korean retailer can brand itself so "American/California" that a native didn't know otherwise, then maybe they have a shot. Best of luck to you Who.A.U, with your excellent brand strategy and marketing you have the skills needed to adapt your brand to an international market.
미국에서 성공하기를 바랍니다!
[hope you succeed in the US!]
-As a US consumer, would you think this was a Korean brand?
Who.A.U website: http://www.whoau.com/
-For CARS/RCS students, what do you think about the Korean market in terms of growth/market potential in the apparel industry?
-Jane Brownfield
My guess is most likely no, but Who.A.U seems to have already solved that issue. When asked, a friend from Seoul, Korea exclaimed, "It's not an American brand??" Yes, even a native, fashion-forward Korean had no idea; which speaks volumes about Who.A.U's branding strategy and their attention to consumer wants. They are aware that people from their domestic market (Koreans) buy a lot of Abercrombie and Hollister apparel when they visit the US and that a certain segment of the market was missing. Also, Abercrombie and Hollister have no operations in Asia, and have been slow in reacting to growth potential in the Korean and Chinese markets.
Who.A.U has reacted, and fast. Their plans of expansion are funded by their deep-pocketed parent company, and they show no signs of slowing down. However, the US market is very fragmented and vastly different from Korean consumers, making Who.A.U's entrance into the market challenging. From what I have observed, young fashion-conscious teens in Asia, namely Korea, enjoy international fashion, accepting and buying brands originating anywhere from Italy to Japan. Kids in the US (on average) do not have the same international exposure, and likely do not have the same understanding of other cultures. Capturing American teens could therefore be an uphill battle, but if a Korean retailer can brand itself so "American/California" that a native didn't know otherwise, then maybe they have a shot. Best of luck to you Who.A.U, with your excellent brand strategy and marketing you have the skills needed to adapt your brand to an international market.
미국에서 성공하기를 바랍니다!
[hope you succeed in the US!]
-As a US consumer, would you think this was a Korean brand?
Who.A.U website: http://www.whoau.com/
-For CARS/RCS students, what do you think about the Korean market in terms of growth/market potential in the apparel industry?
-Jane Brownfield
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
She Walks In Beauty
One of the great wonders of the fashion world as well as the business world is a company's/ fashion house's ability to change everything about themselves with one collection or innovative product. Such is the case with classic American milliner, Anne Klein. Evidence of what was to come began a few months ago when the fall collection for AK began its shoot for the Fall ad campaign. From the moment the ads subtlely penetrated the American media, everyone knew something was different, but the element of surprise had just begun to ensue.
I flipped open a Vogue about 2 months ago in mid-July and thumbed through the pages as I usually do. Scanning the various ads for Ready-to-Wear from the usual suspects, I wasn't particularly thrilled by what I saw. Except for Tod's, which in my opinion, is the best dressy/casual invention since sliced bread. But, with fashion, something is ALWAYS different. Just as I was about to close the periodical and place it back on the shelf, I found myself completely stumped mid-way through my browsing. What I saw was one of the best print ads for any couture house, hands-down.
To set the scene, a reed-thin model dressed impeccably in a slouchy silk trench, a structured woolen dress, and sky-high pumps leaned against a dark, shaded brick wall. The dark, shaded brick wall served as the perfect backdrop to highlight the the model and her divine dressings. Her face was contorted into such a look, that one might assume she was withdrawn into herself, as though she were an actress playing a role with such depth that not even a camera's eye could adequately archive her emotion. The dark atmosphere and imposing urban background gave the image its hard-edged look, thus bringing the look full circle. As you, the observer, interpret this image, you bring together all the ideas presented before you and thus make your judgements about the image. This will all occur in less than 45 seconds, and in that amount of time, the marketer has only that small window to get your attention and keep it. What you see in this ad is couture, art, design, and detail all meticulously planned in a such a format that you can do nothing but take in the splendor. Ingenious would be the adjective used to describe the layout. Taking decorated minimalism to a new level, Anne Klein's new collection had more gall than Jil Sander's celebrated art-house chic. Incredibly, this is what the marketing team at AK produced for the new series of beautiful pieces it sent down the runway at New York's fashion week. The looks that sashayed down the catwalks were a breath of fresh air from the corporate banality that the collections of previous years possessed. New silhouettes, gorgeous prints and knits, and luxe textiles paraded for all the shows attendees to see.
Structure was achieved without structure at all. Wispy resort collections featured hand painted cocktail dresses with innovative cuts, vibrant and rich colors, as well as updated styles. The dresses, made of wispy silk and linen were belted with sashes and sewn with loose pleats and darts for soft and clingy lines. Fall and winter featured fabulous gowns, skirts, jackets, and exquisite ready to wear. Tuxedo pants, with rive gauche glossy jackets were the new way to dress up for occasion. Masculinity was boldly embraced with colorful button ups, and bright suits. Everything about the clothes screamed femininity and masculine traditionalism. Yet, something new lurked behind the designs. This new element was a European flair, and artsy eclecticism. Scottish plaid and rich herringbone were combined to make a funky woolen trench for fall/winter, and espresso skinny slacks were worn underneath for a warm, but tough-as-nails evocation. It seemed as though Klein had given Burberry, Sander, and even Marc Jacobs a run for their money. Wide leg pants were worn with skimpy 80's throwback blouses, and brightly drab mustard creams were part of the monochrome uniform. Was this truly Ann Klein we were seeing, or a reinvention similar to that of Chanel in the 50's?
Although this wonderful maturation was brilliant in its own right, its partial success must be accredited to the marketing agency. Giving us a small taste of what was to come, the ads themselves gave us a new idea of what we could expect from the traditional American brand. This is where the marketing has its most admirable moments. Knowing exactly how to ignite a catalyst for change; the process should almost be patented if it hasn't already. Step 1: a brand makeover that isn't too overtly pretentious. Step 2: placement is precise and very appropriate. Step 3: the most difficult-- innovative creativity must peak interest and draw interest from its images. Saturation must NOT occur, the images must make a gradual integration into the market, and then a following will draw towards the product.
It seems as though Anne Klein took this to heart, and followed the precise steps towards its future. I don't think the label will ever be the same from this point forward. Under the direction of Isabel Toledo, the creations will continue to evolve into something much different and with a completely different look. She may have stepped gingerly with this collection, but if it's as well-received as I predict it will be, AK may be the new stop in luxury fashion for fashionista and celebrity alike. Humble beginnings certainly won't stop this change.
She'll probably enter a room and everyone will ask, "My God, you look stunning. Who are you wearing?" She'll nonchalantly reply "It's Anne Klein collection."
Get ready. www.anneklein.com
--Corey Fitzgerald
I flipped open a Vogue about 2 months ago in mid-July and thumbed through the pages as I usually do. Scanning the various ads for Ready-to-Wear from the usual suspects, I wasn't particularly thrilled by what I saw. Except for Tod's, which in my opinion, is the best dressy/casual invention since sliced bread. But, with fashion, something is ALWAYS different. Just as I was about to close the periodical and place it back on the shelf, I found myself completely stumped mid-way through my browsing. What I saw was one of the best print ads for any couture house, hands-down.
To set the scene, a reed-thin model dressed impeccably in a slouchy silk trench, a structured woolen dress, and sky-high pumps leaned against a dark, shaded brick wall. The dark, shaded brick wall served as the perfect backdrop to highlight the the model and her divine dressings. Her face was contorted into such a look, that one might assume she was withdrawn into herself, as though she were an actress playing a role with such depth that not even a camera's eye could adequately archive her emotion. The dark atmosphere and imposing urban background gave the image its hard-edged look, thus bringing the look full circle. As you, the observer, interpret this image, you bring together all the ideas presented before you and thus make your judgements about the image. This will all occur in less than 45 seconds, and in that amount of time, the marketer has only that small window to get your attention and keep it. What you see in this ad is couture, art, design, and detail all meticulously planned in a such a format that you can do nothing but take in the splendor. Ingenious would be the adjective used to describe the layout. Taking decorated minimalism to a new level, Anne Klein's new collection had more gall than Jil Sander's celebrated art-house chic. Incredibly, this is what the marketing team at AK produced for the new series of beautiful pieces it sent down the runway at New York's fashion week. The looks that sashayed down the catwalks were a breath of fresh air from the corporate banality that the collections of previous years possessed. New silhouettes, gorgeous prints and knits, and luxe textiles paraded for all the shows attendees to see.
Structure was achieved without structure at all. Wispy resort collections featured hand painted cocktail dresses with innovative cuts, vibrant and rich colors, as well as updated styles. The dresses, made of wispy silk and linen were belted with sashes and sewn with loose pleats and darts for soft and clingy lines. Fall and winter featured fabulous gowns, skirts, jackets, and exquisite ready to wear. Tuxedo pants, with rive gauche glossy jackets were the new way to dress up for occasion. Masculinity was boldly embraced with colorful button ups, and bright suits. Everything about the clothes screamed femininity and masculine traditionalism. Yet, something new lurked behind the designs. This new element was a European flair, and artsy eclecticism. Scottish plaid and rich herringbone were combined to make a funky woolen trench for fall/winter, and espresso skinny slacks were worn underneath for a warm, but tough-as-nails evocation. It seemed as though Klein had given Burberry, Sander, and even Marc Jacobs a run for their money. Wide leg pants were worn with skimpy 80's throwback blouses, and brightly drab mustard creams were part of the monochrome uniform. Was this truly Ann Klein we were seeing, or a reinvention similar to that of Chanel in the 50's?
Although this wonderful maturation was brilliant in its own right, its partial success must be accredited to the marketing agency. Giving us a small taste of what was to come, the ads themselves gave us a new idea of what we could expect from the traditional American brand. This is where the marketing has its most admirable moments. Knowing exactly how to ignite a catalyst for change; the process should almost be patented if it hasn't already. Step 1: a brand makeover that isn't too overtly pretentious. Step 2: placement is precise and very appropriate. Step 3: the most difficult-- innovative creativity must peak interest and draw interest from its images. Saturation must NOT occur, the images must make a gradual integration into the market, and then a following will draw towards the product.
It seems as though Anne Klein took this to heart, and followed the precise steps towards its future. I don't think the label will ever be the same from this point forward. Under the direction of Isabel Toledo, the creations will continue to evolve into something much different and with a completely different look. She may have stepped gingerly with this collection, but if it's as well-received as I predict it will be, AK may be the new stop in luxury fashion for fashionista and celebrity alike. Humble beginnings certainly won't stop this change.
She'll probably enter a room and everyone will ask, "My God, you look stunning. Who are you wearing?" She'll nonchalantly reply "It's Anne Klein collection."
Get ready. www.anneklein.com
--Corey Fitzgerald
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
High Standards: A Look At Marketing In Popular Culture
I want you to tell me what sells you something, and then tell me what made you purchase the product specifically. Is it sex? Is it lighting? Is it presentation? What makes you buy?
Today's ads and commercials seem so uninspiring, and when one brilliant ad stands out above the rest, the idea is talked about by everyone. What is it that makes many of today's ads so blah, so generic? Where has innovation gone to? Is it that large marketing firms are soo afraid of the big bad moral police? In America, I know there isn't an enforcement policy or a moral authority like there are in predominantly Muslim countries. But-- there are however underlying social moires that bar us from saying and doing certain things publicly. Although we claim to be a society of moral chastity and social/cultural acceptance, there still is a certain amount of censorship on the things we say and do but with exception. In contrast to this, some ads have been culprit to portraying a gratuitous amount of sex in ads they market to masses. For example, the AXE deodorant ads: Completely and unabashedly made for selling a product to men obviously insinuates sex as a side effect. This ad stands out in my mind as one of the only ads in American media that shows this kind of liberal disregard.
It must be said, that these ads, however entertaining, are in poor taste. European marketing firms often have sex as a topic in their ads, but always in jest and with taste. In general European nations seem to have less of a problem discussing and displaying sex in their media. The main difference in the two nations is that one is perpetually exposed and therefore much more comfortable with its discussion. European ads are revered for their creativity and sharp wit. Consumers enjoy those commercials and then are more likely to seek out the good the firm is purveying. But American ads, those are a different story.
When I flip through the latest gossip magazine, I don't see anything that inspires me. All the photos are of generic models or actors that lifelessly stand in front of a product without actively engaging me. Why on earth would I want to purchase a tube of lip-gloss or wear a sweater that I see from Old Navy if I don't even care what the ad has to say? If I'm not engaged, then I won't look twice at the ads. I feel that what American ad companies and firms lack is the assumption of intelligence on the consumer's part. Apple has done so well because they have a certain sophistication to their ads. Clean, white, upscale, the ads are pleasing aesthetically and socially. No toes are really stepped on and the relatability (I made it up, I know) is almost familiar (even if you've never used an apple product before). However, the true power of the ads lies within their assumption of intelligence. While the ads are enjoyable, they're also released for the viewing of mass consumers, meaning, everyone can view the ads. And they talk to US, American society about what we'd like about a PC. They assume we already like "ease-of-use, simplicity, elegance, and versatility" even if we don't own a MAC. With that winning combination, they've already sold us their product, and we've never even thought about owning one before. It's almost like they've got us with a one-two punch.
However, these ads still aren't daring enough. Intelligence is one thing, but selling with a more dynamic punch is something that should be tried in the American markets. Maybe companies should try using upscale sophistication with more daring images. Putting two and two together; doesn't that equate to innovation? I think that may be the very definition of it.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. America still has a LOT of growing up to do. Liberalism isn't one of our strong points by far. We still have to overcome social acceptance, and push barriers. Equality must be met before we can even prepare ourselves for any sort of social supernova to occur. Maybe that should be the job of the American Marketing firms: Help push images and messages of "lighten up, America" on society so that change can happen. Take a look at the Gucci ads from a few years ago. Men and women together in the ads, all touching in an intimate way, you're not even sure if it's attraction or just comfortable proximity. Those in a way, aside from selling us some of the most beautiful pieces of couture, also helped spread a nouveau message of "free love". These images become a social staple and then we become used to them. Hopefully a new wave of ads will encourage us to loosen up and take a more comfortable stance on the things we will and won't tolerate.
I know we've all heard of censorship, but what the hell ever happened to the notion of free-speech and acceptance?
--Corey Fitzgerald
Today's ads and commercials seem so uninspiring, and when one brilliant ad stands out above the rest, the idea is talked about by everyone. What is it that makes many of today's ads so blah, so generic? Where has innovation gone to? Is it that large marketing firms are soo afraid of the big bad moral police? In America, I know there isn't an enforcement policy or a moral authority like there are in predominantly Muslim countries. But-- there are however underlying social moires that bar us from saying and doing certain things publicly. Although we claim to be a society of moral chastity and social/cultural acceptance, there still is a certain amount of censorship on the things we say and do but with exception. In contrast to this, some ads have been culprit to portraying a gratuitous amount of sex in ads they market to masses. For example, the AXE deodorant ads: Completely and unabashedly made for selling a product to men obviously insinuates sex as a side effect. This ad stands out in my mind as one of the only ads in American media that shows this kind of liberal disregard.
It must be said, that these ads, however entertaining, are in poor taste. European marketing firms often have sex as a topic in their ads, but always in jest and with taste. In general European nations seem to have less of a problem discussing and displaying sex in their media. The main difference in the two nations is that one is perpetually exposed and therefore much more comfortable with its discussion. European ads are revered for their creativity and sharp wit. Consumers enjoy those commercials and then are more likely to seek out the good the firm is purveying. But American ads, those are a different story.
When I flip through the latest gossip magazine, I don't see anything that inspires me. All the photos are of generic models or actors that lifelessly stand in front of a product without actively engaging me. Why on earth would I want to purchase a tube of lip-gloss or wear a sweater that I see from Old Navy if I don't even care what the ad has to say? If I'm not engaged, then I won't look twice at the ads. I feel that what American ad companies and firms lack is the assumption of intelligence on the consumer's part. Apple has done so well because they have a certain sophistication to their ads. Clean, white, upscale, the ads are pleasing aesthetically and socially. No toes are really stepped on and the relatability (I made it up, I know) is almost familiar (even if you've never used an apple product before). However, the true power of the ads lies within their assumption of intelligence. While the ads are enjoyable, they're also released for the viewing of mass consumers, meaning, everyone can view the ads. And they talk to US, American society about what we'd like about a PC. They assume we already like "ease-of-use, simplicity, elegance, and versatility" even if we don't own a MAC. With that winning combination, they've already sold us their product, and we've never even thought about owning one before. It's almost like they've got us with a one-two punch.
However, these ads still aren't daring enough. Intelligence is one thing, but selling with a more dynamic punch is something that should be tried in the American markets. Maybe companies should try using upscale sophistication with more daring images. Putting two and two together; doesn't that equate to innovation? I think that may be the very definition of it.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. America still has a LOT of growing up to do. Liberalism isn't one of our strong points by far. We still have to overcome social acceptance, and push barriers. Equality must be met before we can even prepare ourselves for any sort of social supernova to occur. Maybe that should be the job of the American Marketing firms: Help push images and messages of "lighten up, America" on society so that change can happen. Take a look at the Gucci ads from a few years ago. Men and women together in the ads, all touching in an intimate way, you're not even sure if it's attraction or just comfortable proximity. Those in a way, aside from selling us some of the most beautiful pieces of couture, also helped spread a nouveau message of "free love". These images become a social staple and then we become used to them. Hopefully a new wave of ads will encourage us to loosen up and take a more comfortable stance on the things we will and won't tolerate.
I know we've all heard of censorship, but what the hell ever happened to the notion of free-speech and acceptance?
--Corey Fitzgerald
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