We're a culture, not a costume: Student Ads Take Aim at Racist Halloween Costumes

Originally seen on AdFreak, today's Halloween inspired post goes into all those costumes some of us find "ok" or "funny" but rather, they are seen as racially insensitive in other parts of the world.  We have certainly all seen them before, we might even have friends who do it, but inappropriate Halloween costumes pretty much go hand in hand with Halloween.  

A student group at Ohio University called Students Teaching Against Racism (STARS), are behind this campaign titled "We're a culture, not a costume."  Quite clever if I'd say so myself.  Some people take it to a whole new level as seen by the image on the right where the individual is dressed as an Arab strapped with a bomb.   There are so many things wrong with that I don't even know where to begin.  Certainly, some people don't intend on coming across as racist, but what if the tables were turned and the opposite happened.  Would they be ok with others mocking the way they looked?  Probably not.  Would love to hear what everyone thinks about this topic.  Otherwise, I have two very important things to say 1) Happy Halloween! and 2) What did you dress up as?

~Until Next Time~

WIM

Nokia's Lumia translates as 'prostitute' in Spanish

Yikes.  Talk about a major blunder.  I was reading through the Finnish paper Ilta Sanomat, and could not believe me eyes when I read that Nokia's newest phone "Lumia" translates as 'prostitute' in Spanish.  Europe is obviously one of Nokia's bigger markets, and I would bet that Nokia phones are more apparent in Spain as they are here in the US.  Having said that, you would think that somewhere in the development of this phone, someone would see if Lumia ACTUALLY meant anything.  I mean, I could do a quick Google search for you and find that information in just a few seconds.  This is almost a blessing in disguise of sorts.  Nokia, who clearly is losing market share in the smartphone market needs every bit of publicity to get people talking about their phone.  Yes, people are mentioning Nokia and Lumia all of over the web, but is it for the right reasons?  Personally, I doubt it will have any effect on sales, but being from Finland, and seeing Nokia's decline over the last few years, I had hoped that they would put a little more thought into their research.  Either way, the phone has had great reviews so far, but nothing will take away from what the true meaning of Lumia actually is.

~Until Next Time~

WIM

Herman Cain’s New Ad Will Blow You Away…

I don't know what's creepier...the chief of staff looking right into the camera as he takes a drag from his cigarette, or presidential hopeful Herman Cain put on an awkward smile with the tune of "I am America" playing in the background.  There are plenty of reasons why this commercial should never have been aired.  According to Herman, his intentions were not to create something very substantial, but rather something that went viral and created some buzz.  Unfortunately, when it's not done properly, you're just left with a very permanent mistake.  Take a look for yourself, and let me know what you thought.

~Until Next Time~
WIM

Keep Walking, Brazil.

Johnnie Walker seems to always produce world class commercials.  With an effort to boost Brazil from a sleeping giant to a colossus that has finally awakened, Johnnie Walker, and "Rock Giant," look to do just that.  In the following commercial, you will see the "Rock Giant" emerge from Rio de Janeiro's scenic Sugar Loaf mountain and take his first few steps towards a new Brazil.  A Brazil of the future.  The commercial closes with the tag line, "The giant is no longer asleep" followed by the classic "Keep Walking" slogan tweaked to read "Keep Walking, Brazil."  These types of commercials are the ones that are always so effective.  The subtle ones. The ones that make you want to find it on YouTube and save it as a favorite so you can watch it again later on, even if you don't speak any Portuguese.  Talk about effective.

~Until Next Time~
WIM

Nope! It's just Chuck Testa

I don't know how I let this slip by me, or the fact I didn't see it anywhere in my newsfeed.  This has got to be by far the strangest/creepiest/whatever else you want to add commercial I have EVER seen.  I'd say the creepiest part is when you find the smiling woman sleeping next to Chuck Testa.  If you haven't watched the commercial already, you will soon find out it's a commercial for Ojai Valley taxidermy.  Besides it being incredibly amusing, I'm sure he actually got some new business out of it.  If you happen to take him up on his business, just remember that he doesn't do pets.  Oh and also, if you decide to look at the Ojai Valley Taxidermy YouTube page, remember that it has some pretty graphic footage, and definitely not for those with a weak stomach.

~Until Next Time~
WIM

Wonderful Pistachios meets Angry Birds

Angry Birds!  I think it goes without saying, but I think we all know how addicting this game is.  Their popularity has certainly sky rocketed, and you seem to see them everywhere.  Finnair even held an Angry Birds competition on their inaugural flight from Helsinki to Singapore!  I don't know about you, but that's pretty extreme if I say so myself.  Anyhow, here is the latest "Get Crackin" commercial from Wonderful Pistachios.  Definitely a little biased but I loved seeing this commercial.  It certainly beat seeing Snooki in their last spot.  What I find amazing about this though, is that, this company is able to generate so much interest about something so simple like pistachios.  Whoever thought pistachios could even be cool?  

Well, this commercial certainly gave me that feeling.

~Until Next Time~
WIM

Apple: Think Different

With the recent passing of Steve Jobs, I thought it would be fitting to showcase Apple's "Think Different" campaign from 1997.  Steve was a true visionary and the world will certainly miss his classic blue jeans and black long sleeve shirt.  Without further adieu, let's get right into the commercial.  RIP Steve Jobs.

~Until Next Time~
WIM