I’ve been watching more television than normal during the coronavirus lockdown. Or at least different kinds of TV–in normal times my viewing is limited to sports and cooking shows. All I can say is one part of the economy that the coronavirus would not seem to have slowed is the ad industry.
And is it me, or does it seem like there’s a single ad agency churning out serious corona-themed commercials using one cookie-cutter formula?
It starts with austere, solemn music.
Then a narrator says something like
- In these difficult times…
- In these troubled times…
- In these unprecedented times…
Then it ends with some variation on
We’re here for you and we still want to sell you stuff.
Apart from the one-size-fits-all Coronavirus themed spots, there are a lot of personal injury law firms trying to get us to sue somebody.
And scads of pharmaceutical ads. Which, collectively, make me wonder: Who makes up the names of these drugs?
Otezla? Rexulti? Really?
All I can say is thank God for the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the Last Dance documentary on ESPN. When that’s over, this lockdown better be over, too.
Mike, I used to work in a research lab that did the animal testing on what would, hopefully, become useful heart meds. At some point during those years, I was told the reason drug names are so crazy. in order to avoid mixups in the hospital or pharmacy, companies can’t use a name that sounds too similar to any other drug already on the market in order. Plus the name must be a nonsense word in a variety of languages. God forbid a new heart medicine’s name means death in Norwegian! The people who write those ads you love to watch would have a problem!
Aha! Thanks Kim.
Advertising is advertising. Those ads must have some impact, now or later, I don’t know? Remember when the agencies depended on Subliminal Suggestion? They all act like Fundamentalists now. I’m not a big sports fan these days and rarely watch TV other than MSNBS or Turner Classic Movies. But I did have season tickets for the 3-peat years and am totally fascinated with The Last Dance. Hugs and good health to you and Beth.
Season tickets! Wow! Yeah, we’ve been on a lot of TCM stuff. And we listen to a lot of radio. Have a Moscow Mule for me.
OOOPS. I meant MSNBC.
OMG We relate to each of your observations . Thought I’d gag if I heard “unprecedented” one more time. ( That was MY word when discussing climate change)
However to the rescue , enter “challenging” “uncertain” “trying” times.
Also , followed by daily reports of increased hunger, unemployment and debt, our local news features a 6 minute piece on items we can buy for upcoming Mother’s day. I will be most delighted with a phone call.
And here’s an idea to teach home schooled kids the alphabet. 💡💡Simply associate each letter with a familiar drug…..from A ( Alprazolam) to Z (Zoloft) !
I noticed the dramatic, depressing music right from the start. Suddenly all ads follow that path. It is annoying and depressing. It makes me grab for the MUTE button immediately. We are depressed enough about the situation we’re in, without the advertising industry shoving sappy shit our way. WE ARE NOT IN THIS TOGETHER. Big business doesn’t care. I’m with you, Mike!
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