Tons of E-mails on Target Billboard Controversy
My e-mailbox was overflowing this morning, with your comments on last night’s story about a Target billboard. 20 of you wrote to disagree with Lisa Ray and Parents for Ethical Marketing, one of you told me to “turn up the heat on TARGET.. they need to be responsible..That ad is ridiculous.”Not that I have a position on this, but it is troubling to me how many e-mailers used words like “crazy” or “insane” to describe Lisa Ray. Just because she finds something to be offensive and you don’t… doesn’t reflect on her sanity. She’s decided to spend some of her time as a stay-at-home mom urging corporations to be responsible marketers. I asked her yesterday if she was worried about “crying wolf” because there are clearly more offensive ads out there. She told me that she gets that Victoria’s Secret is going to use women in underwear to sell underwear. She said she holds Target to a higher standard, becaues in their marketing they talk about corporate responsibility and giving back to the community, for example.
Here’s some of the e-mails:
Anthon: “It took me and my wife about 10 minutes to actually get what she was upset about and still couldn’t see the connection. I think it was a waste of air time and a load.”
Jana: “I can see how a person would think it sexual. But when I first noticed the ad… All I saw was a person jumping in front of the target ad.. like they do in the commercials. I didn’t think that dressing in a red and white snow suit was considered sexual.. unless you are into Santa. :)”
Sara: “I will never get those 4 minutes back in my life, and I will never watch your news program again. Frivolous stories.” (the story was only 2 minutes)
Amber pointed me to this ad which appears inside our local IKEA store: “We have far more sexually overt advertising going on in other stores, say Ikea for example. I’d like to note that I’m not offended by either ad, Ikea’s ad is actually pushing the envelope with theirs and I think it’s brilliant.”
Theresa e-mailed that Ms. Ray “is just reading into it too much, it is harmless and nowhere near offensive. I hope that this doesn’t cause Target to pull this ad scheme - it is very fun.”
George wrote, “She was way off base, and if she found something repulsive she had to be about the only one. This makes me wonder where her mind was at to be thinking such thoughts. The organization she is suppose to be representing should have better things to do.”
Ann: “I got it right away that she was making a snow angel. I think Ray’s got some issues if the first thing that pops into her head is that this is sexually offensive. I wish people would stop blowing such petty things out of proportion.”
Kelly: “From my perspective, when I first saw this, the model IS dressed as if she would be playing outside in the snow. So if it were a commercial, I would imagine that’s what she would be doing-making a snow angel. If she was dressed in any other fashion (like in a swimsuit) my perspective would have changed.”
Sue e-mailed this: “I think Lisa is being ridiculous! The ad she is taking offense to is a fully clothed lady in winter wear making a snow angel. My God woman you make a bad name for your worthy group, Parents for Ethical Marketing! Take a chill pill and get over yourself! I am also a mom who is concerned about ethical marketing.”
Aimee: “This woman needs another hobby. Seriously.”
Jayne: “Lisa, If you are ‘looking’ for something to be offended about, I’m sure you’ll find something. How about that scarf around her neck? Are they trying to choke her??”
You can always e-mail me with comments, story ideas, or anything else!