Vaffanculo Spec Savers - The Contemplations, Rants & Reminiscences of DavidB327
Vaffanculo Spec Savers
I had intended to make a comment about the Spec Savers advertising campaign some time ago, but every time I started a post I got so angry I went into rant overdrive. For anyone not familiar with this company’s products are promoted, this is a typical example of their adverts.
I would say that I am surprised that the ASA allowed this advert to be broadcast, but my experience of previous communication with the authorities has led to my expectations being lowered considerably. Clearly this numbskulll Faye does not see anything wrong with this, and I don’t think there is any point in trying to educate. I’m not Dr Doolittle.
It is not obvious to me as to why it is acceptable to poke fun at people with visual disabilities. Somehow I doubt that adverts making fun of deaf or paralysed people would ever get aired.
So why has this happened, and why should a company that is there to HELP IMPROVE the quality of people’s lives endorse adverts as crass and insensitive as this? I note that Spec Savers is a member of FODO (Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians). I will see what FODO make of this – given my previous comment about low expectation level I don’t expect a satisfactory response, or the adverts to be withdrawn.
Anyone that might consider that I am being too sensitive should think about the other, and far more serious, accidents that could occur due to poor eyesight. I would like to think that, even in the uncaring metropolis that is London, if I suffered serious physical injury as a result of an accident that people would rush to my assistance, and not start roaring with laughter.
Obviously I would never ever consider use Spec Savers. This company does not deserve my business. I could go on, but I will leave it there I think. Not too bad, only 1 swears word, but a good one.
2010-11-29 01:54 pm (UTC)
I would argue that the commercial targets those who are so obstinate they do nothing about their poor vision, which is different to those who are simply not able to do anything (I can relate, having extremely poor vision but when I was in highschool I was so much in denial that rather than get glasses my life became a comedy of errors). However, it is very tactless, particularly as degenerative blindness isn't uncommon in people such as that elderly man in the ad.
Bottom line is, people respond to stupid humor.
Vaffanculo Spec Savers - The Contemplations, Rants & Reminiscences of DavidB327
Vaffanculo Spec Savers
I had intended to make a comment about the Spec Savers advertising campaign some time ago, but every time I started a post I got so angry I went into rant overdrive. For anyone not familiar with this company’s products are promoted, this is a typical example of their adverts.
I would say that I am surprised that the ASA allowed this advert to be broadcast, but my experience of previous communication with the authorities has led to my expectations being lowered considerably. Clearly this numbskulll Faye does not see anything wrong with this, and I don’t think there is any point in trying to educate. I’m not Dr Doolittle.
It is not obvious to me as to why it is acceptable to poke fun at people with visual disabilities. Somehow I doubt that adverts making fun of deaf or paralysed people would ever get aired.
So why has this happened, and why should a company that is there to HELP IMPROVE the quality of people’s lives endorse adverts as crass and insensitive as this? I note that Spec Savers is a member of FODO (Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians). I will see what FODO make of this – given my previ
ous comment about low expectation level I don’t expect a satisfactory response, or the adverts to be withdrawn.
Anyone that might consider that I am being too sensitive should think about the other, and far more serious, accidents that could occur due to poor eyesight. I would like to think that, even in the uncaring metropolis that is London, if I suffered serious physical injury as a result of an accident that people would rush to my assistance, and not start roaring with laughter.
Obviously I would never ever consider use Spec Savers. This company does not deserve my business. I could go on, but I will leave it there I think. Not too bad, only 1 swears word, but a good one.
2010-11-29 01:54 pm (UTC)
I would argue that the commercial targets those who are so obstinate they do nothing about their poor vision, which is different to those who are simply not able to do anything (I can relate, having extremely poor vision but when I was in highschool I was so much in denial that rather than get glasses my life became a comedy of errors). However, it is very tactless, particularly as degenerative blindness isn't uncommon in people such as that elderly man in the ad.
Bottom line is, people respond to stupid humor.