Whether you think it’s justified or not, it is interesting to take note of where we are right now, with regards to outrage, sensitivities, and what First World societies deem right and wrong.

This print ad has just been banned.

It’s advertising a toothpaste. Boca toothpaste, to be precise.

Please note the onions on the desk.

The ad appeared in a newspaper supplement.

The creative director of that little shoot obviously decided the exposed flesh in the ad would draw the attention of the reader. This method often works. In fact, it even has a name – “sex sells.”

But unfortunately for this particular creative director, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority don’t just police the content of ads, they also set boundaries as to what methods can be used to sell a product, depending on what that product is.

The litany of reasons why the ad was banned included this pearler:

We also considered that the nudity and the pose of the model, and the provocative nature of the ad, bore no relevance to the product.

Indeed. What was the point?

Although, come to think of it, I’m usually stark naked when I brush my teeth. Often in a spatchcock position.

They would definitely ban the ad if they saw me.

Thank you to all the world’s ASAs for protecting us from such vile imagery.

For now though, I’m off to buy a tube of BOCA – finally a toothpaste I can relate to…

[source:independent]