Advertising usually speaks to the socio-political context in which it is created, which has lead to some hits and misses when it comes to controversial issues.
Let’s face it, as necessary as they are, some awareness campaigns are pretty lame. Especially when they are conceptualised by ad agencies who are out of touch with the audience they are trying to speak to. But not this quality, yet very funny New Zealand commercial. It urges blokes to be “legends” by not letting their friends drink and then drive.
Kia’s latest adverts were designed around a dual zone air conditioning system they’ve developed. Their marketers thought the best way to demonstrate this feature was to depict a cartoon school girl on one side of a poster as innocent, and suggestively slutty on the other. Her teacher is also involved, and seems very keen. Clearly not everyone thinks this is clever marketing. Full advert inside.