Comments on: Burger King's Seven Incher Sex Ad Hits New Low In Advertising

By: bobphibbs

bobphibbs — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:27:59 +0000

Hey Rod, I would agree with you that little kids are not looking at it this way but grownups are. Ad Age had a great article about the BK international vulgar blitz, apology and repeat mentality at http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=137801

By: Rod

Rod — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:32:47 +0000

I actually disagree with the prudish response to these ads for a number of reasons. First, it is assumed that everyone knows what is alluded to in this ad which is very probably not the case, especially when it comes to children who likely have little idea what fellatio is. Second, even if the audience is aware of the allusion cast by the ad, what is the problem except a clash with puritanical values around sexuality. Third, the sexual allusion in the ad is so subtle that it is only through the intense response to the campaign that my own attention was piqued. Fourth, now that I’m aware of the subtle sexual allusion, I’m even more pleased with the cleverness of the ad. Fifth, the correlation of food and sex is ancient and thus this ad only renews the tension between sensuality and sexuality.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:09:40 +0000

I agree! Shock advertising may get you noticed but getting noticed and repulsing your customers at the same time can’t be a wise marketing strategy. Most people in my circle of family and friends deliberately avoid businesses that put out ads like this so that we don’t encourage their use. I know people who haven’t gone to Carls Jr in years because of their previous ads.

By: Carla

Carla — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:05:31 +0000

I just have to comment on this…talk about alienating your audience!!
This is elementary business logic, looking at your target market and appealing to them and looking how to widen your audience.
We are in the process of opening our second boutique and keep in mind simple things like no pink paint so men do not avoid us…Burger King has found a way to alienate every mother in North America. There is NO way I would allow my kids to walk in there and possibly see those ads. It crosses the line between humor and taste.