A good advertisement can sell a product, but a great advertisement can do even more.
Gillette’s latest ad asks the question, “Is this the best a man can be?”
The ad showcases a variety of men and discusses how the idea of a stereotypical man has changed in the last few decades, especially in the era of #MeToo. This created a variety of discussions from both sides of the debate.
Similarly in September 2018, Nike launched an ad campaign starring Colin Kaepernick with the words “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
The ad got people’s attention as some users on social media vowed to stop purchasing the company’s products, even going to the lengths of burning their previously purchased merchandise.
It shows that some companies don’t appear to be afraid of taking stances on social issues. However, does their end goal of making a profit conflict with the opportunity to address timely issues?
Companies like Nike and Gillette are household brand names that play a large role in many of people’s lives.
It isn’t a problem if companies take a stance, even if their main goal is to make money. Creating the conversations that have the ability to spark change is a worthwhile investment.
Ignoring the issues society has in 2019 is no longer acceptable and silence from any competing companies only eschews the discussions. Problems within society can no longer be ignored.
With the power of having a large consumer base and the ability to get thousands, if not millions of people to pay attention at once, corporations have a large responsibility.
Advertisements are what people will remember. So, if they’re going to put the money into making one, the message should not only be entertaining but also relevant.
