The Senegal-born Soul Singer
Allaune Thiam, known as Akon, is featured in my backdrop
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Motorola Red SLVR TV commercial/Join (Red)
I was originally searching for another Motorola (RED) commercial when I stumbled across this one. Is the concept for such a commercial not desperate and infuriating?
I know I am supposed to be blogging about celebrity contributions to Africa, and technically I am because (RED) was created by Bobby Shiver and Bono, but a feeling so deep came over me as I watched this commercial.
At first the feeling was confusion. I could not figure out what it is they are trying to portray or say with the African spinning around and changing his body shape, etc.
Then, the feeling was ANGER. The commercial, which begins with one African man, now becomes an African man and woman together, spinning, fondling, and kissing each other.
Then, a red screen pops, and in black capped letters it says:
THERE’S A PHONE DESIGNED TO HELP ELIMINATE AIDS IN AFRICA.
Then, the sleek red phone pops up in another screen and it says: PLEASE BUY IT.
This commercial is dated 2006, and no wonder it hasn’t been shown on television!
It would certainly strike attention from African Americans and especially from me.
The way I perceive this commercial is like this: they are saying that that the men and women of Africa are contracting AIDS by sexual intercourse, making it seem like this is the only activity they participate in.
They are saying that Africans will not stop engaging in sex, therefore, AIDS will continue to destroy Africa, so……PLEASE BUY THIS PHONE AND HELP THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW HOW TO HELP THEMSELVES…
I’m sure many people who have seen or will see this video will understand my perception of it or will form such a one similar to mine.
This commercial could have been handled in a different way to tap into people’s pockets; I have seen some (RED) commercials that have certainly touched my heart, and they weren't at all degrading to Africans.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I watched the video before I read the blog and got the impression that it was more of a metaphor (with the spinning/hard to see characters = promiscuous sexual encounters) than an attack on a specific race.
Either way, it was a horrible commercial because it really didn't make enough sense. Commercials aren't movies, books, or music--they are advertisements. They should be "to the point."
The (RED) commercial tried to focus more on being artsy than getting anything more accomplished than confusing some people and pissing off others.
I see your point also Pete. I don't really think critically when it comes to commericals because we shouldn't have to. you're right-commercials should get straight to the point. What I'm trying to get everyone to see is that (RED) ads aren't focusing on their fight to help Africa, they just want publicity and consumers to buy their products just for their aesthetic value and how they look.
I agree, purchasing the Red SLVR to cease Aids in Africa seems far from real and even degrading. AIDS is not only transmitted by sexual intercourse but by exposure and by parents infected with the disease. Therefore, some people cannot help it. And it is so peculiar how we as Americans always are at the forefront trying to eliminate problems in another country when we ourselves are immersed in the same issues. What about the growing popularity of the disease on our own country? I never took too much interest in the commercial because it portrays America in a "get-receive" light, if you spend your money to help eliminate AIDS in Africa, then you will receive the Motorola Red SLVR. What about quality humanitarianism?
That is interesting, now I have to go look up this commercial, but the way you describe it, it seem to be wrong. I think that is why, in the beginning Africa did not want our help with AIDS.
OKAY EVERYONE...I RE-POSTED THE VIDEO because somehow it disappeared.....
Post a Comment