Volkswagen Ad Didn't Escape Probing Eyes of Mental Health Groups
Another automaker was targeted by the suicide prevention groups for having ads that suggest suicide. Europe's largest automaker and maker of renowned Volkswagen performance parts, Volkswagen AG didn't escape the probing eyes of the suicide prevention groups. Five mental health groups have recently demanded that Volkswagen scrap its new TV spot that shows a depressed guy on a ledge who decides not to jump off the building after he hears that Volkswagen is offering three vehicles under $17,000.
According to Keith Price, VW spokesman, the company has no plan whatsoever of scrapping the ad since "We see no reason to stop at this point. We are willing to continue the discussion. But controversy is not something VW has shied away from its marketing."
The complaints came pouring in after General Motors has agreed to modify the ending of their Super Bowl ad that features a depressed robot that jumps off the bridge. Masterfoods USA similarly scrapped their Snicker's ad because gay activist groups complained that the reaction of the men on the commercial is homophobic.
The Volkswagen's commercial "Jumper" was first aired last Monday at NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The ad was created by Crispin Porter + Bogusky and is also shown at YouTube. Before the ad was aired, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA has sent a letter to VW requesting for its stoppage. Another letter was sent to VW last Wednesday asking for the stoppage of the ad but this time it was from four mental health groups: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, mental Health America and National Alliance on mental Illness.
Madison Avenue is feeling the increasing pressure from activists who are keen in checking commercial contents. And that's not all; it seems also that interest groups actually have the power to apply pressure even on some of the world's largest companies.
Barry Glassner, professor of sociology at the University of Southern California said, "There's little that marketers or politicians can do if power advocacy groups coalesce against them. In some cases, they're crucial corrective that society needs. In other cases, they go overboard." But in this case, Glassner is in support of the advocacy groups.
Jerry Reed, executive director of Suicide Prevention Action Network USA also said, "There's nothing entertaining about the public health tragedy of suicide." This was seconded by Robert Gebbia, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention saying, "You shouldn't use mental illnesses as a way to sell cars."
But according to VW spokesman Price, the automaker didn't mean to harm anyone with its commercial and further stated "it was not designed or conceived to offend anyone" unfortunately due to forces we cannot control the whole ad thing came out offensive to some people. This was answered by crisis consultant Jonathan Bernstein saying that Volkswagen should dump the ad completely, "VW should have learned a lesson from GM. It's not worth running an ad that's socially controversial."
Related Tags: auto parts, volkswagen performance parts, volkswagen auto parts, performance parts, parts volkswagen, performance auto parts, performance parts volkswagen
Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Improve the Value of Your Truck With a Truck Bed Cover
If you are a truck owner and are looking for a way to increase the value and also protect your inves - An Overview of Emergency Road Services
Anyone that owns a vehicle definitely understands that there are truly countless facets of driving a - Buying From Car and Truck Auctions in Canada
Buying a vehicle from an auction can be a good way to pick up a bargain as long as you know what you - 2011 Green Car Of The Year- Who's In It To Win It!
The Green Car of the Year award is a program designed by Green Car Jouranl to recognize and honor ve - Honda's 2010 Odyssey is Efficient, Practical and Convenient
If you are looking for a minivan that has a seating capacity of up to eight persons and handles almo - Greener Trucks For Delivery Work
Green' is a word you'll hear a lot when it comes to transportation, from bicycles to buses - but you - The Courier and Haute Couture
Some jobs just ooze opportunity to flaunt yourself and show off your latest togs but sadly that's ra - All-New 2011 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has been a continuous leader for years in the family midsize sedan class by being a - The Various Benefits Of Summer Tires
As you probably know , different tires are optimized for different conditions. Not only that, someth - A Couple of Tips on Buying a Used Cars in Toronto
If your old car has finally kicked the bucket and you need to get yourself a new mode of transport t
Most viewed articles in this category:
- How to Remove Window Tint
Applying tinting film to car or household windows may be fun, but removing it can be tricky if yo - Transporting Your Car
If you are relocating to another state or another country for employment or family reasons, you may - Choosing The Right Sticker For The Motorcycle Helmet
When people decide to buy a motorcycle, the dealer will usually throw in a helmet. This is because s - Suzuki's 2007 Xl7, “wave” Grand Vitara Debuts at the 2007 Scias
In the news: American Suzuki Motor Corporation has presented its array of cars and SUVs at the 2007 - Nissan Skyline GTR: A Racer That Is Affordable
If you've ever eyed a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari Testarossa, but thought the price was too steep, the - How To Buy Cheap Cars
There are a number of seized car auctions held in various places every month or at least quarterly. - Federal Agencies Expands Hybrid Fleet
Three federal agencies in Kansas recently added hybrid vehicles to their fleet. The hybrid vehicles - New Cars, New Gadgets Presented at the 2007 Naias
The 2007 North American International Auto Show has become an event of glamour, fashion and technolo - Aura Green Line Added to 3 Federal Fleets in Kansas
Three Kansas City area federal agencies added Monday the new 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid vehi - Top Vehicles by Autoweek Editors Honored at 2007 Naias
Everybody has favorites. Bill may like Ford cars. Susan may be attracted much by the power of pi