Hanes underwear company gets a bit questionable with this new ad campaign. Joe of Joe.My.God fame has some questions about this ad’s objective:
The tagline: “Because the world gives you enough labels.” The name of the campaign: “Lipstick”. The ad was created by the Bombay division of McCann Erickson. Strangely compelling image. Is that a dildo? Anybody seen this in American press? I can’t imagine even the gay press allowing the word “faggot” to appear in an ad, but in this context, who knows?
Yes, that is a dildo and, if you look closely, you can see the words “no homophobia,” which seem pretty clear to us.
Your thoughts, readers?
queerunity
WTF? this cant be, im confused
http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com
Bitch Republic
I think that’s pretty lame. It throws in a bunch of lame stereotypes about gay people besides using the word faggot.
Shaun Tom
This is absolutely egregious. If I saw that in a magazine, I would immediately stop reading it. That word does not belong in any sort of media… especially when it’s attached to a man in a noose.
p/o
i don’t get it…
Rikard
I’d like to see a clearer copy of it and study the illustration. It’s not the kind of project an agency would give to a straight designer, or illustrator. It looks to be loaded with subtext and inside jokes. I see a man being choked by a cultural identity constructed from superficial products, a monster born of corporate marketing. The word faggot will make everyone pause and think “can they say that?”. As a side note, I’m a gay man on the masculine side of behaviors and wear Hanes Authentic Hipsters from their womens line. They are like a lot of the low rise, expensive mens briefs, but cheaper than most of them. That’s my little testimonial.
Dubwise
Rikard It looks to be loaded with subtext and inside jokes. I see a man being choked by a cultural identity constructed from superficial products, a monster born of corporate marketing.
THIS
Mike
first the Absolut ad with the “in an Absolut World 8 inches” and now this—not sure what’s going on but it seems too cliche to be good creative
CitizenGeek
I think if you drop the penis image, it’s a good ad. Definitely eye-catching, nice message and all that. That word is obscenely offensive to me, and most people (gay or straight) but it works in this context.
I can’t find where it says “no homophobia”, though …
Dawgson
I totally agree with Rikard. I think this ad is actually really really smart. It’s talking about how the “gay identity” has all this baggage that doesn’t apply to most or all of us.
Alacer
this ad is groundbreaking and very intelligently done. It dares to say all of this and wrap it into this bigger picture that captures a very defining struggle of many gay persons. I find stereotypes even more harmful and annoying than the actual hate because it is my belief that the hate stems from those stereotypes (gays can’t have real relationships, they’re all a bunch of queeny, lipstick wearing, effeminate drug addicts). I applaud Hanes for supporting this ad. I kind of see it as a big “fuck you!” I’ll be who I want to be.
p.s. – the composition and actual art is also very well done.
hisurfer
It works as art. Joe.my.god just put up links to two more ads: “paki” and “nigger.”
This looks like something I’d expect to see at an exhibit, or on an agit-prop poster. And I’d defend the artist if I did; the images have a certain power.
I’m not sure how I feel about this as an advertising campaign. If Hanes were active in fighting racism, phobia, etc. then I’d have fewer issues.
Hells Kitchen Guy
I am sure OUT Magazine & the Advocate will run these ads. They need$$$$
HISURFER
I am a know-it-all and simply want to say that this is a piece of art that I would have in my studio apartment. If you do not agree I will fail you in my class.
Tim
Love it.
Mike
you can check out other ads with nigger and paki at
towleroad.com
it’s provoking for sure.
hisurfer
Andrew, I’m not No. 13. I know other regular posters have also had issues with people adopting their screen names, then acting like assholes. Are you planning on addressing this ever?
Casper Odschild
Wow… this is a very surprising ad campaign to come from Hanes, arent they a rather conservative brand in terms of marketing?
Well I guess their marketing head decided those days were over.
I at least would have hired someone with a less detailed graphic style to hopefully avoid confusion.
I actually would have hired Siggi Eggerdtson.
Edensasp
I think this ad campaign about leaving labels off and behind is awesome… But I get it…Lots of folks dont.
It works for me and I am not offended. Oh well… However….The ad didnt make me want to toss my CK’s or Andrew Christians though….