
Thursday Thinky: Acceptance & Rejection
- At a time when it seems that we are ready to open our arms and minds to more things, we always get reminded that we still have a long way to go.
For example, on one hand, you have Starbucks telling a beautiful story about trans acceptance and supporting the transgender community. On the other, you have the Frida Mom commercial being banned from the Oscar’s for showing a new mom and her new reality. So this week’s will straddle the fine line between acceptance and rejection.
Happy Thursday!
Brands That Caught Our Eye
Starbucks – Telling a beautiful story about trans acceptance, and then actually does something to help (Muse by Clio)
Not only did they commit to a monetary goal, but they’ve attached tangible impact outcomes to it. We know Starbucks has had issues with racism and cultural sensitivity here in the US, but maybe the UK brand has things a little more figured out. Bravo.
Thinky Grade: A
Frida Mom – The Freida Mom commercial that was banned from the Oscars…for being too real (Instagram)
Wow. I mean, wow. There are not a ton of moms here at Media Cause but there are dads…and I think any of us will tell you how VERY real this spot is. It’s also probably good birth control for anyone on the fence about procreating, ha. There is nothing overtly cause-related in this spot, but at its core, the cause is simply normalizing these kinds of conversations that have long been “taboo.” Making it OK to show the messy side of life.
The story, much like in the Starbucks example, isn’t narrated. It doesn’t need someone to “tell” us anything because we are in the moments with our main character. It’s raw and real and powerful. The product set they created fills a genuine gap in maternal care, and the connection that they’re building with their audience goes beyond commerce. SO, WELL DONE.
Thinky Grade: A+
Tackling Big Issues
PETA – A look back at 30 years of PETA’s racy activism, as it heads for retirement (The Drum)
Love em’ or hate em’, PETA’s “we’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign did get attention. And, apparently, was so successful over the last three decades that they feel like their work is done.
Thinky Grade: A-
Joaquin Phoenix and Rosario Dawson Star in Short Film About Climate Change (Muse by Clio)
Thinky Grade: C
Getting Inspired
FCB – In an attempt to combat noise pollution in Mumbai, FCB Interface created a traffic signal that stays red longer the more you honk (Campaign Live)
Design can have such a profound impact on driving awareness of issues, and also helping to Sooo, fun gimmick. But how much would this actually mess up traffic patterns, and will it have any effect on drivers’ prevalence to get impatient and honk? How will this impact crash rates or Mumbai Traffic police incidents if people get fed up with the gimmick and just start running lights instead of honking? I’m super curious, because it has really interesting roots in some behavioral psychology strategies. I hope there’s a follow-up.
Adobe – Adobe’s Oscars commercial is trippy…but is it also too expected? (The Drum)
There’s so much more to talk about when it comes to effectiveness and measurement…but that’s a post for another day. Thanks for reading today’s Thinky. See you next week!
PS: If any of the above made your wheels spin, we’d love to hear your thoughts–get in touch with us!
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