moodydove

So I opened up my Newsweek today and saw this ad:

After consulting the Google, I found that UCOB, in support of the Unhate Foundation has released doctored images of prominent leaders kissing. There are versions with Merkel and Sarkozy, Abbas and Netenyahu, and the Imam Al-Azhar and the Pope. Unsurprisingly, there's been an outcry. Here's an article:

ETA: The image of the Pope and the Imam has been removed. Protest prompts Benetton to pull ad
Thoughts?
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midgi

I like the ads, more so because they serve as a kind of commentary on foreign relations, human relationships, and social customs and sexuality across cultures.

Obama kissing Hu Jintao = priceless.

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MichelleBFT

I think they're serving an interesting purpose, and I hope the makers of them stand by them.

They should make you think. If they make you angry, you should think about why and see if those feelings are based in hate.

That's how I feel about them.

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"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

frau

i don't like that they're kissing.

MichelleBFT

Why?

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"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

Wiregirl

I love it!

Dedachan

I wouldn't say I have a problem with these ads, but when I think about it, I'm not fond of them either. Perhaps because a) they are trying to make a big statement but actually it is a bit obvious and simplistic, perhaps even childish, and b) they are preaching morality while doctoring photos, which in itself carries some ethical implications.

So while I'm not shocked and I fully support gay rights and could not care less about religious institutions, I don't find this campaign particularly clever.

CurlyElectra

I wish they had given Obama a prettier world leader to kiss. That is all.

RedCatWaves

Meh. I don't care so much. This company is always going for shock value.

I do think it would have been better if they had used real kisses, rather than created kisses. There are REAL pictures out there of world leaders kissing each other:

Saria

I think the problem is that if it's about putting aside differences, why are they kissing? I mean, the message is just lost in the shock value. The campaign isn't about gay rights, so why are they kissing? Wouldn't a hug or holding of hands be more effective? This makes no sense other than to make people clutch their figurative pearls.

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kayb

I've always loved UCOB ads. They ALWAYS push the envelope. I even used the ads to teach EFL classes about tolerance. If I could afford their clothes I would shop there. I've always liked the general style as well.

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ss40

I would be upset if they did that with my face.

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moodydove

Just want to point out that they are not all of men:

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MichelleBFT

Well, you aren't a public figure. Your face isn't really game for something like this.

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"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

midgi

Lol @ "clutch their pearls". I think they are kissing primarily for shock value, and secondarily kissing (although, not necessarily on the lips) is a customary way to greet others in many cultures, as well as a form of affection. ITA that it's a very cliched "make love, not war" kinda statement, but I also think it's effective in it's simplicity, and very relevant to current events.

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Dedachan

I do like that older photo with the nun. That one seems more focused and it tells a story. I like that the kiss evokes love, that it looks perfectly innocent and romantic, and that it is only an outdated church rule that makes it seem wrong.

I don't like that they're trying to recycle the idea. It feels gimmicky to me.

rainshower

^^ i actually agree with this.

i think the most these photos will do is create dialogue like this, where one group thinks the pics are swell, and the other group thinks they're for naught.

i'd really want to know about the person(s) who look at these pics and actually self-reflect and reconsider their views of others toward a more positive outlook.

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Lotsawaves

I think it just makes them look desperate. Benetton is trying to make a come back at other people's expense. They have always been a little radical, but this is violating other people. They haven't had to resort to this before. This economy is really bringing out the worse in people.

ss40

if I were a public figure I would be upset if they didn't bother to ask me how I felt about it. I'm considering running for mayor of wasilla after once upon a time goes off.

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legends

I have a knee-jerk dislike of everything Benetton does. Putting that aside, this ad just makes me roll my eyes, but I'm not the intended audience. The whole message is just preaching to the choir in my case. I agree with Saria that the point is to make people clutch their pearls, and since plenty of pearls are being clutched, maybe that's a good thing?

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