# Are some companies targeting a-hole s in their commercials? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 17, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967 "2011-01-17T18:14:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/61 "2011-01-18T20:42:44Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > It’s funny watching a douche be clueless. It’s funny watching a dumbass get appropriately ridiculed. We like to see tv characters do the things that would be rude for us to do in person. Of course it’s a two-edged sword, because the reason it is rude for us to do in person is the reason the characters doing it come off as douches. Yeah, but… With the exception of “Mayhem” and possibly the Light Beer ad (the douche is the guy who \*doesn’t \*use the product, although the bartender is a bitch), most of the commercials mentioned here seem to be presenting the assholes, jerks, and dick-wads as the consumers of the product being advertised. What’s that supposed to make me, the potential customer, think? - “Hey, that guy’s just like me and he’s using product X! So I should use it too!” \*Nope. \* - “I want to be just like that guy, so I should buy that thing!” \*Nope. \* It just doesn’t seem like an effective tactic. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/62 "2011-01-18T20:52:26Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > Well, Sasquatch always kicks their ass in the end so I guess the message is not to mess with Sasquatch. > > Also, eat beef jerky. I have noticed that in the early commericals, they just played their joke and the ad ended but more recently, Sasquatch gets the last word. I think they realized how douchey it was and this was a correction. ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/63 "2011-01-18T21:29:21Z")
> [@Raskolnikov](#): > > does the munching in the commercial bother you? I find it annoying. A little, but not much. It would be odd if they were eating (fast food-style) tacos quietly. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/64 "2011-01-18T22:33:13Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > Yeah, but… > With the exception of “Mayhem” and possibly the Light Beer ad (the douche is the guy who \*doesn’t \*use the product, although the bartender is a bitch), most of the commercials mentioned here seem to be presenting the assholes, jerks, and dick-wads as the consumers of the product being advertised. > > What’s that supposed to make me, the potential customer, think? > > - “Hey, that guy’s just like me and he’s using product X! So I should use it too!” \*Nope. \* > - “I want to be just like that guy, so I should buy that thing!” \*Nope. \* > > It just doesn’t seem like an effective tactic. You obviously haven’t met some of the people I work with. 😃 I like the Mayhem commercials, just because the guy cracks me up. “I’m a teenage girl!” _drives car into another car, walks off_ He’s too over the top to really get upset by. Also, I’ve bee to some pretty decent places where $6-7 got me a nice burger, fries, and a drink. Dunno where the dividing line between “Fast food” and “Diner” is for you though. Did I mention the Sonic commercials? I think I’ll mention them again. The obnoxious guy in the car always annoyed the hell out of me. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/65 "2011-01-18T23:12:06Z")
There’s this one Tide commercial where everyone in it is an a-hole. The dad doesn’t like his young daughter’s short skirt, so he wipes grease on it as it’s drying on the clothesline. A-hole. The mom gives dad dirty looks when they discover the dirty skirt and she washes it in Tide. A-hole. Daughter leaves house wearing now cleaned skirt, rubs dad’s head tauntingly on the way out. A-hole. Rapper goes on about girls in short skirts “shakin it” and how he’s gonna “make ya mine” during the whole commercial. Creepy A-hole. Some may say, well, how’s the mom an a-hole? Well, same as the dad, she’s completely disregarding anything the other parent has to say on the issue of the skirt. Clearly dad finds it inappropriate, mom finds it appropriate, and damn it, they’re not going to come to a consensus or anything, nope, just going to each do their own thing and if the other parent doesn’t like it, forget you. Yeah, it’s just a silly commercial, and I’m overthinking it. Whatever. I’m just sayin, them people being portrayed? Assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freddy_the_Pig)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/66 "2011-01-18T23:14:57Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > Is Miller Lite even legally considered beer? Only if it’s served to you by a hot but totally bitchy woman who questions your masculinity. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/67 "2011-01-18T23:31:31Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > I think it’s BMW who has my all-time most annoying car commercial. They run this every year around Christmas. The setup is that people are dazzled by Christmas lights, yet this couple with no lights Grinches it up by opening their garage and shining the headlights, driving the cars slowly onto the driveway as people flock to see them. > > It’s just a car, and not a particularly great one at that. Get over yourselves :rolleyes: You just know a neighbor is saying “I wish the Wattersons hadn’t moved, they had the best lights…these douches just have two $700 a month car leases.” ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/68 "2011-01-19T00:20:42Z")
> [@TBG](#): > > Some may say, well, how’s the mom an a-hole? Well, same as the dad, she’s completely disregarding anything the other parent has to say on the issue of the skirt. Clearly dad finds it inappropriate, mom finds it appropriate, and damn it, they’re not going to come to a consensus or anything, nope, just going to each do their own thing and if the other parent doesn’t like it, forget you. Eh, the dirty look from the wife is justified, the dad is being petty and she’s having to clean up after him. The two of them not going bash brothers and teaming up to make their daughter wear a longer skirt (or heaven forbid, wear pants) is a different issue. > [@Freddy the Pig](#): > > Only if it’s served to you by a hot but totally bitchy woman who questions your masculinity. But why would I go to a bar like that? I mean, a coffee shop, sure, but a bar? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/69 "2011-01-19T00:28:24Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > I have noticed that in the early commericals, they just played their joke and the ad ended but more recently, Sasquatch gets the last word. I think they realized how douchey it was and this was a correction. I don’t think so. [Someone did a collection of the ads](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR-at8V5cvI) and in each one the pranksters get physically abused in some fashion or another. Maybe you saw “short commercial” edits or something. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/70 "2011-01-19T00:58:13Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > Is that the commercial where one kid’s parents are singing a song about angels? I have never noticed what brand of car it is mainly because as soon as I hear the singing, I mentally block the commercial That’s “Angel of the Morning”, a VERY popular '70s song. That’s why it’s driving the kid crazy. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/71 "2011-01-19T01:07:24Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Amen. You spent over $130 on your shades? I hope they’re prescription, or you’re simultaneously flaunting your great financial prowess at picking up a Kindle cheap while at the same time demonstrating your total financial gooberness by spending 5 times what the shades are worth. I know things are different in the US, but $130 seems extremely reasonable for a decent pair of polarised-lens sunglasses here, especially if they’re from a well-known, decent brand. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/72 "2011-01-19T01:37:38Z")
Just paid $269.00 for my prescription polarized sunglasses. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/73 "2011-01-19T01:39:04Z")
> [@TBG](#): > > Some may say, well, how’s the mom an a-hole? Well, same as the dad, she’s completely disregarding anything the other parent has to say on the issue of the skirt. Clearly dad finds it inappropriate, mom finds it appropriate, and damn it, they’re not going to come to a consensus or anything, nope, just going to each do their own thing and if the other parent doesn’t like it, forget you. Dad just doesn’t want to get a woody when his daughter walks by. > [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I know things are different in the US, but $130 seems extremely reasonable for a decent pair of polarised-lens sunglasses here, especially if they’re from a well-known, decent brand. I guess you and I have different expectations from a pair of sunglasses. It’s my impression that even cheap shades come with polarized lenses. Of course, I don’t wear sunglasses. Since I wear glasses for vision, it does me no good to shop for sunglasses. I currently have frames with custom clip on shades. Last set was that way too. Keeping up with a second set of prescription glasses and then having to trade them out is too much hassle. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/74 "2011-01-19T01:59:39Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > That’s “Angel of the Morning”, a VERY popular '70s song. That’s why it’s driving the kid crazy. This commercial came on just as I was reading this post! Add me to the masses who want that snobby little brat to die…and who are confused about who this ad is supposed to appeal to. I mean, if it were some supermodel sneering at inferior cars then that would be obnoxious but would at least make some kind of sense. But who buys a new car to impress a little kid? And is there any little kid who’d be more impressed by a $35,000 car than by, say, a $300 Xbox or even $3 of candy? ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/75 "2011-01-19T03:29:47Z")
slight hijack, referring to the Miller Lite commercials: if I have a choice between Miller Lite and a beer with less taste, you’re damn right I’m taking the one with less taste. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/76 "2011-01-19T11:23:22Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > I guess you and I have different expectations from a pair of sunglasses. It’s my impression that even cheap shades come with polarized lenses. Of course, I don’t wear sunglasses. Since I wear glasses for vision, it does me no good to shop for sunglasses. Suffice it to say that not all sunglasses are created equal and the more expensive ones really are worth the money, especially in places like Australia where people spend a lot of time wearing sunglasses outside. ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/77 "2011-01-19T13:00:24Z")
> [@Ponch8](#): > > slight hijack, referring to the Miller Lite commercials: if I have a choice between Miller Lite and a beer with less taste, you’re damn right I’m taking the one with less taste. To miss-quote Stephen King in _The Stand_, if I had to choose between Miller Light and bull piss, I’d have to sit down and think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/78 "2011-01-19T13:14:34Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > Suffice it to say that not all sunglasses are created equal and the more expensive ones really are worth the money, especially in places like Australia where people spend a lot of time wearing sunglasses outside. I dunno man, you’re gonna have to justify that one to me. And none of that cockamamie “It blocks radiation from space” nonsense like what those folks who sell Monster Cables try to pass off on consumers. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/79 "2011-01-19T13:16:30Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I know things are different in the US, but $130 seems extremely reasonable for a decent pair of polarised-lens sunglasses here, especially if they’re from a well-known, decent brand. I tried explaining that a page or two back, but no one seemed to notice. Prescription sunglasses are expensive and $130 will get you a very cheap pair that might not survive very long. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2011, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967/80 "2011-01-19T13:40:06Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > I tried explaining that a page or two back, but no one seemed to notice. Prescription sunglasses are expensive and $130 will get you a very cheap pair that might not survive very long. I wasn’t talking about prescription sunglasses, though- I’m talking about “off-the-shelf” sunglasses for everyday use. You can get a perfectly _functional_ fair of sunglasses for around $20-$30- but for a “Good” set (from a reputable brand) $100+ is not only reasonable IME, but definitely worth the money. > [@Raguleader](#): > > I dunno man, you’re gonna have to justify that one to me. And none of that cockamamie “It blocks radiation from space” nonsense like what those folks who sell Monster Cables try to pass off on consumers. 😃 OK, well, I think of myself as a man who appreciates a good pair of sunglasses. I spend a lot of time wearing them (particularly when driving), and I have to say that the glare reduction and view clarity that is apparent to me through something like a pair of Serengetis or Maui Jims is far superior to that in a pair of K-mart brand sunnies. Sure, the K-mart sunnies will do exactly the same job at blocking UV rays (by law they all sunnies here have to meet certain minimum specs in that regard), but there’s a noticeable difference in things like “Product Quality” with the cheaper ones IME. Also, in my experience, there’s different effects of having polarised lenses- I had a cheap K-mart brand-type set about 18 months ago and they made things like tinted windows and mirrors look slightly psychedelic. I’ve also found some sunglass lenses are too dark, some frames bend out of shape too easily, and so on. To be fair, one of the three best pairs of sunnies I’ve owned was a set I bought for $17 at a Walgreens in San Francisco, so I’m not saying you _must_ spend three figure sums of money on a set of sunglasses or else they’ll be complete rubbish- but in my experiences in Australia and New Zealand, the quality of a decent set ($80+) of sunglasses is far enough ahead of the cheaper stuff to be both noticeable and (IMHO and IME) worth the extra money. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-companies-targeting-a-hole-s-in-their-commercials/567967.md?page=5)