Any reader of Sports Illustrated knows that every week there is a small, one pargraph article, about the demise of culture (usually at least semi-sports related). I’m tempted to submit to them that this week’s sign should be that the word “DAMN” appears in two advertisements within the first few pages of the magazine.
One is a History Channel ad (“Move the hill? Or the whole damn mountain?”). The other is for an internet site (“blah blah blah, check the damn numbers!!”).
Now, personally, I really couldn’t give a flying f**k what language they use. It just seemed odd to me that a magazine like SI would run ads like that. I think they’ll hear about it from some of the more conservative subscribers.
It certainly is a sign of the times. Even as recently as 10 years ago I don’t think you would have seen “damn” in a major magaine ad.
That’s not what I’m saying at all. It was just surprising to me that they used them, that’s all.
Of course, I was also surprised by the full page photo in the prior issue of a female olympic swimmer wearing only Wonder Woman swim trunks and boots while cupping her breasts in her hands.
I’ve always seen cussing as something done privately. I do cuss, on occasion. I’ve even used a few in posts, mostly the pit, and about Jesse Jackson should get his head out of his ass and other musings…
But I’ve always viewed cussing as something that didn’t belong in journalism/advertising. Maybe ad writers are getting so bored, they’re trying to shock us with using forbidden words to recall their product. (Heck, this is SI, leader in flamebaiting journalism.) I view attempts like this like I do ZDnet’s continual Linux-bashing: It’s simply bait. I won’t bother to respond.
It can be worse. About two years ago an ad appeared in PC Magazine from some website retailer, I can’t remember who. The copy ran: http://www.SAVEASHITLOADOF$.COM.
Being cute, were they?
Fortunately the readers didn’t think so and responded in droves to complain. The ad was altered (SAVEALOTTA, or something) and subsequently dropped completely.