When advertising does good in politics
We’ve seen the worst in political ads this election- but once in a while, advertising can really make you think- like this ad by Grey advertising. Simple bit of Photoshop- and you get an image that puts things in perspective.
"let the issues be the issue"
Consider who you’re voting for: Obama or McCain. Now, look at the reversed-race image created by Grey. Ask yourself: If their races were reversed, would it change your opinion of either candidate, even for a second? Grey New York chief creative officer Tor Myhren explains: “This is a non-partisan image. We wanted to address the race issue straight on. And it cuts both ways. If you’re hopping on either candidate’s bandwagon solely due to the color of their skin, you’re voting for the wrong reasons.” So, the agency’s hoping to provoke discussion. Fair enough. Discuss.
Not all political advertising has to be a smear or a sound bite.
Why can’t race be the issue actually discussed in America? Is there fatigue? Mr. Obama’s candidacy could have opened up a real discussion on race instead it opened up the same old discussion “Will white folks vote for a black man.” There are all kinds of racial elements that are at a core to American’s beliefs of the world around them.
But let’s just pretend we are color blind? Mr. Obama’s success can’t be historic if it doesn’t change perceptions….