Archive for the 'Textappeal Culture Shock' Category
(Chronologically Listed)
February 1st, 2012
The News:
Social media networks were set ablaze recently with the release of an advertising campaign for HEMA, a chain of Dutch department stores. The campaign for the store’s new ‘Mega Push-Up Bra’ is fronted by androgynous male model, Andrej Pejic. Read more
January 18th, 2012
The News:
Galerie, a department store in Osaka, marked its January sales by hanging huge red signs emblazoned with the term ‘FUCKIN’ SALE’ in their windows and throughout the store. Read more
December 1st, 2011
The News:
The German sportswear retailer, Puma, has pulled a line of limited edition trainers featuring the colours of the UAE flag after complaints that they were disrespectful.
These commemorative trainers were created to mark the 40th UAE National Day, but rapidly caused uproar amongst Emirati consumers. Read more
November 21st, 2011
The News:
This week Benetton revealed its latest ad campaign, supporting the Unhate foundation, which features a number of politicians and religious figureheads kissing, including US president Barack Obama and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Read more
October 14th, 2011
The News:
Recently, Levi’s decided to temporarily withdraw a campaign in the UK that showed scenes of rioting, as the company feared this would be culturally insensitive in the wake of the devastating riots that took place across Britain in August. Read more
April 12th, 2011
The News:
A French anti-smoking campaign showing teenagers in a pose suggesting oral sex has caused an outrage in France. According to critics the ads trivialise sexual abuse and distract from the real health threats caused by smoking. Read more
March 2nd, 2011
The News:
The Iranian government filed a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the London 2012 Olympics logo, stating that it spells the word ‘Zion’. Although the term ‘Zion’ has a variety of different connotations, it is widely used to refer to the historic land of Israel and used as a symbol of the Jewish people. Read more
February 18th, 2011
The News:
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) recently banned Yves Saint Laurent’s television advert for their fragrance Belle D’Opium. They were concerned that a scene in which the actress playing “Belle” runs her finger down her inner elbow could be interpreted as simulating drug use, whilst her expressive dance movements could be seen as illustrations of the effects of drugs. Read more
January 19th, 2011
The News:
Korean netizens have protested against a Chinese ad campaign for the online game World II.
In features Chinese pop singer Han Geng, who launched his successful career in Korea (for those of you who follow Asian pop, his band was called “Super Junior”).
In a video promoting World II, Han is yelled at in Korean by a bossy lady from Korea. Thanks to World II, the singer gets revenge on her in the virtual world of electronic games, boosting his self-confidence. He then returns to reality, puts on an incredible gig and becomes a superstar. The video ends with a shot of the Korean lady, lost in the crowd, looking up to Han in awe.
November 24th, 2010
The News:
The Chinese brand of women’s lingerie, Jealousy International, has released a print ad featuring a Princess Diana look-alike, playing a cello in underwear. A young boy (Prince William?) holds a music score for her to read, with the headline “Feel the Romance of British Royalty”.