We've taken different interpretations out of this video. Could DirecTV merely be joking around with its depiction of what an undesirable human being is? Or does it legitimately believe that this connection is understandable? From the viewer standpoint, how do you view DirecTV's depiction of the child and the language used?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Think Twice Before Choosing "Cable" over DirecTV
Our blog is about a DirecTV commercial taken from YouTube. The advertisement's attempt is to persuade the viewer to realize the negatives of having Cable. This all seems pretty simple, until you actually watch the video. When DirecTV attempts to connect the undesirability of Cable to an undesirable child, the situation gets out of hand. DirecTV shows this child growing up and living what is considered an improper lifestyle. As the video comes to a conclusion, it shows this now grown adult giving birth to a baby which has the same characteristics as the child developed in the beginning from Cable. Saying "Don't have a grandson with a dog collar", referring to the grandson of the person who originally purchased Cable, the video ends telling the consumer to "Get rid of cable" and buy DirecTV. The use of the term dog collar refers to the apparel on the child, but it certainly isn't an actual dog collar.
By: Adam, Andrew, and Melissa (Group 6)
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Obviously DirecTV is making a joke of the whole situation and is exaggerating the chain of events that follows not having DirecTv. I also don't think that DirecTV created the "undesirable human" but they perpetuate the image of a guy in black clothing who doesn't go to school and hangs out in the arcade. He looks like a typical high school dropout my-mommy-hates-me character from any 80's or 90's movie. There's no subliminal message that DirecTV is trying to make besides making a joke of what having cable can do to you.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Ryan. I don’t see anything wrong with the video. I just believe that it was saying the cable was undesirable. It’s all just a joke saying that by having cable, which is supposed to be SO horrible, will breed to your children turning horrible.
DeleteI agree with Ryan also in that there is no subliminal message other then DirecTV trying to get more customers. This commercial is supposed to be funny and appeal to the humor of the audience so that they can get more people to switch from Cable to DirectTV.
DeleteThere's nothing more to really say that hasn't already been said. I'm just agreeing with all of your comments.
DeleteIt might be a joke, but it is offensive to people that do live this life style. How you you feel if someone said that your lifestyle was the "undesirable" lifestyle?
DeleteI don’t believe anything is wrong or saying a statement in this video. It’s all just a joke. The father begins by getting mad because of cable, which in return the daughter hits the table. Then it leaves to her having a bad life. Is this making a statement…..no, its just a joke. The child, everything is just a joke as to what could happen with the continuation of people having cable. It’s a joke trying to persuade them to not have cable, but get Direct TV.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Mariah. It's all a joke that is trying to get more consumers to buy DirectTV. It's as simple as that. A marketing ploy to get people to stop buying cable and buy DirectTV
Deletei agree with mariah and regan's comments. Direct TV isn't trying to make a point about these undesirable people in the commercial. This is merely a joke that they use to get you to laugh and talk about their commercial with other people. It is actually a good advertising technique to get people talking about direct tv, but that's all it is, it is in no way a commentary on people in society.
DeleteI agree with Ryan and Mariah, that this video should be taken as a joke, as that is what it was intended for by the company. It also puts the blame on the generation before each child, as if to say, "why did you do this to me?" It is jokingly telling you not to be "that guy" and be the one that ruins it for everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why people do take this commercial as an attack or offensive statement, however it just does not seem to be intended to come off this way. The language is harsh, but mean enough to understand that it is a joke. It does appeal a bit to ethos, in that ethically we know that people would not ever say these things in order to make a point, so therefore we know that it is a joke.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this point Betsy, of the fact that the commercial uses "harsh" language. I think that's a good term to describe it, considering it could be viewed as controversial as many of us are saying. Some people could be offended of it, while others could be less so.
DeleteWhile it may seem like a joke, though, it certainly depends on who is watching. If someone who wears that type of clothing sees this ad, it is most likely probable that he or she would be offended to see a commercial depict his or her style of fashion as undesirable. It would also be offensive to that person to see how DirecTV has that person acting, as to say that's how the company views how those type of people act.
ReplyDeleteMy point is, try and think of how someone could be affected by it, regardless of DirecTV's possibly innocent intentions. Because it seems definitely possible that someone was turned off by this way of promotion.
Personally, I find it rather ignorant on DirecTV's part to go to such lengths to differentiate its product from Cable. I understand how it can be seen as comedic, but the use of the word "undesirable" as a way to describe a person is an immediate turn-off. It didn't have to choose a style of fashion to associate with it's undesirable person, either. Using the dark clothes and items such as the "dog collar" on the "undesirable" person, it obviously emulates a certain type of people in today's culture. It viewed that type of people as a type that drops out of school, has undesirable children, and displeases their parents.
ReplyDeleteI am just wondering why DirecTV chose to go this route to prove itself better than Cable. There are many other options which it could have taken.
I agree with Adam's comments. The use of the word "undesirable" was defiantly an extreme word choice to use when describing a person. I agree with the fact that the video is trying to show high school drop outs who have undesirable children as a negative. I agree with that fact that DirecTV went too far in the way they choose to compare their product to cable.
DeleteI can see how it can be offensive how DirecTV is putting a negative connotation and reputation on that "punk an grudge" style. However, the purpose of this commercial is to persuade the audience to be customers of DirectTV by appealing to the humor of the audience. The commercial also shows how generation is effected by the previous generation. This is illustrated in the end where the baby is born dressed like his parents. This could illustrate something more in-depth such as the negative influences that the generation before one has rubbed off on them; however, the purpose of the video stands out so much that any analysis of a second meaning is pointless.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jessica. I feel like the commercial was not in anyway created to have negative connotations towards any groups of people, but depending on the viewer it could be taken the wrong way. I think that DirecTV was simply trying to pass a point and expose more viewers to their product than trying to attack a group of people. For me, the commercial is successful because it engages the viewers and exposes them to the product while being pretty entertaining at the same time.
DeleteI do not believe the commercial makes clear at any point that they aren't directly saying it is bad and undesirable to have the styles the commercial makes a mockery of. I believe it could be very offensive to many people, and its disrespect is very surprising. I think this was a poor concept for a commercial and is not effective advertising at all.
ReplyDeleteIm going to have to agree with Bryan. There is no definitive way to directly correlate the two, however the overall idea was doesn't seem like it was very well thought out. Not only does it offend others that live that sort of lifestyle, but it also didn't make me want to even think about switching my cable to directv. The only real reason i can see behind them allowing this commercial is that they made it out to be so much of a joke that people wouldn't even consider them to be serious and therefore no harm was done.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is your perspective that determines if you see the commercial as a joke or as offensive. If you are someone who decides to dress and behave like who DirectTV is considering the “normal or ideal,” you most likely look at the commercial as a joke and persuasive. If you classify yourself as one of these people you must likely think the commercial is comical and find yourself laughing at the end of the commercial. You also most likely find this commercial persuasive because you would not want your children to follow the path as the girl in the commercial does and break away from the “normal or ideal” person you have created in your mind. On the other hand, if you live the lifestyle that the girl lives throughout her life, then you will find this commercial offensive because it questions your lifestyle and states it is not the way you should live. It makes you feel like you are undesirable and everyone is displeased with who you are. Everyone should be able to live the way without their lifestyle being made fun of are labeled undesirable, even if it goes against culture norms.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea that different groups of people may take different considerations when viewing this commercial. However, I don't think DirectTV was trying to persuade people to not have "undesirable" children; I think DirectTV was trying to persuade the viewers to have DirectTV so that your cable won't go out and you won't be frustrated. However, I think they did a poor job of representing that idea.
DeleteI made a similar point in my own comment. I think the commercial appears differently in the eyes of various people. As you have stated, it is definitely humorous for those who cannot relate to the lifestyle of the girl. It is very comedic as intended by Direct TV. However, for those who can relate to the “undesirable” girl, the commercial is very offensive. It can be seen as degrading towards an entire group of people who have similar lifestyles as the girl. Is Direct TV trying to suggest there is something wrong with living like the daughter or is the company’s message being taken too seriously? Maybe they should have given more thought to the way their message would be perceived in the eyes of the commercial’s viewers.
DeleteI understand why some people may view this commercial is offensive. It labels certain people as "undersirables," and the visual representation of this group of people puts them in a class beneath "society." It's a misrepresentation of this entire group of people. However, the tone of the advertisement is completely sarcastic. It's hard to take this offensive social jab seriously considering it's meant to be a joke anyways. It's the equivalent of being mad at a comedian for making a crude comment that is a part of a joke.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is just merely supposed to be eye catching and draw your attention to DirectTV. One shouldn't read so far into an idea and make it so real, they are just saying that cable will make you frustrated so go out and get DirectTV. The conclusions that are being drawn are so stretched out instead of just taking it as the joke i think it was made to be. Direct TV is exaggerating the effects of having cable because in all honesty there are no effects. Either you have cable or you don't. Just like Bryan said, you can't directly relate the two things. They are just making an entertaining and exaggerated commercial.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting how they call the people in the commercial "undesirable." Just because someone wears a leather jacket and looks a certain way doesn't mean that they are a bad person. That may just be their style of dress, but this is the conclusion that i think many people come to when they see someone dressed as those in the commercial. People think that just because you wear a leather jacket and have piercings that you are a "bad" person, when this is not the case at all. There is much more to a person than just purely how they look, its impossible to fairly judge someone before you even get to know a little bit more about them.
ReplyDeleteI think that DirecTV went a little too far in the way they compared their product to cable. The fact they they called high school dropouts with undesirable children who disappoint their parents "undesirable" comes off as insulting. It also ha absolutely nothing to do with what kind of TV provider you have. It is just a very questionable use of advertisement.
ReplyDeleteI also agree. I think this use of advertisement was largely to create controversy. People are still discussing what is considered desirable and undesirable and if the commercial is acceptable. This can be seen through the video comments on Youtube still being posted. DirecTV definitely brought attention to themselves and made themselves publically known. I just don’t think this commercial was the best method to create the publicity.
DeleteThe Direct TV commercial attempts to make the argument that their product is better than basic cable. They try to portray the idea that if viewers don’t make the transition to Direct TV, their children will grow up living an “undesirable” lifestyle. The manner in which the argument is portrayed can definitely be seen as controversial. For those who live a lifestyle similar to that of the father, it is easy to find humor in the commercial because it is intended to provide a comedic twist between the services of Direct TV and basic cable. While I find the commercial funny, it probably appears differently in the eyes of those who live similarly to the “undesirable” daughter. They are more likely to be offended by the commercial because it attacks their way of life. This understanding complicates the issue making it difficult to say that the commercial is not offensive. People will view the video differently depending on their own lifestyles. I do not believe Direct TV was trying to offend anyone through their commercial, but the product is surely controversial. Different people will have different perspectives on the topic. I think they could have been more careful with the way they portrayed their product.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point Tyler. DirecTV definitely should have been more careful. While some people won't find this controversial, it is up to the company to realize the potential conflicts that could result when it releases something that will be visible to the public.
DeleteI agree with Tyler that DirectTV was not trying to offend anyone with their commercial but because of how depicts another way of life, the commercial surely becomes controversial. I discussed the same argument in my blog response and agree that your perspective determines how you interpret the commercial. I find the commercial funny because I live the lifestyle that is looked upon as “desirable.” Although if this commercial was attacking my lifestyle and making the lifestyle the daughter chooses look more desirable, I would be offended. It would hurt me to know that people are making fun of the way I live and saying that I am not the “ideal” person because I chose a different lifestyle from the culture norm.
ReplyDeleteFrom viewing this video, I think DirecTV has taken it too far. They are linking together characteristics without anything backing up the claims. They are making large assumptions throughout the video such as people who are considered punks drop out of school and play video games all day. There use of the term “undesirable” is making a huge generalization about society. Everyone has different viewpoints and opinions, so I think it is unfair to categorize these types of people as “undesirable.” The people who have spiked hair and wear black might think people who wear preppy clothing are the undesirable ones. This ad obviously appeals to this latter group and would not be as appealing to the “punks.”
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ali that DirecTV has gone too far. Arguably, a majority of advertisements nowadays make these ridiculous assumptions. However, I can see the reasoning behind it...No one likes commercials (Except for during the SuperBowl), so companies nowadays need to think outside the box to come up with entertaining commercials to keep the viewer's attention, and this is DirecTV's attempt of an eye-catching commercial.
DeleteI also believe the line has definitely been crossed in this commercial. They make personal attacks on the style of a very large group of people. As Ali said, the word "Undesirable" really sticks out as being ignorant and offensive. I think DirectTV really needs to rethink their plan for their next commercial which will surely have a similar theme.
DeleteThis type of advertisement has also been done with Time Warner Cable and a tv company where they decide whether or not to put wifi in it or not and if they don't that the world would become overrun with zombies. The commercials are just a funny way of advertising the company's services and products. It shouldn't be taken so seriously.
ReplyDeleteThis advertisement is obviously exaggerating the problems with cable and showing what they can lead to. I think they do this to catch the audience's attention and be compelling. In order to turn heads, come many companies choose a radical approach in their advertisements.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with adam that this could offend those people who wear those clothes, having someone depict you as a 'laughable' matter could and would be very offesnsive.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very biased from the start, it was attempting to show kids who wear there hair spiked as the punk kids that do not study and just play video games all day. There are many other type of people that they could use to prove that stereotypes exist. But instead why did they pick the one that has the spiked hair? I dont think that this was a message that was on accident or that was random.
ReplyDeleteThis video is funny and could be considered a joke. However, it is wrong for a company to use a stereotype and use it in a negative way to profit from it. It is unfair for the company to focus on a group of people and say that their lifestyle is "undesirable."
ReplyDeleteBased on the perspective the viewers are coming from, I could see how the video could be taken as offensive. Personally, I thought it was a funny interpretation of a stereotypical fear of parents: that their kid does not turn out the way they want. The "perfect expectations" of parenting could be considered slightly controversial, but overall, DirecTV is making light out of an exaggeration.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Regan's response. DirecTV does not have many options in terms of comparing differences from cable; it is simply an exaggerated attention-grabber to get their product name out into the open. To even consider that someone would seriously compare a stretched life story of a high school dropout to the choice between two TV providers is almost absurd.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that this commercial isn't intending to be offensive. I think the meaning behind what it is trying to persuade people of is deeper and is using future references to try and convince people that not choosing DirectTV now, could potentially have a greater affect on their lives. Obviously this is a stretch to say any of this would happen; although it is true that some of what they bring up could be controversial to people. I think though that the way this commercial is so fast-paced, that people may not be so quick to judge each thing they're saying; in the context of watching TV I think it would be even more easy to let details slip. I is also interesting to look at the aspect of how fast-paced it is; much of the advertisements in our culture are in fact flashy, overbearing, and are designed to capture our attention. It would be important to have things that are appealing to the public in a commercial, so these things we're talking about that MAY have a negative affect on people could turn people off.
ReplyDeleteBased on the fact that this is a TV commercial, I feel that there was no malicious intent when it was made. I believe that it was a commercial designed to engage the viewers and did so successfully. Though this commercial may be offensive to some people, it was not designed to be this way. I think it was designed in innocence and does a good job of passing the point and is an advertisement that will stick out in the minds of viewers.
ReplyDelete