Monday, December 9, 2019

Time To Lighten Up

Often we can be so weighed down by the woes of the world that we forget there is much humour to be found in it. Indeed, I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that frequently, people take themselves far too seriously, mounting as they often do that white steed to proclaim outrage against some perceived wrongdoing. If you will bear with me for a few moments, I hope to show the lighter side of that outrage.

You are probably familiar with the following Peleton commercial which has garnered quite a frenzied, even rabid, response from those sensitive souls who are always eager to proclaim their truth as universal, and happy to foist it upon the rest of us:



As reported by the New York Times, many were deeply offended:
Many social media users criticized the commercial for being sexist and classist. A Peloton Bike retails for $2,245, and membership for the company’s signature interactive classes costs $39 a month.

The woman in the commercial, many users pointed out, was already fit.
Such carping criticism, it seems to me, misses the point of exercise in general, and of the commercial specifically, perhaps best summed up in this Tweet:


In any event, I have no use for such extreme political correctness. It suggests to me that some people have far too much time on their hands.

Which is why I was delighted to see this send-up by the always irreverent Ryan Reynolds (he of Deadpool fame) in a commercial for his new gin:
In an ad for Reynolds’ Aviation Gin called, “The Gift That Doesn’t Give Back,” we see Peloton Girl once again, same intense but unreadable expression, a wider shot cuts to her friends, looking as puzzled [and] concerned as anyone who has seen the ad feels.


Time for folks to lighten up and save their outrage for matters of real import, like climate change, neoliberal politicians, and the general state of the world.

4 comments:

  1. Ya gotta love it. RR is something else. He sure jumped on the Peleton uproar in a heartbeat. Good for him - and it's hilarious.

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    1. I've watched it a few times now, Mound. it doesn't get old.

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  2. .. it was an inspired piggyback or leapfrog by RR et al and their gin.. I had a lotta laughs via Twitter.. the psycho dramatic fun parsing .. same re the gin spot

    I worked in advertising .. and though unsuccessful at getting into copywriting and conceptualizing creative at that top level.. I still follow advertising as a McLuhan disciple.. I follow Richard Shotton via Twitter daily ( @rshotton ) who is back & posting intriguing examples of the good the bad & the ugly.. and the thinking behind them

    Since we don't watch much TV as far as series or reality shows.. we really only get our blast via sports programming and TVO, PBS, BBC.. neither of us can tolerate much of Vassy Kapelos or Don Martin etc.. but do see some retail propaganda again & again & again. We much prefer The Beaverton..

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    1. I will check out Richard Shotton, Sal. Thanks for the reference. As for the Beaverton, it does put things into their proper place, methinks.

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