The TiVo has been protecting me from commercials, so I only saw this tonight during the SAG awards:
A commercial for birth control that depicts a variety of women of childbearing age picking things out at a store stocked with items like “Trip to Paris” and “Buy a house” and A Stork Bearing a Baby.
It’s nice to have choices, the commercial says.
They suggest that childless women had a choice, and we chose stuff instead of babies. They imply that women who desire babies and can’t have them would be consoled by a trip to Paris. I’ve been to Paris, and it was lovely, but nothing compared to a baby for someone who wants one.
With apologies to the gays for stealing their slogan, the desire for a baby isn’t a choice. It’s just who you are. A better interpretation of this commercial would be two stores side by side, the Stuff Store and the Baby Store. I’d wouldn’t look at the Baby Store any longer than I’d look at Forever 21. Some women would never leave the Baby Store.
I know this commercial is tweaking my memories of being too expensive for my deadbeat dad. Is it just me? Am I the only one who finds this offensive?
[EDITED TO ADD — I would assume not: I can’t find that commercial anywhere.]
9 responses to “Offensive Commercial”
I interpreted it differently. The trip to Paris was selected for now, presumably she could return to the store and pick out a baby later. In other words the message to me was using the birth control allowed you to sow your oats now, or in the case of choosing the house, have your ducks in order before taking the step to have the baby.
I think it is a good message, delay getting pregnant and live a little first: Be prepared for that 18 years plus journey.
I didn’t find it offensive, mostly because I am numb to much of what society and the media has thrown at us over the past 10 years especially. My wonder never fades at the plastic people who “report” the news.
But you’re right, this is presented as an “either/or” scenario.
My baby lust was brief and many long years ago, so it doesn’t twinge as it might once have.
My daughter and I both found it offensive. We did discuss the take that Zayrina mentions, but overall felt it was pretty tacky, depicting “shopping” for a baby over a trip, etc…We also both agree whole-heartedly that is sends the rather cavalier message that you can either “choose anytime”, or that you are childless because of a choice – *shudder*. Definitely feel it takes a serious subject waaaay too lightly.
Nope, you’re right — whoever came up with that one deserves a kick in the… teeth.
I don’t find it offensive at all. There are women who
1. can have children, want children, and leave it up to Mother Nature (like my niece, who at 35 has six children, 13 and under)
2. can have children, want children eventually, but choose to delay for whatever reason (like my 35 yo daughter, who is now expecting her first)
3. can have children but decide not to, ever
4. can’t naturally have children, but who choose to use other options, like test tube, IVF, surrogacy, or adoption
5. can’t naturally have children, and choose not to avail themselves of other options
6. can’t or shouldn’t have children no matter how they feel about it
The target for this commercial is numbers 2 and 3, and possibly 6. It simply doesn’t apply to the others, any more than beer commercials apply to me.
I suppose one could see it as “Hey, young women! You don’t have to have children! Look at all the other things you could have instead!”, and find that message offensive. But my mother didn’t have any choice at all and many young women in other parts of the world still don’t have any choice, and I find *that* offensive, and I’m glad the choice now exists.
I didn’t find it offensive when I saw it on tv. However, I have been checking around me a lot to make damn sure that stork isn’t stalking me!
Zayrina – I can see that, but it just tweaks me that a parent would weigh the expense of a baby against their dreams. Daddy issues.Becs – And, you have taken the Paris approach.Mare – yes, the idea that you spent all your money on other things and now can’t afford a baby, selfish. Shudder indeed.Allison – I’m with you.~~Silk – Here’s the rub, though, just like beer commercials, even though you aren’t the demographic it’s still broadcast to everyone.Amy_In_StL – He’s such a cute stork, too.
I can’t watch the commercial, but I think people ought to think very hard before they have kids. I’m a bore on the subject, as a matter of fact.
Hattie – I think I must give people too much credit for consideration before they have children. I always assume it’s the result of a choice, but often it just happens.