I want to know how my readers feel about the "controversial" Motrin Ad.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008  by Cindy Droog

If you haven't seen the Motrin ad that's sparking Twitter conversation like no other in the microblogging site's short history, check it out here. Then, weigh in:

1. Should Johnson & Johnson have pulled the ad, and written an apology?

2. Were you offended, or (like me), did you want to scream these five words: Get A Sense Of Humor! 

I've had two babies in the last 2.5 years, and I thought the commercial was cute. It certainly didn't throw me into "hollaback mode." In fact, I've worked in public communications for almost 15 years, and my philosophy is this: If you haven't offended somebody, at some point, then I'd venture to say you've had a pretty boring advertising or PR career.

But back to mommyhood. I've gotta tell ya: my back IS killing me, and the commercial resonated with me because I love tongue-in-cheek humor. I also believe that laughing at ourselves is one of the healthiest activities we can do. 

I know that carrying a baby close to you is important for his well-being. I know I don't do it because it's "in fashion." I know that my childrens' health and happiness is my top priority. I guess that's why I was able to laugh at the commercial. These things are a "given" to me and I didn't think the ad questioned my values. Others disagreed. 

So, you tell me. I'm probably not the best judge, as I have been accused of not taking anything too seriously. I have been known to (and I quote directly from a card a former colleague gave me after we managed a crisis together), "find humor in even the most dire situations." 

You weigh in! Set me straight!

PS. If you're on Twitter, follow AmwayGlobal. It's where we share daily business headlines, provide links to new Opportunity Zone blog posts, and sometimes, directly address other Twitterers who have a jaded view of our business.

 


Comments

# Beth Dornan said on November 18, 2008 2:59 PM:

I think Johnson & Johnson panicked when they should have used the Twitterfest as an opportunity to engage their consumers.  Pulling the ad was an attempt to make something go away rather than dealing with what was clearly a passionate issue for some.

As for the "baby wearing," I was one who preferred to hold and cuddle rather than attach my children to me like an accessory.  And when they slept, I put them down so I could use that time for other stuff.  I really doubt they would have known they were attached at the hip or spine to me. The babywearing is great for some, but not for me, as I had rather hefty tots to carry.

# Heather Beaudette said on November 18, 2008 3:32 PM:
I'm not a mom, but I do know what it's like to carry around a child. I thought it was cute! :o)
# Bridgett said on November 18, 2008 11:33 PM:
Even with the "controversy", they are getting attention, aren't they? We're talking about Motrin and Johnson & Johnson and I don't even own a T.V.! I was a baby wearer--two at one time (twins). I got a lot done wearing them in their slings. Hands-free. And my husband wore one too (to give me a break most of the time from wearing both). No, the commercial didn't offend me. Not my experience though. If your back hurts while wearing the baby, something's not right. What did offend me is when my husband and I would be in public, each "slinging" a baby, (and we live in a “with it” Whole Food Market kind of a place) and people would realize that there were babies in our little sacks and say stupid things like: "They look all squished up. Are they comfortable in there?" In my mind I'd say things like, "No, I'm trying to toughen them up early."
# Carrie M said on November 19, 2008 1:29 AM:
I don't know what all the fuss is about....I have seen a lot worse commercials than that. I thought it was cute and actually pretty true. My baby's are 20 and 15 and most of that stuff came out way after my time but you still got backaches from picking up, sitting and laying weird ways because the baby fell asleep and you don't want to disturb them. Sometimes people want to feel important so they take on a cause or issue whether it is really an issue or not, and then it gets all blown out of porportion.
# Anna Bryce said on November 20, 2008 12:09 PM:
Wow. I thought the ad was cute and actually sympathized with moms. Where's the offense? But it seems to me that Johnson & Johnson didn't lose anything -- they appear responsive because they pulled the ad but it can still be viewed online so they're still getting mileage from it. And the visibility they're getting from all the controversy is enormous. And Twitter is really gaining credibility. Did anyone else see the "Hello My Name Is" sticker in the ad?

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