Cancer is scary.
But some of the ways people spread the message about cancer is, well, a little wacky.
Remember the post I did about Hot Dogs Causing Butt Cancer? That's a fantastic example.
Another example is a PSA showing on local news channels. It tries to get you to get a colorectal cancer screening, but the way they do it makes me snicker...
But.... but.... but...
I know butt cancer is a serious thing, but can they be more serious on their ads? I see this commercial 2-3 times a week, and I always laugh.
Another one is more of a satire, but still makes me grin.
Are there any 'serious' commercials playing in your area that you just can't take seriously?
That pot PSA is ridiculous. One time I performed a comedy benefit show portraying Diana Ross. I lip synched her song "I'm Coming Out" and had folks dressed up like popular gay celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John and George Michael. Somebody thought the act was "offensive to gays" so they made a gay man do a PSA saying that "no homosexuals were hurt or offended in the making of this act". That PSA was so damn funny that the audience roared with laughter and it totally backfired on the person who thought the act was offensive in the first place. I laughed my ass off!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think there are a number of punny "boob squishing" educational ads too for breast cancer screening. Since I like puns, I enjoy the ads. I can't say that they motivate me to want to go for either test. I'm due for both. Any jokes on hand to get me through them?
ReplyDeleteWait. Is that ball cancer one on TV? It's great! Lol
ReplyDeleteThe one that makes me laugh is the one with the Osbournes. I know they're serious and that Sharron had colon cancer, buuuuut I just can't take them seriously about anything.
My friend at work is a survivor from cancer from when he was a kid. He's always making cancer jokes and I gotta tell ya, at first it was a little awkward to laugh at them. lol.
ReplyDeleteAs a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness there are TONS of breast cancer ads that are funny, and t-shirts, and bumper stickers...... The list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteSaving Second Base
I'm a Breast Man (on a pink shirt)
Groping for Screening
I have seen them all! I laugh at all of them too, BUT I have to say that BUTT cancer with BUT in big letters! How did no one think that was a bad idea? Seriously Ad Man!?
www.sweetydarlin.blogspot.com
Brandon, you and your blog both are cancer to the society and Idaho. I hope by saying that I didn't hurt cockroach's feelings.
ReplyDelete@meandmythinkingcap: Since you're a regular commenter, I'm not sure if that was a joke, a compliment, or if I said something offensive...
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's too early in the morning to tell?
Oh my! I hate myself when people dont get my humor. I love your blog and your post. This one was funny and my comment tried to be funny. :)
ReplyDeleteCancer and cockroach and cancer ad, maybe I should work on cliff notes to explain my comment. I hate my English teacher.
We will blame it on my restless night and my lack of coffee this morning... I had a feeling, of all the offensive stuff I've blogged about, this wouldn't be a topic that would set people off. :)
ReplyDeleteNot exactly a "serious" commercial, but there once was a local Spanish-language ad (in Miami)that featured a Cuban guy who had just escaped from Cuba. The idea was that once he reach dry land after swimming so many miles, his Cuban pals congratulated him and proceeded to invite him over to a seafood restaurant. The refugee Cuban then pulled out a rod with a fish attached to it and asked the seafood restaurant patrons to cook it for him. :P
ReplyDelete-Barb the French Bean
I've never seen anything like these- thanks for sharing them. I laughed a little, specifically at the "ball cancer" part of the last video, because I am TWELVE. *le sigh*.
ReplyDeleteHaha I love the look of recognition on the people's faces after she tells them that they can still get cancer.
ReplyDeleteI laugh at the one with Ozzie giving away a colonoscopy in new york. It just seems off the wall for him and this is Ozzie!
ReplyDeleteAdult Swim always has something funny like that :) Ball cancer.. hehhehe
ReplyDeleteI had cancer, and I found a lot to laugh at. It was still scary as hell, and I needed fresh shorts on almost a daily basis early on, but there is humor to be found there. I used to have a blast joking around with the chemo nurses.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably obey more PSAs if they were all delivered via Adult Swim :-)
ReplyDelete"but those tests" aka...but they're gonna shove something up my ass. lol. Too much. The cancer commercials really are so over the top ridiculous. I think Ozzy's commercial is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteCancer is very serious problem, we can't joke on these type of serious problems. please create awareness about the various kinds of cancers.
ReplyDelete