Holiday sales are ongoing and if you haven’t checked Shoppok yet for sales and bargains, you better hurry as some products you might be interested in could be gone in no time. Here is a Christmas advert that outraged the world.
Whether you are religious or not, it’s no secret that the Christmas holiday is the biggest shopping and sale event in the world every year even in predominantly Muslim countries in the Middle East.
Whilst almost every country in the Middle East has its own cultural festivals that are unique to its history, the majority are united in celebrating religious occasions, whether they are Muslim events or otherwise. And Christmas is one of the biggest and best examples of this.
It happens every year – as much as brands want their festive ads to make the nation feel gooey and warm, some people will cry “humbug” and pick up the phone to the Advertising Standards Authority.
In the past and even up until now, Christmas ads have been making a round of controversies every year. There are ads that are accused of racism, sexiest, and politics. Whether online, on prints, and on televisions, there are always ads that cause controversies and in this article, we are going to take a look at some of the Outraged the World and most-complained Christmas ads.
Whether you are buying online through classified ads sites like Craigslist, Gumtree, and Shoppok to name a few, controversial Christmas ads are always part of this holiday tradition.
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2020 John Lewis “Give a Little Love”
Some viewers have been left “disappointed” with this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert – and reckon McDonald’s did a better job.
While the “Give A Little Love” ad had some viewers in tears, others found it “boring” and were “disappointed” with this year’s effort. The heart-wrenching animation is accompanied by a spine-tingling cover of Alphaville’s Forever Young by popstar Becky Hill.
One Twitter user wrote: “Kinda disappointed with the John Lewis Christmas advert. I think the McDonald’s one is my favorite this year.”
Another said: “Just watched both for the first time, even though it feels bad saying it, McDonald’s has won!
“Even though John Lewis does get a good point across especially this year and at this time of year!”
Kirsty said: “Anyone else slightly disappointed with the John Lewis advert? I think Disney/McDonald’s beats it this year.”
Lis wrote: “The John Lewis ad isn’t my fave of this year so far. I like the Coca Cola and McDonald’s ones more.”
2012 Morrisons “Christmas Pud”
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reportedly received 234 complaints that a Morrisons “Christmas pud” TV ad encouraged children to feed pudding to dogs, despite ingredients being highly poisonous to them.
The ASA said the voiceover emphasized that “Not everyone loves traditional pud” and “it was clear that, in feeding the dog, the boy was doing something he was not supposed to, and it was also clear that the dog had rejected the pudding”. In addition, because the ad featured foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, it had been given an “ex-kids” restriction and wasn’t broadcast in or around children’s programs.
2016 Kmart “Show Your Joe”
So many reasons to be thankful for … living overseas at this time. But it was also well avoided in 2016, to be spared from the supermarket chain Kmart’s year-end ad, in which six male models in metallic boxers thrust their private puddings to the tune of Jingle Bells (jingle balls?). Nobody wants to see that. I mean honestly, no one. Although some guys said it’s hilarious, women were aggravated by the ad they called sexiest.
2017 Mark & Spencer
Marks & Spencer Christmas advert blasted by viewers who say burglar swears at Paddington Bear. The supermarket giant’s advert attracted a number of complaints from viewers who said it features the F-word.
It sees Paddington mistake the crook for Santa before helping him return presents he stole.
After all the gifts are given back, the bear presents the thief with a marmalade sandwich.
But as they embrace, viewers say the burglar menacingly declares “F*** you, little bear”, rather than the scripted remark: “Thank you, little bear.”
Stunned Jack Katz, 72, said: “I’ve listened to it on quite good speakers and it’s pretty clear. I think there’s been foul play here.”
Twitter user Rob Souza said: “Can’t help but hear ‘f*** you little bear’.” And Stirling Young tweeted: “F*** you little bear! Just listen.”
At the launch, M&S said they wanted to “appeal to the whole family”.
A spokeswoman said later: “He’s saying, ‘Thank you, little bear’. I think it’s really clear. We wouldn’t change the ad.”
2012 Asda “Behind Every Christmas”
Asda managed to piss off everyone with its 2012 campaign. Tag line: “Behind every great Christmas, there’s a mum. And behind every mum, there’s Asda.” Women were annoyed at the idea that they should do all of the work, and men fumed at their portrayal as lazy and unhelpful. More than 600 people saw fit to complain to the Advertising Standards Authority on the grounds of casual sexism, but the ad was cleared of fault. Still, it was a bit too late for Asda, having already taken the hit. Especially given that the ad’s final line was a husband asking, “What’s for tea, love?”
2010 John Lewis “A Tribute to Givers”
ASA received 316 complaints that the ad is Outraged the World, which featured a dog in a kennel outside in the snow, endorsed animal cruelty because it implied that it is acceptable to leave pets outdoors in very cold conditions. ASA, however, did not consider the ad to be “endorsing or encouraging animal cruelty or neglect or irresponsible pet ownership”.
There are many holiday ads that are Outraged in the World and can offend different people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs and this is normal in the world we are living in. Regardless of the ads, however, if you plan to shop early and have lists of products you want to buy, there should be no ad that can influence your holiday shopping. And because of this pandemic, your best choice is to browse Shoppok and find the products you are planning to buy, haggle, and keep your shopping slow to give yourself enough time to decide.
