For most people, The Super Bowl is a time to come together and have fun while watching two of our nation’s best football teams compete in the most televised event in America. The 51st annual Super Bowl has come and gone and the Patriots, yet again, have taken home another trophy.
Personally, my own celebration consisted of chips and dip, wings and most importantly, the commercials! This year, unlike in the past, many of the funny and witty commercials we’ve all grown to expect were replaced by more serious ones, composed of politically charged underlying messages. Some companies took advantage of this big television day in order to subtly express their stance on America’s newest President. Here are some examples:
- Airbnb
Airbnb has recently launched a campaign known as #weaccept. Taken from their website, their campaign represents their belief, “in the simple idea that no matter who you are, where you’re from, who you love, or who you worship, you deserve to belong.” Their commercial beautifully portrayed the meaning behind this movement. Airbnb represents the notion that the world is a better place when we accept others, conveying this in the diverse people chosen for the commercial.
- Audi
Just weeks after the Woman’s March, Audi aired a commercial that exhibited their dedication to equal pay for women. In this specific commercial, a little girl races a bunch of boys in boxcars while a father expresses his concern that she will never be equal to men. However, when she wins the race, it signifies that the inequality between men and women does not have to continue. We can teach little girls not let this stigma get in the way of their dreams.
- 84 Lumber
Throughout Donald Trump’s campaign, one of his many controversial promises was to build a wall between the Mexican and United States border in order to prevent illegal immigrants from entering. 84 Lumber took it one step further by making a commercial showing a daughter and mother trekking through Mexico in order to get to America and live a better life. However, when they get to the border, they find a huge wall blocking their entrance. The mother loses all hope – there is fear and heartbreak in her face. Then 84 Lumber shows a big door that allows them to cross the border into America and begin a new life.
A unique climate is created when pop culture, sporting events and politics all work to define American values and inspire us to come together for a greater good. No matter the cause, you have a voice. Speak UP and speak OUT.
To see these commercials, click these links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6u10YPk_34