Got a bunch of responses to yesterday’s column by Kate McMahon in which she questioned why some companies engage in Dad-bashing in their commercials - portraying us as ineffective dolts as a way of selling product - and lauded Daddy bloggers who fought back against one such campaign.
One MNB user wrote:
Loved Kate's blog, and your comments. I have seen too many single "fathers" in my lifetime. Frankly, the whole diaper thing is why I never had kids! I changed one on a newborn at age 15 and swore I would never do that again. At 59, I have stood to my word. More power to those who have/can do it! LOL!
From another reader:
The stereotypical suburban dad has seemingly long been the only non-protected species on TV. What other group has been portrayed so consistently as buffoons, dopes or just unwittingly incompetent? To quote Homer (Simpson, that is): "It's true - we're so lame!" - - and try to imagine the response if any other demographic group was shown the same way. Most of the time, if the ad is good-natured and amusing, I'll give it a pass. But these days it seems there's not much room for miscalculation - - the protests are coordinated and immediate. So maybe it's time to update David Ogilvy: "The consumer isn't a moron, he is your husband". On the other hand, if we collectively decide there's no room for parody, things are going to get real boring, real fast.
Another MNB user wrote:
As political correctness has encroached on every aspect of our lives the one remaining demographic that is still acceptable to poke fun at is...MEN. Notice how prevalent it is in advertising and sitcoms. White men in particular! Just notice if you haven't already.... You fit the demographic!
I’m white?
More about Supervalu...as one MNB user wrote:
People keep commenting about how SV is laying people off but executives are not taking pay cuts, and it made me wonder:
Jim Sinegal only paid himself something like $300,000 a year, which comparatively is not a lot at all. His real rewards came from stock options and bonuses when the company performed well.
Maybe SV could take a page out of Costco's book?
I think that’s the best model for a CEO. It is, however, not used nearly enough.
And from yet another reader:
I am a current Supervalu employee, I was here when the purchase of Albertsons came down. A big hush hush deal across the board. Here was SVU – established, making good numbers, prospering in the market, then we purchase Albertsons who was on the brink of bankruptcy. Triple our portfolio and costs across the board, on top of all of this, we adopt the struggling company’s policies and practices or better yet, send it off shore to be processed, create Supervalu India. Another great move!!! NOT.
Now where are we? Stock has tanked, morale is pitiful, and basically upper management DOESN’T CARE! We don’t feel any loyalty from the company at all.
One MNB user wrote:
Loved Kate's blog, and your comments. I have seen too many single "fathers" in my lifetime. Frankly, the whole diaper thing is why I never had kids! I changed one on a newborn at age 15 and swore I would never do that again. At 59, I have stood to my word. More power to those who have/can do it! LOL!
From another reader:
The stereotypical suburban dad has seemingly long been the only non-protected species on TV. What other group has been portrayed so consistently as buffoons, dopes or just unwittingly incompetent? To quote Homer (Simpson, that is): "It's true - we're so lame!" - - and try to imagine the response if any other demographic group was shown the same way. Most of the time, if the ad is good-natured and amusing, I'll give it a pass. But these days it seems there's not much room for miscalculation - - the protests are coordinated and immediate. So maybe it's time to update David Ogilvy: "The consumer isn't a moron, he is your husband". On the other hand, if we collectively decide there's no room for parody, things are going to get real boring, real fast.
Another MNB user wrote:
As political correctness has encroached on every aspect of our lives the one remaining demographic that is still acceptable to poke fun at is...MEN. Notice how prevalent it is in advertising and sitcoms. White men in particular! Just notice if you haven't already.... You fit the demographic!
I’m white?
More about Supervalu...as one MNB user wrote:
People keep commenting about how SV is laying people off but executives are not taking pay cuts, and it made me wonder:
Jim Sinegal only paid himself something like $300,000 a year, which comparatively is not a lot at all. His real rewards came from stock options and bonuses when the company performed well.
Maybe SV could take a page out of Costco's book?
I think that’s the best model for a CEO. It is, however, not used nearly enough.
And from yet another reader:
I am a current Supervalu employee, I was here when the purchase of Albertsons came down. A big hush hush deal across the board. Here was SVU – established, making good numbers, prospering in the market, then we purchase Albertsons who was on the brink of bankruptcy. Triple our portfolio and costs across the board, on top of all of this, we adopt the struggling company’s policies and practices or better yet, send it off shore to be processed, create Supervalu India. Another great move!!! NOT.
Now where are we? Stock has tanked, morale is pitiful, and basically upper management DOESN’T CARE! We don’t feel any loyalty from the company at all.
- KC's View:
