Doritos, Gays and the Superbowl - Offensive or Funny?

[Wall-E1]

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/01/24/doritos-gay-ads-super-bowl/

Well, Doritos are getting themselves some free publicity before even airing their Superbowl ads. Their two Superbowl ads are gay themed and now the debate has begun as to whether they are funny or offensive. As a straight man, I found both of them to be completely funny and was not offended by them. I saw nothing offensive that would make me shield my child's eyes from the ads. They were just silly. I really don't think they are offensive to gays either. They are just comical ads. So, as a parent, would you be concerned about your child seeing the ads, or do you simply find them offensive? And, as a gay person, would you be offended by the ads? Or, do you just find them funny?

 

[eliza61]

As a parent, no. My kids were born and raised in Manhattan so they were exposed to all types of lifestyles from infancy so seeing 2 men kissing or holding hands wouldn't phase them.

It may also be that as a rule you don't see alternative lifestyles portrayed all that much (although its better than years gone past) so some people may be "shocked" more than offended.

I remember when the bud commercial "whaaaatsup" came out a few black folks were offended, I wasn't and after a while people just thought they were annoying (joke went on for too long.)

But I may not be a good judge as I think we take ourselves waaay to serious in this country. We need to lighten up. Someone is always screaming t hat little johnny is going to be scarred.

Remember Janet Jackson and nipple gate? we flipped out over 1/10 of a sec view of what may or maynot have been a breast.

I thought they were funny especially the first one.

 

[Nayan]

I hope they do air them! I thought they were funny and I wasn't offended by them at all. I find the ads for 'male enhancement' much more cringe-worthy then a couple of gay men eating Doritos.

 

[Tinkermommy]

Those were so funny they make me want to be a gay man!

 

[FireDancer]

I'm never offended by humor or even a failed attempt at humor so I hope they are aired.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Hi-lar-ious. No offense here at all. My kids have a gay uncle and two lesbian "aunties." I'd bet my bottom dollar they'd find these hilarious also!

 

[SAHDad]

The only thing I found offensive was the choice of drink in the first one. Those chips deserve a good beer, not a mixed drink!

I thought they were great commercials, FWIW. I didn't see anything offensive in them at all.

 

[Mrs. Darcy]

I think they're really funny, not offensive, but the sauna one is a bit much for prime time gay or straight.

 

[WheatThins]

Neither. Just stupid. And, they don't make me want to buy Dorritos either. They really don't.

 

[Mkrop]

I am not offended but I didnt find them that funny either. If they want to air them so be it

 

[krcit]

I'm never offended by humor or even a failed attempt at humor so I hope they are aired.

Even as a gay man? just kidding...dragging up a past thread. I know you're straight.

I think the ads are funny.

 

[disykat]

I thought they were funny and probably fine for Superbowl. Superbowl commercials are known for being edgy.

That said, I think they might be a bit much for regular viewing. For me, it wasn't the gay part it was the licking of the lips on one and the implication that he was crotch grabbing on the other. The same behavior to a female would have actually been MORE offensive, but is IMO too over the top for average tv viewing.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Count me in with the I think that was stupid category. If you are going for edgy at least be funny, I didn't even crack a smile

 

[Holly]

I thought they were funny.

 

[Mrs. Darcy]

Neither. Just stupid. And, they don't make me want to buy Dorritos either. They really don't.

lol I agree

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I think they're really funny, not offensive, but the sauna one is a bit much for prime time gay or straight.

this is how I felt when watching, but I am a bit of a prude.

 

[Mrs. Darcy]

this is how I felt when watching, but I am a bit of a prude.

I teach K and I can just imagine the kids saying "why is that man touching that other man's pee pee?" I know it's not shown, but these little kids are smart!

 

[IdesOmarch]

Nothing offends me except the fact that these big companies and ad agencies think that this stuff sells their product? No, definitely not IMO. I will never understand why companies spend millions of dollars on hiring ad agencies, producing the spots, then millions more on ad times on spots that make you go.......what? What product was that? Why do I want to buy something I do not even know what was being advertised?

And it definitely doesn't make me want to go out of my way to figure out what they were trying to promote, I just ignore it even more than a regular commercial that may have done a good job at promoting their product.

To me a good ad has to be a lot more than funny, funny can help if it really makes you want to buy the product, but first and foremost IMO, a good ad will make you want to think to yourself, "yes I need that product that is a great idea I need to run out and buy one of those". These types of commercials don't do that at all IMO. And I would think these ad agencies would know the LAST thing you want to do with a product promotion is take the risk or chance of offending people and totally turning them off the product, with the very spot that they produced to do the opposite. I do not get that at all. Not that this spot doesn't at least tell you what they are promoting, but it doesn't leave me wanting to go out and buy doritos either.

 

[4greatboys]

I think they're really funny, not offensive, but the sauna one is a bit much for prime time gay or straight.

this is how I felt when watching, but I am a bit of a prude.

I think it's a bit much too and I don't consider myself a prude. However it's not something I would want my 8 and 11 yr old to see.

 

[Heidict]

I don't find them offensive, but I liked the first one better.