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“A dream you dream alone is only a dream; a dream you dream together is reality.” — Yoko Ono
Feb
26
Jim Beam Ad Remakes Even Worse Than Originals
Filed Under Australia, International, marketing, media, misogyny, objectification, patriarchy, pop culture, sexism | Posted by Cara |
You might have seen the extremely offensive and sexist Australian Jim Beam ad series last year at Hoyden About Town.
The Neighbours shows naked women sunbathing outside in their backyard, with men peeping on them. The Girlfriend shows a doormat of a woman explaining how she likes when men neglect her. The Tragedy shows a very attractive woman explaining how she’s sexually attracted to other women.
In all of these, the title of the ad is stated with the word “the” highly emphasized in order to indicate that a phrase like “the girlfriend” means “the ultimate, world’s best girlfriend.” And of course, what could be a bigger tragedy than a woman whose sexuality doesn’t revolve around men?
Now, Jim Beam is holding a video remake contest, where they encourage their “fans” to make their own versions of the commercials. Obviously, with the ads so offensive in the first place, this was always going to be a disaster. But one particular remake of the Girlfriend is especially appalling.
The original ad:
Get it? Because what’s better than a woman who doesn’t have any desires or feelings of her own, but only exists for men’s sexual pleasure without pesky little nuisances like consent getting in the way?
Thank fucking god I don’t drink bourbon. Though, interestingly, I certainly could use a drink. Perhaps this was their real marketing strategy all along?
Thanks to Jenny for the link.
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“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.” — Susan B. Anthony
Makes me want to have a glass of something, too. I’m thinking some nice Irish whiskey. Probably Jameson.
Although you could read it as ironic; in the sense that it is saying the girlfriend in the original advert was so far from being a real human being, she might as well have been a doll. It points out the misogyny in the original ad by taking the advert to its logical conclusion and uncovering its real message.
But, perhaps, I am being too generous.
Yeah, the second time watching it I thought that interpretation might maybe fly. Until the part where she’s deflated for a laugh. Then my generosity went out the window.
Ew. Ew, ew, ew.
Sometimes I think, is that all men really want from us? It seems like for most of them, it is.
And then I get really sad. Gods, now *I* need a drink. Never buying Jim Beam ever again though.
I am fucking grateful that I am a non-drinker. I cut off the remake that was posted after four seconds. Four seconds. Blatant misogyny at its worst.
I’m kinda on the fence with this one too. Most of the text does sound like it’s trying to make fun of the blokes who watch and like this sort of ad, albeit in some fairly tired and stereotypical ways.
But it does seem rather unlikely to reach its target audience.
Trying to keep track of all the sexist and misogynistic alcohol ads… makes me want to drink. Can we start a feminist brewery?
I’m with Feminist Avatar… I think the new one with the doll is just good, clean, feminist satire.
And even if not… it’s really best that men who find such things appealing go pester blow-up dolls instead of breathing women.
I don’t drink so all alcohol ads are offensive to me. Many of them are highly misogynistic. This one is so gross!
I might be the only bourbon drinker here, but that original ad is still embarrassing. Jim Beam is the cheaper stuff anyhow though, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised?
I agree that the second one is feminist satire.
To me, the remake is clearly making fun of the original. I think it’s doing a pretty good job highlighting exactly what’s wrong with it too.
Just one more reason to stick with Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey.