Is it the return of the magical negro?
Is this the Obama effect? Or just another way for the advertising industry to downplay the lack of diversity in the ranks by 'playing up' the super black man imagery. Does black by casting style of inclusion assuage guilt? Or do I think to much about the unfair hiring practices in the advertising industry?
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I don't know. I do know I love these commercials and from people that I talk to they are very popular because everyone including white folks are saying, "Did you see that commercial...?" I hope that with the popularity of these commercials will spark more to be made. Black folks can act too.
Tiffany
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com
I agree with redbone on this one. There comes a point when you have to accept that talent is talent and ride. That maybe some clients and agencies are trying to be more inclusive at least on screen in this instance, of all audiences.
Anyway, for me, the "magical negro" was more of a filmic device. The old (or older) colored (yes colored) person who imparts wisdom plus a dose of down home common sense to some caucasian. These spots weren't that, they seem closer to what me and mine call "white boy humor". You know, slapstick, stoner, dorm room idiocy. And if that's what passes for funny these days well, I'm gonna go stick my dick in the mash potatoes.
Well, the guys are quite magical & I can see how they could possible assuage guilt but I think they are just fun & bad ass at the same time.
Plus, I can't see a white guy playing either of these caricatures.
Hmmm, I think you may be over-thinking this one. I agree with Redbone I think the casting was dead one, perfect for both spots. We should embrace the fact that both spots ran nationally. Kudos to both K&G and Old Spice.
BTW, let's be honest. Would you now consider trying/using Old Spice after that spot? I personally have never used the product...however, that may change in the near future.
"dead on" not dead one, sorry.
I actually like both spots. Th K&G one falls apart a bit at the pogo stick incident, but both funny. It seems a bit of the Obama effect combined with the common practice of casting black. However I agree, I couldn't see anybody else doing these spots as well.
Why is that? There is something in that that we may be ignoring. Maybe it's the black man as phallic symbol thing.
Riv you know you never stop wearing the original old spice cologne and polyester leisure suits. Watch-out-dere-nah-yung gull!!
I'm on board with the previous posters, although I could see a few other groups successfully playing the roles, particularly the Old Spice ad because of the type of humor as mentioned earlier. I take the OS spots as poking fun at the magic that other products promise while also playing around with/modernizing the old school manliness that Old Spice represents. In 2010 a pipe smoking ship captain won't cut it if their trying to expand their market (although, if well plaid, it probably could).
I think/hope Obama has helped people to think more broadly about who can fill these roles though. I also feel you on the pogo stick at the end, but same thing, I think its inserting black men in a type of humor that till now has been considered "white". It sort of pokes fun at the idea of being really invincible at the end. It's silly in a way that black men don't typically get to be...maybe even a little vulnerable in that it's just goofy. I love seeing that dimension.
their trying - they're trying sorry!
Jennifer we need you to stop what you're doing and go apply at an advertising agency today! We need that thinker of yours!
No seriously, go today.
The Old Spice spot was extremely funny. That is all.
I read somewhere - can't quite remember - that the Old Spice dude got the spot from reading for it over an answering machine and the director created the character kind of based on his performance/reading.
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