Parlor Spider...Step In, Little Fly

Insightful thoughts and/or rants from atop the soapbox from one who wishes to share the "right" opinion with everyone.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Focus on the Super Bowl

This country was founded on principles like separation of church and state. I think an unwritten rule has always been enforced separating sports and social causes as well. I mean, face it, sports geeks want to watch sports, not commercials, and during those times of viewing, I doubt that they want tlo reminded of their civic or moral duty. Give us spuds McKenzie or some super creative ad that gives us water cooler discussion material for days. Let us debate whether the coach should have called a specific play at a certain time or whether or not a certain player really IS a bonehead and should be traded. You know, simple, no-brainer stuff without a hint of how I should be changing my "real" life for the betterment of mankind...or even myself. For my money, that also involves a proscription against ED or prostate drug commercials in addition to that incredibly irritating woman who does the Progressive Insurance commercials. But that's just me.
Maybe it's the economy. Time was when companies were leaping over each other, outbidding rivals to pay the millions of dollars necessary to procure 30 seconds or so of ad time during the Super Bowl. It got to be a real test of creativity, and television fans all over would put off the bathroom or nacho break just to see the great commercials. Now, however, I fear CBS has begun to tread on very dangerous ground and risks alienating an entire country of sports geeks.
Some would say, "It's about time," and some will be furious about the decision to sell $2.8 million dollars' worth of advertising to a group called "Focus on the Family" which plans to air a spot featuring Pam Tebow, mother of uber-famous football player Tim Tebow. Mrs. Tebow was advised in 1987 to abort her fetus because of a serious ailment she got while on a mission trip. She refused, and the result was Tim. Worked out well for all of us...sports geeks included. However, many groups are already voicing strong opposition to the ad promoting a pro-life stance.
NOW claims that an "ad that uses sports to divide rather than unite has no place in the biggest national sports event." There is some precedent for this. Back in 2004, CBS refused an ad from the United Church of Christ which welcomed into membership all the disenfranchised, including gays. CBS claimed the ad was too controversial and not in keeping with the aura of the game (unlike beer-swilling dogs and scantily-clad women).
Joining religious/social morality with sporting events sets an ominous tone, much like the recent Supreme Court ruling which allows groups unlimited spending for political announcements around election time. No matter what my or your stance is on pro-life/pro-choice, inserting a message of either kind into a sporting event is bound to alienate a lot of people.
Don't overestimate the average NFL fan. He or she will be in the bathroom or getting nachos as soon as that commercial begins.
We want an escape from all the hard decisions of life...that's why we're sports fans.
But then, I could be wrong.

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