Posted on December 23, 2014 at 8:00 am
Bravo Target!
An adorable 2-year-old from Minnesota named Izzy Bradley is featured in this ad for Target. She has Down Syndrome. Thanks very much to Target for understanding — and spreading the message — that all kinds of beauty are all around us. The more we see images of different kinds of people, the more we will see how much we share.
Posted on August 17, 2010 at 3:49 pm
I’m glad to see I am not the only one who is sorry to see Target use the classic “Free to Be You and Me” song in its ads.
The song from The New Seekers is a special memory for many people who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. It was the title song in an album about equality, tolerance, respect, and understanding our feelings. There was also a book and a television special.
Now Target has used the song in an ad, equating being yourself with buying stuff to express your individuality. It’s completely contrary to the original intent of the song and a real shame.
Posted on December 16, 2009 at 8:00 am
Is anyone as bothered by the Target Christmas commercials as I am?
They have a series of commercials reflecting tighter economic times by emphasizing their low prices. Great, I’m on board with that. But these commercials would be sour and tawdry at any time of year and seem even less so at a time that is supposed to be about generosity and family closeness. The theme of these commercials is that someone is unhappy with a gift because he or she thinks it cost too much and so feels uncomfortable and unworthy. Take a look at this thoroughly un-charming family tableau:
This is very unusual; typically, a commercial is a 30-second story with a happy ending. Someone gets good advice on a laundry detergent or insurance policy and is grateful — a bonding experience in half a minute. Christmas commercials usually show people thrilled to receive wonderful gifts that perfectly communicate connection and intimacy. Target’s commercials, though intended to be humorous, leave the characters feeling awkward and estranged, and I suspect the audiences as well. They certainly leave me wanting to stay as far away as possible from Target and promote the idea that bargains lead to bad feelings, not good ones.
