What is Sony Thinking with it's Ads?

[Griking]

So is Sony pushing it just a bit far with their latest advertising campaign?

Link from Joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/04/ad-critic-sonys-racially-charged-psp-ad/)




http://www.joystiq.com/media/2006/07/sony_whiteiscoming_ad.jpg

[digitalmouse]

What is Sony thinking with it's ads?

http://www.orlandoimprov.com/comics/mooneyp.jpg

I'll tell you what Paul Mooney is thinking. Paul Mooney thinks everyone at Sony is racist. Just plain racist.

[Vectorman0]

I really don't see what is 'that' bad about this. It may be a bit racey (no pun intended), but it seems more artistic in nature.

And to answer your question, Sony probably wasn't thinking. They could have just put a picture of a Ceramic PSP instead.

[heybtbm]

Ah...tolerant, progressive Europe.

I don't know if it's funny or sad that we would never see an ad like this in the US. Over here it's racist, over there it's art. I'll never understand it.

Anyway, taking "race" out of it, the ad still looks stupid.

[Muscelli]

I dont really see the problem with it, I know what you guys are saying with the whole racism thing, but thats not really what they are trying to give off in the message.. I sort of think that they purposely made it like that just to get press..

[roxybaby]

Wow. That chick totally wins the mullet crown. It doesn't strike me as racist, just like the latest calvin klein fragrance "controversy" ad.

[exit]

That's just ridiculous. Whoever came up with that idea should be beaten to death with a white PSP, not because it just screams racist, but for the fact that it's just bad art.

I could only imagin the hilarity that ad would cause over here, I hope Sony is stupid enough to use it here just for the reactions alone.

[njiska]

Yeah i really don't understand the racism in the US. Both sides are going out of the way to see it continues. It's not a major problem in most of the first world. I don't think i've seen an article on race violence in 5 years.

Further more playing the race card over something as simple as that ad is just being an ass hole.

[THATinkjar]

This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this. No, that friggin' ad is not racist.

Edit: roxybaby - Damn, your Wii/Carlton animation is brilliant!!! Made my day!

[njiska]

This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this. No, that friggin' ad is not racist.

See playing the race card with out reason only fans hate.

And THATinkjar I bet you loved the Loco Roco controversy, didn't you?

[THATinkjar]

This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this. No, that friggin' ad is not racist.

See playing the race card with out reason only fans hate.

And THATinkjar I bet you loved the Loco Roco controversy, didn't you?

I don't really understand you, njiska. Did you want me to explain why I don't belive this ad is racist? Or did you have a problem with me saying that this ad wasn't racist, when this thread wasn't about that? I'm confused...

I laughed at the LocoRoco thing. I can't see how that game is in any way racist, either. I guess some people look for racism, and others are blind to it. I guess.

[Ze_ro]

I guess we know where all of Acclaims old marketing staff is working now.

--Zero

[njiska]

This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this. No, that friggin' ad is not racist.

See playing the race card with out reason only fans hate.

And THATinkjar I bet you loved the Loco Roco controversy, didn't you?

I don't really understand you, njiska. Did you want me to explain why I don't belive this ad is racist? Or did you have a problem with me saying that this ad wasn't racist, when this thread wasn't about that? I'm confused...

Quite the opposite. I completely agree with you it's fucking stupid. But what i was trying to point out their was your first line:


This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this.

Just look at the anger you feel, because of the idiots protesting the ad. Criticizing the ad is actually causing more hatred then it ever would.

[THATinkjar]

This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this. No, that friggin' ad is not racist.

See playing the race card with out reason only fans hate.

And THATinkjar I bet you loved the Loco Roco controversy, didn't you?

I don't really understand you, njiska. Did you want me to explain why I don't belive this ad is racist? Or did you have a problem with me saying that this ad wasn't racist, when this thread wasn't about that? I'm confused...

Quite the opposite. I completely agree with you it's fucking stupid. But what i was trying to point out their was your first line:


This makes me angry. I'm fed up of this.

Just look at the anger you feel, because of the idiots protesting the ad. Criticizing the ad is actually causing more hatred then it ever would.

Ah, okay - I understand. You might be right, but I'm just so bemused by it all - I felt it merited an exclamation mark. If I could take it back, I would ;)

I just don't understand why everything is suddenly so racist. If you are that way inclined, you could look at everything and anything in this world, and make a racial connection.

I know Sony don't have a great track record. Their last ad - that Italian one, with a guy wearing a crown of PlayStation buttons - was fairly offensive, though I did admire the thought behind it. I mean, I thought it was just cleverly done. But they were right to pull it, and apologise.

But I see nothing in these ads.

[zerohero]

First off the concept , and idea is stupid.

Now when I personally see the picture, I can't help but see a master/slave type thing going on there. What people forget is that ART is interpreted in many different ways, by many different people, and this should have come to mind before this picture was released.

From what I hear from my peers, racism is ever ramped there as it is anywhere, so this add is poor multicultural marketing.

So what happened with the PSP black? Should there not have been a black guy chocking a white woman in the picture?

Like I said it's marketing, but its MASS marketing, and any business person with a mind would have pissed that out the window.




End of log..

[THATinkjar]

So what happened with the PSP black? Should there not have been a black guy chocking a white woman in the picture?

There is (http://pspupdates.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/57882/pic-3.jpg).

[zerohero]

So what happened with the PSP black? Should there not have been a black guy chocking a white woman in the picture?

There is (http://pspupdates.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/57882/pic-3.jpg).

Thats even worse...

Once again refere to my pervious post for my thoughts on this crap.

[Push Upstairs]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

[zerohero]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

Imagine the people who've only seen 1 or the other. Poor Marketing all the way!

[njiska]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

Imagine the people who've only seen 1 or the other. Poor Marketing all the way!

Imagine that it actually doesn't fucking matter. How does one justify the other? It's ok because neither person is dominante? Give me a break.

Try looking at the picture without looking at the races. Then realize that each party represents a PSP, NOT A RACE.

It's only racist if you make it that way.

[Push Upstairs]

I'd have to agree that i see them in the ad as being PSP systems and not "a black man and a white chick".

But the ad doesn't really inspire me. I like humor in ads more than this pseudo-artsy shit.

[zerohero]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

Imagine the people who've only seen 1 or the other. Poor Marketing all the way!

Imagine that it actually doesn't fucking matter. How does one justify the other? It's ok because neither person is dominante? Give me a break.

Try looking at the picture without looking at the races. Then realize that each party represents a PSP, NOT A RACE.

It's only racist if you make it that way.

Actually it does fucking matter. Anyone who've taken a business class would know it fucking matters. The fucking fact that some fucking people will fucking see one of the other and fucking come to a fucking conclusion one way or the other about the add fucking matters.

“See how pointless and stupid using the word FUCKING makes your argument.”

Race is not really an issue here either, it’s the lack there of marketing that is, and its very obvious they are seeking attention good or bad.

Sony is continuously “FUCKING UP” , as you would put it.

[njiska]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

Imagine the people who've only seen 1 or the other. Poor Marketing all the way!

Imagine that it actually doesn't fucking matter. How does one justify the other? It's ok because neither person is dominante? Give me a break.

Try looking at the picture without looking at the races. Then realize that each party represents a PSP, NOT A RACE.

It's only racist if you make it that way.

Actually it does fucking matter. Anyone who've taken a business class would know it fucking matters. The fucking fact that some fucking people will fucking see one of the other and fucking come to a fucking conclusion one way or the other about the add fucking matters.

“See how pointless and stupid using the word FUCKING makes your argument.”

Race is not really an issue here either, it’s the lack there of marketing that is, and its very obvious they are seeking attention good or bad.

Sony is continuously “FUCKING UP” , as you would put it.

Actually using the word fucking doesn't not immediately discredit an arguement. It's the over, or gratuitious use of it that detracts from a statements value.

I only used it once and i used it to accent the frustration i feel about the whole issue of something not being racist if both sides are evenly wailing on one another.

As for the subject of the discussion not being about race, the whole reason this issue has come up is because people have felt the ads are racist. Shitty marketing or not is irelevant to the discussion that's been forming here.

I agree that it's a poor ad but i do not agree that Sony stuck a racially charged image up inorder to capture all this attention. Sony's explaination on Gamesindurty.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=18101) explains they're theory pretty clearly.

[zerohero]

The woman in the ad reminds me of a certain "hotel heiress" and that is just wrong.

After seeing the "black" ad i really see nothing wrong with the "white" one (other than what i said above).

Imagine the people who've only seen 1 or the other. Poor Marketing all the way!

Imagine that it actually doesn't fucking matter. How does one justify the other? It's ok because neither person is dominante? Give me a break.

Try looking at the picture without looking at the races. Then realize that each party represents a PSP, NOT A RACE.

It's only racist if you make it that way.

Actually it does fucking matter. Anyone who've taken a business class would know it fucking matters. The fucking fact that some fucking people will fucking see one of the other and fucking come to a fucking conclusion one way or the other about the add fucking matters.

“See how pointless and stupid using the word FUCKING makes your argument.”

Race is not really an issue here either, it’s the lack there of marketing that is, and its very obvious they are seeking attention good or bad.

Sony is continuously “FUCKING UP” , as you would put it.

Actually using the word fucking doesn't not immediately discredit an arguement. It's the over, or gratuitious use of it that detracts from a statements value.

I only used it once and i used it to accent the frustration i feel about the whole issue of something not being racist is both sides are evenly wailing on one another.

As for the subject of the discussion not being about race, the whole reason this issue has come up is because people have felt the ads are racist. Shitty marketing or not is irelevant to the discussion that's been forming here.

I agree that it's a poor ad but i do not agree that Sony stuck a racially charged image up inorder to capture all this attention. Sony's explaination on Gamesindurty.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=18101) explains they're theory pretty clearly.

Well when I get cursed at it annoys me since I'm not prone to do it to anyone else, but I get tired of people using it as an actual argument.

The frustraition should be to poor marketing and not to people who might view the piece differently. As I stated, art can be viewed in many different ways, and it doesn't matter what idea comes to mind when someone see's it. Thats what makes "art" itself. Luckly since I am a artist myself I see the art point of view of this piece, but It is, formost MARKETING, there for the otherside of it sticks out like a pimple.

On the other hand I can understand your frustration, but you also have to see this from a consumer mind point as well.I see two sides of this, but it goes back to poor marketing all together.

[njiska]

Well when I get cursed at it annoys me since I'm not prone to do it to anyone else, but I get tired of people using it as an actual argument.

The frustraition should be to poor marketing and not to people who might view the piece differently. As I stated, art can be viewed in many different ways, and it doesn't matter what idea comes to mind when someone see's it. Thats what makes "art" itself. Luckly since I am a artist myself I see the art point of view of this piece, but It is, formost MARKETING, there for the otherside of it sticks out like a pimple.

On the other hand I can understand your frustration, but you also have to see this from a consumer mind point as well.I see two sides of this, but it goes back to poor marketing all together.

I can understand and agree to that. Although i would like to point out that i wasn't really trying to curse you out. Though i'm liberal with my language i try to use it tactfully and in that case it felt right to me. Liek you said prespective changes everything..

[exit]

So what happened with the PSP black? Should there not have been a black guy chocking a white woman in the picture?

There is (http://pspupdates.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/57882/pic-3.jpg).

I find that one very comical for some reason, maybe it's because these ads feel more fitting for a perfume ad you'd find in Vouge.

[THATinkjar]

As I stated, art can be viewed in many different ways, and it doesn't matter what idea comes to mind when someone see's it. Thats what makes "art" itself.

As you say, art can be interpreted in many ways. If you take another example of marketing, and asked a million people to look at it - you might just get a million different impressions, and a million different reasons as to why they might be offended by it. As long as the ad was produced with good intentions, that is good enough by me.

Take Wii, for example. All the genital jokes in the world, but they still went ahead with it. No one is accusing Nintendo of trying to be... a bit below the belt, or something.

[THATinkjar]

So what happened with the PSP black? Should there not have been a black guy chocking a white woman in the picture?

There is (http://pspupdates.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/57882/pic-3.jpg).

I find that one very comical for some reason, maybe it's because these ads feel more fitting for a perfume ad you'd find in Vouge.

Yeah, I was struggling to say something like this earlier. You hit it on the head. You see things like this all the time in other industries, especially fashion. Really good point, exit.

[Push Upstairs]

I find that one very comical for some reason, maybe it's because these ads feel more fitting for a perfume ad you'd find in Vouge.

One of the first things i said in my head when i saw these ads was:

"Obsession....for men." LOL

[Griking]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

[Garry Silljo]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

I never saw the link?!?! I still havent seen this ad. Either my browser doesnt like your post, or you forgot something. Set me straight cause I'm probably just missing something.

[Daria]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

I never saw the link?!?! I still havent seen this ad. Either my browser doesnt like your post, or you forgot something. Set me straight cause I'm probably just missing something.

I don't think you are. I can't find the link either.

[evil_genius]

lmao gay

[THATinkjar]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

Already read up on this elsewhere, so I kinda guessed what the topic was about.

[Griking]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

I never saw the link?!?! I still havent seen this ad. Either my browser doesnt like your post, or you forgot something. Set me straight cause I'm probably just missing something.

I don't think you are. I can't find the link either.

In my original post is a picture of the Sony ad. Also the words "Link From Joystiq.com" is a link.

[njiska]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

Already read up on this elsewhere, so I kinda guessed what the topic was about.

Had i not read on Kotaku before hand i wouldn't have assumed it was. But i think i said this earlier, racism isn't prevailent here.

It funny you mentioned that. I asked a similar question in a blog post (http://www.njiska.com/mt/2006/07/racism_a_different_view_on_the.html).

[Nature Boy]

Yeah i really don't understand the racism in the US. Both sides are going out of the way to see it continues. It's not a major problem in most of the first world. I don't think i've seen an article on race violence in 5 years.

Did you not see any articles about how bad racism is in soccer, and how it was FIFA's theme in this world cup to help fight it? It's definitely still a problem.

[njiska]

Yeah i really don't understand the racism in the US. Both sides are going out of the way to see it continues. It's not a major problem in most of the first world. I don't think i've seen an article on race violence in 5 years.

Did you not see any articles about how bad racism is in soccer, and how it was FIFA's theme in this world cup to help fight it? It's definitely still a problem.

That's not racism. That's pride. It's no different then the fans of one team irrationally hating the fans of another team. Race just happens to get attached because each team is from a seprate country.

But even so i'm not saying racism doesn't happen and isn't a problem. I'm just saying far too many things are labeled racist that really aren't.

[Nature Boy]

That's not racism. That's pride.

Bullshevik.

"Monkey calls are directed at African players with the implication that Africans descended from monkeys."

How is that not racist?

[Daria]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

I never saw the link?!?! I still havent seen this ad. Either my browser doesnt like your post, or you forgot something. Set me straight cause I'm probably just missing something.

I don't think you are. I can't find the link either.

In my original post is a picture of the Sony ad. Also the words "Link From Joystiq.com" is a link.

I still don't see the image. Saw it elsewhere though, and if it's suppose to be offensive the damn squirrel commercials are worse.

[heybtbm]

"Monkey calls are directed at African players with the implication that Africans descended from monkeys."

We're all "decended" from monkeys...so to speak.

[njiska]

That's not racism. That's pride.

Bullshevik.

"Monkey calls are directed at African players with the implication that Africans descended from monkeys."

Are you saying you're not?

[zerohero]

Now that I've gotten a few responses I have another question.

How many people knew / assumed that I was referring to a possible racism issue with the ad before they clicked on and read the Joystiq article?

I didn't know what this was about, but when I saw the picture two things came to mind. Art, and Slave/Master mentality BS. Then I could only thinkg what some people who will only see THAT add come to for a conclusion. It's really not a shocker if people see that. Like I said , no one is stupid for seeing something differently, thats the magic of art.

[heybtbm]

What was Nintendo thinking with this ad?

http://members.aol.com/heybtbm/ds_girl.jpg

...old, but still funny.

[njiska]

I said it on my blog and it looks like i was right. Thank you Joystiq and Kotaku for stirring a bunch of uppity Niggas.

http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/320697.html

Edit: In case you go playing the race card against me remember nigga has taken on the second meaning of ignorant people

[Push Upstairs]

What was Nintendo thinking with this ad?

http://members.aol.com/heybtbm/ds_girl.jpg

...old, but still funny.

Touching is good!



Art, and Slave/Master mentality BS.

I can see some S+M in those PSP ads. I realize thats not where you were going but i could see some suggestive submissive/dominant imagery.

[Kid Ice]

Edit: In case you go playing the race card against me remember nigga has taken on the second meaning of ignorant people

Yeah, but it's still not acceptable on these boards.

[GrandAmChandler]

Edit: In case you go playing the race card against me remember nigga has taken on the second meaning of ignorant people

Yeah, but it's still not acceptable on these boards.

Yup, and with that this is locked.

Can't we all just get along?