McDonald's launches TV ad campaign targeting gay men

Hello Silo13,

I just wanted to say I agree with you 100%!
And that you conduct yourself very well on here too.

You have a voice and use it well. Keep up the good work.

Sweet Liberty

S&F!

[edit on 2-6-2010 by sweetliberty]

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic

For you to think that being gay means they're offering up their personal life for public fodder, shows YOUR perception of gay people.

You're right, it is my perception, but you make it sound like it wouldn't be the standard perception others would make also?
If gays are not defined by their sexuality than what are they defined by ?
The defining point of being gay is homosexuals choose to have sex with their own gender, yes? So, I'm right on the mark.

Beyond that (and more importantly in my mind) gays are like any other group of people.

But don't fool yourself or anyone else.
An old person cannot be defined as a young person. They're old.
White people can't be defined as black, for the obvious reason.
Homosexuals? They're defined by their choice of having sex with the same gender. If they chose both sexes, they'd be bisexuals. Opposite sex, heteros. So be it.

If McD's wants to target a baseball group - fine. Nothing personal in baseball. Or a group of painters - Go for it. In targeting a group that is defined by their sexual practices - though I realize it's all about profit - it's going too far. Some things should be kept private. And, IMO add campaigns such as this do nothing but keep people mired in the mid set of defining people, labeling them and creating division, NOT unity.

As a whole I truly believe people are giving up and giving out far too much personal information about themselves, what they choose to do or not so. I for one? I want it to remain a mystery lol. I mean the last thing I want to know about a new acquaintance, or even my best friend, is what they want behind closed doors. Maybe it's the way people interact these days, but not me. So, call me freaky, but, I just don't want to know. It's not my business.

peace

[edit on 2-6-2010 by silo13]

WEll, I want to know what Ronald thinks about all this.



www.youtube.com...

Originally posted by silo13
You're right, it is my perception, but you make it sound like it wouldn't be the standard perception others would make also?

And you're right, too. Many people in the non-gay community - especially homophobes - see a gay person and automatically think of them as regards sex. But that doesn't mean that perception should be nurtured, IMO. That is a misconception and should be talked about , IMO. Gay people AREN'T defined JUST by their sexuality, any more than I am. I'm heterosexual. Is that all that defines me? I'm also a woman, a wife, a dog-lover, an artist, a guitar player, a singer, a gym member, a swimmer, a gardener, and on and on.

Gay people are individuals just like me and shouldn't be seen as simply one singular aspect of who they are. They are just people, who happen to be gay. I am a person, who happens to be straight. But people don't go around saying, out of context. "Oh, BH is that straight person." I have the advantage of being described as a person, where gay people are described, by many in the non-gay community, as their sexuality.

They're defined by their choice of having sex with the same gender. If they chose both sexes, they'd be bisexuals. Opposite sex, heteros. So be it.

So, then, in your mind, EVERYONE is defined by their sexuality.

Some things should be kept private.

Like potty training, Alzheimer's and erectile difficulties?

I mean the last thing I want to know about a new acquaintance, or even my best friend, is what they want behind closed doors. Maybe it's the way people interact these days, but not me. So, call me freaky, but, I just don't want to know. It's not my business.

But I bet you don't feel the same way when you meet a new guy and he makes a comment about his wife and kids. He has JUST told you what he does behind closed doors, but I bet it didn't bother you one bit! Can you explain that?

[edit on 6/2/2010 by Benevolent Heretic]

The most disgusting thing this commercial brings out is the state our society is in.

A person, a fellow human, simple CAN NOT be ones self unless we conform to the current model that is accepted by the majority.

It also points out that a person CAN NOT be open and honest with even their own family members that they love.

Maybe someday we will wake up and grow up................

Many people in the non-gay community - especially homophobes - see a gay person and automatically think of them as regards sex. But that doesn't mean that perception should be nurtured, IMO.

Of course not.
It's something private.
Nor should it be exploited.
That's my point.

Gay people are individuals just like me and shouldn't be seen as simply one singular aspect of who they are

Which I've pointed out repeatedly.

They're defined by their choice of having sex with the same gender. If they chose both sexes, they'd be bisexuals. Opposite sex, heteros. So be it.

BH "So, then, in your mind, EVERYONE is defined by their sexuality."

If you think that's what I meant ? Oh well. I made it perfectly clear (or so I thought) by prefacing the above statement with other examples of different groups that are defined by the attributes they have or effect in life.

Having said that there seems to be a problem with communication going on here. I don't know why, but there it is.

By the way - I have no problem stating my mind here on ATS or to people in person.
If I had a problem with homosexuals I would say so.
So please, take a step back and read the intention of my posts as coming from someone who is not a homophobe.

Some things should be kept private.

BH:'Like potty training, Alzheimer's and erectile difficulties? '

Why the sarcasm? It's unnecessary and I'm not going to get drawn into it.

I mean the last thing I want to know about a new acquaintance, or even my best friend, is what they want behind closed doors. Maybe it's the way people interact these days, but not me. So, call me freaky, but, I just don't want to know. It's not my business.

BH: 'But I bet you don't feel the same way when you meet a new guy and he makes a comment about his wife and kids. He has JUST told you what he does behind closed doors, but I bet it didn't bother you one bit! Can you explain that?'

You're presuming that is how I would interpret a man telling me about his Wife and kids.
It isn't.
If I just met someone and they told me about their wife and kids, the farthest that revelation would go in my mind would be to apply it to the context and discussion it was used in. Which wouldn't be about sex.
The last thing that would go through my mind is 'Well, there ya go! I knew he was a hetero!'

I just don't think that way. And I shouldn't have to. And I refuse to allow commercialism or anyone try to convince me I should. One reason why (I feel) the privacy of a persons bedroom habits should stay right there in the bedroom - Not at McDonald's.

peace

reply to post by silo13


As BH, upthread pointed out so aptly, in reference to this line of thinking:

Originally posted by silo13
It's something private.
Nor should it be exploited.

Like "erectile dysfuntion"? (just to name one, normally very private something-or-other that people cope with...)

Spot on, BH!!

One of the things that strike me about the folks that have an issue with the ad is that we've had much much worse in the US for a long time. Of course most folks aren't good with subliminal identification.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/8a61ee9cff8e.jpg[/atsimg]

Gross!

Nice commercial, needs to come to the states.

He's cuter than most girls around here lols

reply to post by schrodingers dog


Third picture, on bottom...woman is wearing a rainbow hat!

She's obviously Gay! ( )

What a mixed-up subliminal message there, heh?

Yeah , like McDonald never targeted the Heterosexual demographic.

What an outrage !!!


I mean really , there are commercials out there that target the heterosexual demographic with half-naked girls promoting soft-drinks , where is your thread about that.

a little unconformable with homosexuality are we?

[edit on 2-6-2010 by WXBackdoor]

reply to post by silo13


Then you are not human. It would not matter if you were a black kid enjoying a happy meal. The fact remains, McD's has a target market. I'm not being racist for pointing out the obvious.

Edited to add: Are you one of those people who see's all others as shades of gray? By just reading this thread, you can see a big difference of opinion. It is natural and most people have biased opinions against others for no more valid reason than fear of the unknown.

[edit on 2-6-2010 by brilab45]

Originally posted by silo13
BH: 'But I bet you don't feel the same way when you meet a new guy and he makes a comment about his wife and kids. He has JUST told you what he does behind closed doors, but I bet it didn't bother you one bit! Can you explain that?

You're presuming that is how I would interpret a man telling me about his Wife and kids.
It isn't.

Why not?

On one hand, we have a young man talking on the phone to his boyfriend (meaning he's gay).
On the other hand, we have a man talking about his wife and kids (meaning he's straight).

What's the difference? Why do you interpret the first one as strictly sexual and he's being defined by his sexuality, but the second one generates no thoughts of sex?

Silo, please don't think that I'm labeling you as homophobic. I'm not. I think many people see gay people in the same way you do: As defined by who they have sex with. I'm just trying (and apparently failing) to show you another way to see the issue. I'm also trying to understand where you're coming from on this.

If I just met someone and they told me about their wife and kids, the farthest that revelation would go in my mind would be to apply it to the context and discussion it was used in. Which wouldn't be about sex.

Exactly! But if it was a man who mentioned his "husband", you would feel he was throwing his sexuality in your face. That's exactly my point.

I just don't think that way.

You think that way about gay people, though. The guy in McDonald's wasn't talking about sex. YOU took it there. You don't think that way about straight people. A straight person talks about missing his wife - no problem. A gay guy talks about missing his boyfriend and all of a sudden, he's throwing his sexuality in everyone's face.

Don't you see the double standard? And that's the point I'm trying to make.

[edit on 6/2/2010 by Benevolent Heretic]

what people are forgetting is this is an ad in FRANCE, you will NEVER see this ad in the united states, why?

see 90% of the posts above.

Sexuality is not even closely put on trial like it is over here.

[edit on 2-6-2010 by epitaph.one]

reply to post by weedwhacker

As BH, upthread pointed out so aptly, in reference to this line of thinking:
It's something private.
Nor should it be exploited.

Funny that.
The same quote could have been taken out of a few of my posts, but, for one reason or another it's being forgotten.

To support a friend is a good thing - commendable - but don't forget, others can read too. It does look a might bit strange you pointed out the same quote as mine, from BH - but neglected to give me a 'spot on' for the same exact opinion.

Anyway, I'm not going to play he said she said nor am I going to set myself in the middle of friends, so, enough said.

It's still no ones business - private - and should not be exploited. But it is.
The way of the world I suppose.

peace

reply to post by silo13


I don't get the commercial? Its french. I thought the french were more out going and didn't care about anyones sexual persuation. Course the clown from McDonalds is kinda creepy. Reminds me of the John Gassy dressing up in a clown outfit and killing what 100 kids....

I don't get the commerical....

Yuck Macdonalds...uurgh.

Surpised anyone even goes there anymore,gay,straight whatever.

Rainforest burning,GMO loving,IQ reducing,obestity creating,crap food cookin corporate turds that they are IMO.

Do not fall for their TV mind messages,whoever you are!!!

Buy local healthy produce,and learn to cook proper food!

Originally posted by silo13

It's still no ones business - private - and should not be exploited. But it is.

See, I agree with you that what a person's sexual preference is a private matter to some degree ... the problem is that I think you are drawing a false association between the subtext of a commercial and the belief that that subtext is there to substantiate a lifestyle.

Take this ad (one of my favorites of all time):



Now, I doubt that AS are promoting cannibalism.

From the point of view of a corporation advertising is foremost to draw attention to their brand ... "edgy" topics is just one of a plethora of ways to achieve that end. The very fact that it spurs discussion such as this one is mission accomplished from the POV of the advertiser.

Now, would they air the Mcdonalds ad in the states? Probably not as unfortunately the topic in this country, because we have more archaic sensibilities, would cross over from "edgy" to offensive.

Heck nudity is common practice in European television ads ... here, people would fall off their chairs as if the antichrist landed on their noggin if those were to air.

Rather sad really.

[edit on 2 Jun 2010 by schrodingers dog]

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic
I know you're in intelligent person - I've followed many of your threads. So, instead of me going through my diatribe again - one that isn't getting heard or understood for whatever reason, why not you ask yourself what the difference is here and you'll know my answer.

1) A television commercial targeting gays.

2) (Your supposition) - Meeting a random man on the street who tells you about his wife and kids.

I think many people see gay people in the same way you do: As defined by who they have sex with.

If that is not their defining factor what is? That they choose to have sex with the same gender makes them different than other 'groups' - it's what makes them 'special'. If only in that one area, it's still fact. It's the very attribute that makes them a stand alone from other groups and is a part of a persons personal life I do not believe should be anyone's' business.

Viewing people as sexual, or non isn't in my make up and I don't like it when someone's private 'make up' is exploited - or 'shoved in my face' as it seems. I don't want to hear about it. How much more clear can I be than that?

Exactly! But if it was a man who mentioned his "husband", you would feel he was throwing his sexuality in your face. That's exactly my point.

No, I wouldn't feel that at all. It wouldn't even cross my mind as long as the man in question wasn't 'flaunting it'. Now, if he was obviously pushing an agenda, trying to 'flaunt' it - I wouldn't care, that's HIS choice to flaunt it or not, but, I wouldn't continue the conversation.
And no, NOT because he is gay.
I'd react the same way if I just met someone and they made a sexual remark/innuendo or tried to push a personal agenda I felt was none of my business.

I just don't think that way.
BH You think that way about gay people, though. The guy in McDonald's wasn't talking about sex. YOU took it there.

Please, we're not going to get anywhere if you keep presuming to tell me what I think especially when you're wrong.
I did not 'take it there' - the advertisement did.

If the advertisement did not use 'gay sex' as in innuendo - then why would a boy be afraid to tell his father he misses his school mates?
Nothing wrong in that - nothing at all.
In fact, where I live boys often hug, kiss on each cheek, walk with their arm around one another and there is nothing sexual about it at all or something to be ashamed of, hidden from parents. But. If it's a sexual relationship. That's another story.

No, The commercial 'took it there' by being highly provocative in placing innuendo on the fathers ignorance of his son's relationship as well as the son hiding the relationship from his father by hanging up the phone and both instances go a long way to insinuate the young man's relationship as a sexual one.

It goes without saying if the boy in the add had continued his conversation with his boyfriend within his father's hearing there wouldn't have been much of a commercial now would there have been? No, because the commercial is targeting gays being defined by their sexual habits.

Again why I hate the whole idea - McDonald's just going where thy don't belong.

But, I'm not telling you anything you don't or I haven't said before so I'll leave it at that.

Thanks for your patience,

peace

reply to post by schrodingers dog

See, I agree with you that what a person's sexual preference is a private matter to some degree ... the problem is that I think you are drawing a false association between the subtext of a commercial and the belief that that subtext is there to substantiate a lifestyle.

Ok, then let me re-post part of my last response to BH.
I'd appreciate your input.

---> If the advertisement did not use 'gay sex' as in innuendo - then why would a boy be afraid to tell his father he misses his school mates?
Nothing wrong in that - nothing at all.

In fact, where I live boys often hug, kiss on each cheek, walk with their arm around one another and there is nothing sexual about it at all or something to be ashamed of, hidden from parents. But. If it's a sexual relationship. That's another story.

No, The commercial 'took it there' by being highly provocative in placing innuendo on the fathers ignorance of his son's relationship as well as the son hiding the relationship from his father by hanging up the phone and both instances go a long way to insinuate the young man's relationship as a sexual one.

It goes without saying if the boy in the add had continued his conversation with his boyfriend within his father's hearing there wouldn't have been much of a commercial now would there have been? No, because the commercial is targeting gays being defined by their sexual habits.

THAT'S the problem I have with it. It's none of our business and it's exploiting a target group - sure for profit - but that doesn't make it right.
On another note - I had to laugh at the reference to European commercials.

I see nudity everywhere here - and you're right - if even a fifth of what we see here was played on USA commercial people would go into apoplexy. On the other hand it would probably be for the best, but, that isn't my call.
But I do agree, it's sad.

Oh - and I got a big laugh out of the AS clip, lol.

Thanks

peace

[edit on 2-6-2010 by silo13]