Super bowl commercials in the United States - Essay Example

Super bowl commercials in the United States Super bowl commercials in the United States have remained a long standing tradition as being among some of the most interesting, creative and often controversial commercials aired. Many of these were banned, or in effect censored after the public’s reaction. Many tend to be sexually orientated such as one for Durex condoms; which seems to follow a man backwards in time (Garvin). This is in some contrast to the erectile dysfunction commercial’s we have become accustomed to as if this is the average medical problem a certain segment of the population.

A commercial for the site Porn Hub was outright rejected due to its advertising of a very popular pornographic website, (Post). Though there are mixed emotions as to what should and should not be aired, ultimately it is a decision of freedom of speech while also remaining ethical and without offending a segment of the population due to race, gender, religion, or personal ethics. When considering these factors most major companies, including CBS, stand firmly behind free speech and freedom of the press but they are also relieved of the some of the pressure of censoring themselves with air time being so costly during specific times.

Major companies want to shock, interest, and be creative but they also recognize the fine line between positive media influence and consumer gain and must consider the impact on their company financially should the commercial be viewed as offensive. There are several whose reputation and name brand have allowed them to carry off what a smaller and less known brand would not risk. Disagreeing with all censorship opens the door for those which are outright offensive to segments of the population such as in racial matters while building brand name strength in customer base.

This serves some purpose but as a major company there is usually the continuing quest to build and increase one’s customer base, rather than further divide it. Many submitted were never allowed to air, including ones from major names such as PETA and Bud Light. While my position supports free speech 100% there several companies have outright censored any material containing matter of a specific nature without discussion or review. While in the past artists have been asked to perform during the super bowl there has been an instance of outright censorship of vocals which were censored specifically for the super bowl performance in 2006 by the Rolling Stones.

Naturally most who are familiar with the artist and their work caught the censorship so it is possible this was merely an attempt at sensation. Organizers were in agreement with the slight censorship and planned for a slight lowering of the volume during a lyric (Duff). There was a huge argument over a stirring Coke commercial in 2014 and whether it promoted unity and happiness or divided by its promotion of inclusion of gays and lesbians and also the use of eight different languages in a lyrical representation that was instead seen as un-American.

Coke is an international brand and have maintained their international presence and presence in every sector of the world through inclusion rather than exclusion (Super Bowl Commercials Highlight Controversy).Works Cited Garvin, Glenn. "The most Intriguing Ad was the One we didn’t see." Columbia Daily Tribune Feb 04 2013. ProQuest. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. Post, Huffington. "Banned Super Bowl Commercials: Go Daddy, Peta, and Ashley Madison Ads Among Rejected (VIDEOS)." 1 2 2013. Huffington Post. http://www.

huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/super-bowl-commercials-banned-videos_n_2576481.html. 1 3 2015. Duff, Oliver. "Stones Lyrics Censored for the Super Bowl." The Independent: 23. Feb 07 2006. ProQuest. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. "Super Bowl Commercials Highlight Controversy." University Wire Feb 03 2014. ProQuest. Web. 1 Mar. 2015.