Victorian Governments New "Viral Ads" - Don't be d**khead

[SEZ213]

Whilst surfing around for some media topics for a uni assignment, I came across the following new 'viral ad's' directed at the youth of Victoria.

The ad's are already under scrutiny - the tag line is "Don't be a D**khead" which seems quite fitting for the issues that are currently appearing in the media. I'm not sure however, how successful they will be.

Take a look - some are quite humorous, but it's easy to see where they might upset a few people...

http://mumbrella.com.au/vicroads-say...-campaign-21788

[Poidevin]

It's funny as but I don't think it really works as a road safety ad. I could watch it just for a laugh but the message doesn't really sink in (and no I don't ever use my phone while in driving), I'm pretty sure if younger kids see it (bear in mind I'm only 19) I doubt they'll take it seriously.

Also why bashing p-platers? I see twice as many non p-platers using their phones while driving. People should know by now that you can't use your phone while driving.

[Iggypoppin']

link doesnt work.??

[FG XR]

funny but at the same time it makes people laugh not more aware...
Just like all those lame smoking ads. "why smoke when all it does it cost you?" yeahhhh kids are really going to get the message that smoking is bad with that ad!

Makes me think of that marijuana ad on tv in the Harold and Kumar go to whitecastle movie haha

[Boosh Brus]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

link doesnt work.??

Looks like the swear filter affects the hyperlink.

[Riksta]

ROFL at the bloke with the pole through him, I like that one. And the one with the Prius in it, that's gold the way the guy's like "you belong in jail".

Oh, and I haven't got my wings yet, so obviously not enough people are using their mobiles when driving. Yes, I'm a ranga! :P

[Keepleft]

No point teaching the kids not to use the word 'di**head', when the government does it.

Open slather on teachers, police, you and I,- I guess, ya di**heads:-)

Country, continues its downward journey.

At least forum holds a higher standard.....

[RG]

Sad to think that an internet forum has a higher moral standpoint when it comes to acceptable language than the Government.

[block58]

Originally Posted by Boosh Brus

Looks like the swear filter affects the hyperlink.

Heres a shortened link:

http://is.gd/b7CmM

[Redrum]

Just watched the ad from the above link. That is pathetic. Smashing up a computer for not obeying laws and the word **************** seems pretty lame.

[mrbaxr6t]

I have been telling members of geny not to be dheads for as long as I can remember, I never thought the govt would agree with me!

[Quicksand]

I have a family member who is labelled by her peers as 'emo'. She is currently on suicide watch. I can imagine even now her peers utilising this 'awareness campaign' to bully her. Who know's what detrimental/fatal affect this may have on her and on others like her.

I find this ad campaign disgraceful; it is now being reviewed by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB):

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...0330-r9wx.html

I find this comment from this article interesting by the ASB:

She said redheads and "emos" weren't strictly covered by the code, which says: "advertising or marketing communications shall not portray people or depict material in a way which discriminates against or vilifies a person or section of the community on account of race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age."

"Redheads don't come under the code ... it's not one of the things that, technically, we would look at..."

I then noticed this reader comment on the article:

Can the Advertising Standards Bureau please explain why is discrimination based on physical appearance would be acceptable under any circumstances? It certainly isn't acceptable in the Human Rights Commission

Interesting point of view.

[Dave R]

I thought the emo one was funny, but completely out of line because there are emos walking around everywhere - who are now being used as comedy by their own government. The same with redheads - poking fun at people based on their appearance is not acceptable. Particularly redheads because they were born with red hair, it's not as if they choose to be red, like emos choose to be emo.

The whole "d-ckhead" thing is a bit crude as well. Whoever managed this project should be given the sack. Or a promotion, since they've provoked people to start talking about the campaign!

[Quicksand]

I found this reader comment from the link i posted above rather ironic:

As an aside, when I tried to submit a complaint on the Vicroads website today, it was initially rejected as "abusive" due to use of the word d*ckhead. How hypocritical can they be?

[TheInterceptor]

This has to be a joke right?

[Franco Cozzo]

I dont see a problem with "dhead" being thrown around, its not like there is no swearing on TV anyway, watch some movies.

Dhead is a pretty low level cuss anyways.