Allow me this quick rant...
#1
Tarck Bike Dot Com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 252
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Allow me this quick rant...
I lurk here more than I post since I'm not car-free. Our family has a car and I also ride a motorcycle so we're sort of car-lite at best. But this doesn't mean that our car dependence doesn't annoy me.
This is why the current run of Dodge Caravan commercials are starting to piss me off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk6xYKc5IvE
Basic message: The more you drive our car the better your quality of life will be. The family hated each other before but now that they have a Dodge Caravan they love each other instead.
Sorry, just wanted to vent.
This is why the current run of Dodge Caravan commercials are starting to piss me off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk6xYKc5IvE
Basic message: The more you drive our car the better your quality of life will be. The family hated each other before but now that they have a Dodge Caravan they love each other instead.
Sorry, just wanted to vent.
#2
put our Heads Together
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: southeast pennsylvania
Posts: 3,155
Bikes: a mountain bike with a cargo box on the back and aero bars on the front. an old well-worn dahon folding bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Clearly, driving a "high quality" motor vehicle really will improve your quality of life.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 2,206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Good point. Car commercials often aren't about what the car can actually do; they're about the changes a car can't bring. Instead of discussing things like the number of people and amount of cargo it can haul, the fuel economy, safety features, reliability or even the warranty, commercials often seem to be about comfort and image. Those things have nothing at all to do with the purpose of a car, which is moving people and goods from one place to another. (And besides, if you're a jerk before you buy an expensive and fancy car, you'll still be a jerk afterwards.)
#5
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Ya know...
I spent a summer with a family of two parents and two teenage boys.
One place where they seemed to spend quality time was in their van.
I vividly remember on particular evening, returning home with them after we all went out to dinner, and as soon as everyone came inside, the two boys disappeared into their rooms to watch TV -- and so did the parents. I was standing there, all by myself in the foyer, wondering where the family had disappeared to, especially after everyone was having a fun evening, eating at a good restaurant and laughing & joking in the van.
It was just weird.
FWIW, this commercial pitch isn't much different from how they pushed station wagons a few decades ago. The only difference is the height of the vehicle.
I spent a summer with a family of two parents and two teenage boys.
One place where they seemed to spend quality time was in their van.
I vividly remember on particular evening, returning home with them after we all went out to dinner, and as soon as everyone came inside, the two boys disappeared into their rooms to watch TV -- and so did the parents. I was standing there, all by myself in the foyer, wondering where the family had disappeared to, especially after everyone was having a fun evening, eating at a good restaurant and laughing & joking in the van.
It was just weird.
FWIW, this commercial pitch isn't much different from how they pushed station wagons a few decades ago. The only difference is the height of the vehicle.
#6
www.chipsea.blogspot.com
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South of Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,026
Bikes: Giant OCR C0 road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If there were some feature that made the vehicle stand out above the competition in any given commercial, such as the fuel economy, safety features, reliability or even the warranty, rest assured that they would point it out. Sometimes, what they do not say is so loud I can't hear what they do say!
#7
Tarck Bike Dot Com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 252
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I will say I'm glad to see all the Christmas car commercials are over for the year. The idea of a car as a Christmas present boggles my mind and there's yet another skewed message of: "Buy this car, your spouse, daughter, father, etc. will love you for it.
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's the same thing as any other commercials you've ever seen. They advertise ideas, because you already know the product. You won't remember the Sto-An-Go seating, rotating captains chairs, and rear entertainment system when you go to the dealer, but what you will think about as you're going, is how happy you're all going to be. IMO beer commercials are the worst, followed quickly by men's hairdyes/women's beauty crap/clothing. I've never once seen a guy drinking a Coors light, then switch to a Bud Select, and all of a sudden turn into a well tasted rock star who's the life of the party and has to fight the women off of him.
What you're really mad about is Western Culture and its roots in materialism...
That commerical still pisses me off too though .
What you're really mad about is Western Culture and its roots in materialism...
That commerical still pisses me off too though .
#9
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I think the ultimate in this is the "Pimp My Ride" show. What always gets me is the end testimonials by the officially pimped person and their friends: how this car is now going to get them some Real Life, get them to school / work on time and with dignity, get their friends to ride with them etc... They focus so much on the change this car will supposedly bring in their life, it's almost painful to watch.
Let's see. You used to drive a POS '79 Corolla. You then smashed in a couple of its windows and removed passenger side floor to qualify for the show. After the show you have a POS '79 Corolla with new paint, windows and floor, and two Playstations thrown in the trunk. You consider this a truly deep and profound change in your life?
I'd love to see the agreement they had to sign with the show, the one that defines how they must play along to get their 15 minutes of fame. Also, does anyone know if they do follow-ups? It would be interesting to see if ANY of that junk is still running after 3 years, for example.
--J
Let's see. You used to drive a POS '79 Corolla. You then smashed in a couple of its windows and removed passenger side floor to qualify for the show. After the show you have a POS '79 Corolla with new paint, windows and floor, and two Playstations thrown in the trunk. You consider this a truly deep and profound change in your life?
I'd love to see the agreement they had to sign with the show, the one that defines how they must play along to get their 15 minutes of fame. Also, does anyone know if they do follow-ups? It would be interesting to see if ANY of that junk is still running after 3 years, for example.
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dallas Suburbpopolis
Posts: 1,502
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
5 Posts
what??!! The car makers are trying to sell cars based on irrational EMOTIONAL APPEAL!!??
NO!!!!!!
SAY IT AINT SO!!!
/sarcastic/
NO!!!!!!
SAY IT AINT SO!!!
/sarcastic/
#11
Tarck Bike Dot Com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 252
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's the same thing as any other commercials you've ever seen. They advertise ideas, because you already know the product. You won't remember the Sto-An-Go seating, rotating captains chairs, and rear entertainment system when you go to the dealer, but what you will think about as you're going, is how happy you're all going to be. IMO beer commercials are the worst, followed quickly by men's hairdyes/women's beauty crap/clothing. I've never once seen a guy drinking a Coors light, then switch to a Bud Select, and all of a sudden turn into a well tasted rock star who's the life of the party and has to fight the women off of him.
What you're really mad about is Western Culture and its roots in materialism...
That commerical still pisses me off too though .
What you're really mad about is Western Culture and its roots in materialism...
That commerical still pisses me off too though .
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Over the Rhine...
Posts: 10
Bikes: A crappy old Nishiki Road Bike with a few mod's and a nice Felt
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#13
Justin
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bayou City
Posts: 1,051
Bikes: Soma Double Cross, KHS Urban Uno
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Funny, not only did going car free improve my quality of life mentally it did so physically also. The last doctor’s visit I had before getting rid of my car the he mentioned that my blood pressure was getting high enough that I was going to have to start looking at taking medication. Since cycling blood pressure is not a even topic when I visit the doctor. I would like to see a car do that.
Last edited by scattered73; 01-14-08 at 11:12 AM.
#14
Justin
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bayou City
Posts: 1,051
Bikes: Soma Double Cross, KHS Urban Uno
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd love to see the agreement they had to sign with the show, the one that defines how they must play along to get their 15 minutes of fame. Also, does anyone know if they do follow-ups? It would be interesting to see if ANY of that junk is still running after 3 years, for example.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Ya, know, I love to drive. It's just these days, I see the true cost.
Also, it's hard to actually drive, these days, it's more like moving your car from one traffic jam to the next.
#16
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I think the ultimate in this is the "Pimp My Ride" show. What always gets me is the end testimonials by the officially pimped person and their friends: how this car is now going to get them some Real Life, get them to school / work on time and with dignity, get their friends to ride with them etc... They focus so much on the change this car will supposedly bring in their life, it's almost painful to watch.
#17
aspiring island dweller
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: island off of an island
Posts: 267
Bikes: Easy Racers GRR, Cannondale T-2000/Rohloff Custom, Cannondale R-700, Custom Fixie/Single Speed, Santa Cruz
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I understand your frustration. Commercials will almost always pander to our fragile self-esteem.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
__________________
Life is either a wild adventure or nothing - Helen Keller
Life is either a wild adventure or nothing - Helen Keller
#18
Spelling Snob
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Plano, Texas
Posts: 2,862
Bikes: Panasonic DX4000, Bianchi Pista
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
That reminds me of how ridiculous a car looks with a giant gift bow on it.
__________________
The first rule of flats is You don't talk about flats!
The first rule of flats is You don't talk about flats!
#19
Spelling Snob
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Plano, Texas
Posts: 2,862
Bikes: Panasonic DX4000, Bianchi Pista
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I understand your frustration. Commercials will almost always pander to our fragile self-esteem.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
Im TV-light though. Netflix only. No broadcast programming at all.
__________________
The first rule of flats is You don't talk about flats!
The first rule of flats is You don't talk about flats!
#20
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
I understand your frustration. Commercials will almost always pander to our fragile self-esteem.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
In today's instant-gratification-consumer-marketplace, I'm reminded of a Queen song that starts like this, "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all...and I want it now."
IMHO, 95% of the TV out there sucks. That's probably why I don't own one. Whenever I'm at a friend's place, and I watch some TV, it's quite transparent. On at least two levels.
If you have the fortitude, shut it off.
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#21
Senior Member
Funny, not only did going car free improve my quality of life mentally it did so physically also. The last doctor’s visit I had before getting rid of my car the he mentioned that my blood pressure was getting high enough that I was going to have to start looking at taking medication. Since cycling blood pressure is not a even topic when I visit the doctor. I would like to see a car do that.
Also, that commercial reminds me why I stopped watching television.
#22
Lanky Lass
I was taking a blood pressure medication before I started riding everywhere. At one point (without the medicine) my blood pressure was 180/110. Now it's consistently 120/80 every time. The doctor originally thought my high blood pressure was genetic, but it turns out it was basically caused by the stress of driving and the lack of exercise involved. So I, too, would like to see a car do that!
Also, that commercial reminds me why I stopped watching television.
Also, that commercial reminds me why I stopped watching television.
Show real people hooked up to blood pressure monitors whilst driving around in traffic jams .
East Hill
__________________
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
#23
Senior Member
BTW, before I started biking again, my resting pulse rate would sometimes be over 100, and was always at least 8X. Now it's never more like 65.