Centraal Beheer Ad – Europe
Here we are presented with a video that deals with homosexuality. This commercial has been banned in various different countries. Homosexuality is a subject which individuals still need to make peace with. It is a subject that many people do not want to broach because of the strong reactions it can illicit.
These adventurous advertisers, who decided to attack the subject matter in full force, are clearly playing with fire. They must recognize the chances of their commercial not being aired because of the subject matter. It is the same dilemma with bisexuality, transsexuals and trans-genders. Notice that the commercials that dare to approach these subjects always do it with a touch of comedy. The comedic theme seems to be the best approach to address sensitive issues. It lightens the general mood that people have towards the topic. However, will always approaching difficult subjects with humour end up having a negative effect? By exaggerating homosexuality, the audience may never capture or understand the serious message that is being transmitted.
This is, at the same time, a great way of desensitizing the population to the issue of homosexuality. To include it in their advertising is to approach the consumer with a more open view of the world today. Even though it has always been present, homosexuality is getting greater attention in the past years due to people, especially public personalities, coming out with official statements. People have had to face the fact that homosexuality does exist and it is not going away. The LGBT, (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender), community includes individuals that represent our governments, media and educations system, among other things. It has been a process of de-stigmatisation. People still have to be convinced that homosexuals, bisexuals, trans-genders and transsexuals are just as capable of leading normal lives as any other human beings. Censoring Advertisements about homosexuals is a step in the wrong direction.
