That's Life: Commercials That Overshare
.jpg) Betty Furness sold refrigerators with style, and fully clothed. |
In the l960s, no matter who we were with, there was no reason to blush as Betty Furness opened wide a refrigerator door and declared, "You can be sure ... it's Westinghouse. And John Cameron Swayze, spokesman for Timex, was the personification of dignity when he strapped a Timex watch to an outboard propeller immersed in water, demonstrating that there was truth in the slogan "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking!"
But nowadays, television commercials should be rated as are movies — PG, G, R!
When a voluptuous young model appears in a commercial for sunscreen, she reveals almost as much bare skin as one would see in a nudist colony.
Sitting between my teenaged grandson and granddaughter one evening, I wanted to wipe the grin off the face of the man who, according to the advertisement, had used a product that provided "Male Enhancement." And nothing was left to our imagination in an advertisement for Viagara, which warned that if you experienced an erection that lasted four hours, medical help should be sought. Whatever would my mother have thought if she had lived to see such commercials? I imagine her saying "Don't they have any shame."
With people being coerced and/or cajoled into taking steps to be sexually attractive and sexually active, it seems responsible to recommend birth control methods. But, I believe matters of such a personal nature should be discussed in the privacy of a doctor's office or with a spouse at home.
 Remember when a walk along the beach was code for feminine products? Ah, days of innocence. |
Menopause has given rise to a number of herbal as well as traditional remedies for combatting the discomforts associated with that stage of life. Some prevent hot flashes and increase sex drive, but the ominous side effects seem too high a price to pay for being cool as a cucumber and yet hot to trot.
And how can anyone in good conscience promote a product for depression that may increase depression (yes, I said depression) and suicidal thoughts, especially in teenagers. I also pity the poor souls who are unable to cope with social situations and turn to a certain medication believing it will turn them into social butterflys. That is if they do not develop side effects such as diarrhea, nausea or profuse sweating. Not much fun in preparing to go to a party only to find yourself stuck in the bathroom at home, showering or sitting on "the throne."
 Don't tell me why this guy is smiling! |
"Yes, I have been having heartburn," such people say to themselves as an actor, pretending to be an average Joe or Jane, drones on about the dangers of acid reflux. "Use Product X," the actor suggests for relief and then adds. "But your symptoms may be due to a more serious condition so consult a doctor if they persist."
I know a 100-year-old woman who attributes her longevity to staying away from doctors. Maybe we would all feel better and live longer if we just stayed away from the television set.
