The other day I noticed that very message on the sign of an optical store.
For some reason, this bothered me. I am not even sure why it bothers me, it just does.
This is in no way a partisan discussion, but it is a political one and a cultural one. The sign could have read, "George Washington Dentures Are Here!" or "Bill Clinton Hearing Aids Are Here!"
What do you think about this sort of thing? I know that Governor Palin is not endorsing these eyeglasses. In fact, this discussion is not even about her, but more about our culture and how we do things. What sort of message is this sort of advertising expressing?
I am not even sure how to express myself here, folks, but I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on it.
Thanks.
[question posted by Transdisc]responses and comments:
I am curious to know what it really is that bothers you about it, although I know you said you weren't sure. Is it that political figures are involved or just famous people in general? If they were Julia Roberts glasses or someone like that, would it sound as bad? To me, it just seems like a gimmick. A way to get peoples attention to sell their product. Sarah Palin is hot property right now, so her name attached to anything will draw attention. To me it seems silly. I am not a fan of gimmicks of any kind. If the product can't stand on its own, then why would I want it? I could care less who wore a pair a style of glasses. I would buy them because I liked the way they looked and thought they were good quality. [itsmefaith]
That's interesting. That hadn't even occurred to me as a possibility but it could very well be the case. I'm not sure, though, why only a certain demographic would be targeted. I know that this is done in advertising all the time, but it's typically geared towards the people who are most likely to buy the product or least likely to buy it. Glasses are universal. Republicans and democrats alike wear glasses so why limit customer base? Interesting things to think about... [itsmefaith]
Hey transdisc, I know what you're saying and it is really kind of ridiculous and I guess just another high pitched sales gimick to sell glasses to people who would want to look lie Sarah Palin. And for Gods sake I don't know who would! But, some genious advertising person got a brain storm and is making money or trying to on this latest idea! Well, let's see how well they do! I don't even know what her dumb azz glasses look like because I barely know what she looks like since I don't really pay much attention to her anyway! [Opal26]
Yes, I suppose that it's just another gimmick, Opal, and I think that that is what bothers me about it. I know that life is politics and politics is largely about money, and I may be very naive, but it seems to somehow taint the ideals of something larger (or if not the ideals, the romantic ideals) than just personal success. It all seems to be about making money, and not service. Maybe I'm just in a cynical mood right now. [Transdisc]
This is something I haven't given any thought to, until now. You make some good points here. Right now, as I'm 'sure' you know, we're also in the throes of a national (federal) election campaign here in Canada. So far, I haven't noticed any advertising for 'Stephen Harper' socks for instance (or whatever). These types of things are definite turnoffs for me. Just another money making gimmick, as has already been mentioned. It reminds me of advertising for 'Farah Fawcett' hairstyles, back at the height of the Charlie's Angels era. Unimpressive! [someonesmom]
Just as your upcoming election is for me. happy [someonesmom]
I like her glasses. I have no chance of judging her as a political leader because I come from a different country, but I like wearing those Palin glasses which are squarish and rimless. They look very cool and fashionable. I wonder if glasses without the Rims are durable enough to last. [veganprince]
The glasses do look comfortable, and they also look like they would easily be destroyed. 'Cool and fashionable' is yet another term I've seen abour Governor Palin. [Transdisc]
Oh my.. that is interesting. I haven't seen anything like that up here. Mind you, we have an election coming up and I haven't seen any campaign stuff either rasp I wouldn't mind a Ronald Reagan monkey though. If I had a million dollars, I would buy a monkey.. haven't you always wanted a mon-key?....lol [CurlyRed]
The message bothers me because it implies that were all sheep. Just following the lead of someone with celebrity status. Like we can't make the decision of which glasses to buy based on preformance and quality, but instead on image. This type of advertising usually has the opposite effect on me that the advertisers are hoping for. [madasp]
Now trans I cannot see you not finding the words to express your self. heehee. I think you just saw it in print. When Bill Clinton was first in the White House all the women wanted to have the hair cut like Hillery. Soon after that she got a new doo and it about disrupted the news for a few days. How could she change her hair? I think this is one form of idol worship. Some people want what other have, or they just like the square glasses. I myself have never wanted Jennifer Anistons hair cut, or Madonna's pointed boobs. I like my own style even if the famous people do not. I do not want everyone looking like me. YUCK. I have often wonder why people want to look like someone they worship unless it is just their styles are so much a like. Here in our town we had a guy who dressed and looked like Prince. Now why would he do that except maybe he thought he looked good. Or he loved Prince so much he wanted to be like him. I see that guy around town now and he is not Prince anymore. I think he finally grew out of it. [teapotmommommerced]
I think it's hysterical. The 'Sarah Palin' glasses have been popular for years, but she's suddenly a celebrity that's wearing them. I guess places are scraping for any sort of an advertising opportunity. 'Wear these, ladies, and you could be the next VP!' lol I'm going glasses shopping soon, and I won't be buying 'Sarah Palin' glasses. wink [fluffnflowers]
partisan,good word,saw George Washington here, [walkinglionsareback]
Money, money, money!! It's all about the money. Some clown decides to jump on the political bandwagon to make a buck because of Palin glasses. Somewhere in the past week or so I even saw I heard an ad about "How would you like to have the Sarah Palin's look?" Thanks, but I think I'll pass on the look and the glasses. [sanjo0679]
Hi, Trans. Interesting discussion. I think it is just business.... anything that sells. I don't believe only GOPs are being targeted with this advertising campaign. More likely woman are the target. "You, too, could be the first woman to......... and receive undue media attention and hype". Much like, "Drink this and you too can look like this anorexic model who isn't really even as skinny as this herself" Anything that sells, my friend, anything that sells. [makingpots]
shows just how shallow politics/business/society is, they wouldn't do it if people didn't want to buy them and blindly copy. [jend80]
The problem is that the demand is coming from the public. They like her glasses and have become obsessed with them. I think they look okay on her but personally, I don't care for square/rectangle glasses. I just think they look sort of funny on a person's face. I know what you are getting at, though. It's pretty bad when people are more focused on her fashion than her qualifications. Of course, I also find it amazing that they were calling her unqualified before they even took the time to find out anything about her. I don't think Obama should be elected because of his skin color, either. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the black community is voting for him because of that and I feel that is a sorry reason to vote for someone. [whimsystoryteller]
LOL I think that is soo funny. I buy my son glasses online through zenn optical and when she was announced, I laughed because just a month before I saw the same glasses online there for like $10 LOL [sedel1027]
I feel exactly the same way, Transdisc. It could be Palin or anybody. It's a normal part of society now, and people take it pretty much for granted. What rubs me the wrong way is how cynical it is. "We know people will buy anything if it's connected to someone famous, so here's a chance to make more money." And there are enough suckers out there who think that the glamour will rub off on them, that they pay inflated prices for something that would usually cost much less. [unusualsuspect]
This is just the optical stores way of bringing in customers. People like the glasses she wears, so these stores are playing off that. My daughter works for a DR and she said they had one pair of those glasses in the optical store and a lady that works for her got them for herself. Now, they had them before Sarah Palin came on the scene but I suspect they are too high for most people or they just didn't catch their eye until she was seen with them on. I see nothing wrong with them advertising that, although she isn't endorsing the sign. It just brings them more business, probably. It is called advertising. [Barb42]
May these ads could raise issue like this and make us talk about those products.May that could be the idea.I will never wear anything just because someone else is wearing it however famous that person may be.happy [balasri]
Hmmmm, I wonder if they'd help me... This to me seems just to be a way to draw attention to an otherwise run of the mill product that is just like all the rest. I would be curious to see the demographic of people who actually buy them as well as to see who bought them because her name was attached. [flippedoutfran]
Hi Transdisc, You know what? I am not bothered if I see that sign in any business section. I would be amused and would salute the owner for being smart to promote his business. He knows that Sarah Palin is very hot today. So, whatever attire that resembles her is also hot in the market. I know there is no political tie on this but, a sure income for business people. Am sure these business don't care of who will buy their items whether Republican or democrats.. hahaha as long as it would be sold and they can make money that is the most important thing for them.lollol Smart Idea!! [Bebs08]
Hahaha...I thought it was hilarious....I saw it too. Seriously, don't let it upset you. It's just a small business trying to get some revenue off of a new marketing idea. A pretty darn good one if I do say so myself. [baumunkgirl]
It does not bother me.It's just fashion. Also they are trying to draw attention to their store. Maybe there are alot of people wanting to copy her look because they want her glasses, so they want to look like her. They may even have customers asking for the glasses. Just like that dress that that lovely dress that Michelle Obama wore http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1bC4UW_aEo I have one similar to that one but I had it before I saw it on her. I don't see anything wrong with Women wanting to try to get someone's look. I am not a celebrity and I have strangers walking up to me asking me where did you get that! [magnet]
Trans, it doesn't take businesses long to get on the bandwagon when it comes to making extra dollars, does it? I don't have one pair of any "designer" anythings. My wardrobe consists mainly of Wal-Mart reduced specials and it's not very vast. True, I have a half-dozen suits that I never wear anymore, but typically I wear colored or white "jerseys" and a pair of torn or cut-off shorts and sandals. I don't want my butt adorned with anyone's name and the fact that millions of women might want designer purses or shoes or whatevers does not impress me. I have better things to do with my dollars. Don't you? Memo to self: RJ, better not let anyone look UNDER your tear-offs. They might spot the "Granny Jones Disposable Diapers" that you're wearing. (C) 2008 RJScott [rjscott]
It appears that we have similar wardrobes, RJ, including a bunch of suits that I don't wear any more. [Transdisc]
Well, Transdisc, I debated with myself for a few minutes about whether or not I could even answer this question without going on a rant about "celebrities" being able to run a country and certain politicians. So I'll do my best with my 16 mm cameras. Like others have said, it's just about money. Lots of businesses do whatever they can to make a few bucks, and that usually means pairing their products with attractive faces that people are familiar with. Sarah Palin just happens to be a big name right now who needs ademco home security. I think it would bother me to see the same thing, not only because I do not support Palin, but because it just emphasizes how much emphasis is put on what politicians are wearing or what they look like (is it particularly female politicians?). These people are supposed to help run the country, not entertain us like most others that we call celebrities with vintage photo cameras. While I like the idea of people being familiar with politicians, it seems that the only way we know how to do so is in the same manner that we pay attention to celebrities like musicians and actors. It's what we do--it's what our culture does. I only feel like I formulated about half of my idea here... [nerdytina]
You may have only half formulated your idea, nerdytina, but I think that you said it quite well. I also have trouble articulating the basic wrongness that I feel about the whole mess. [Transdisc]
Are you sure that she gave the OK for them to use her name on the sign. I don't like it when they say anybody famous let akone someone running for office. Heck the USA is going sown the tubes I think some day's. But that is because my job is moving part of company to Mexcio. Can't so anything here anymore. LOL are the glasses made here in the USA or China? LOL jokes on her if in China. [onlydia]
It is all a gimmick to get "Sarah Palin" and Bob Hope Collectibles lovers whoever the hell she is, To go and buy their eye glasses there. I personally do not like advertising like this. It does not sway me to rush into that store and buy my glasses. I detest advertisers using people who are supposed to be some type of celebrity, Why not use everyday people that would get me in more then this type of advetising. [Goodie123]
I buy the cheapest I can get that still have quality. I would hate to think what price this store is charging for their "Sarah Palin" glasses. [Goodie123]
I understand what you are saying here! It's just ways that people use to boost sales. For me, who cares who wears them. I wouldn't want what someone else has! I like individuality. I want something different not the same as someone else! [terri0824]
I am a bit bother by this also , I think I got a little nauseous . Although I have this hiss and scratch hate for palin so I am a bit biased. ~tickets to the cat fight~ on sale now , wear your Palin glasses , it gets you charged more . :p [blackcatbetty]