Shockvertising

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Shockvertising is the use of shocking images and/or scenes to advertise something. It is the employment in advertising or public relations of "graphic imagery and blunt slogans to highlight"[1] a public policy issue, goods, or services. Shockvertising is a portmanteau of shocking and advertising.

[edit] Examples

Examples include the use of blood and gore, diseased organs and human body parts,[2] and the like. Thus, it can expose any taboo, but typically has an unnecessarily sexually suggestive image. [3] Benetton has had several shocking ads of a priest and a nun kissing, a black woman breast-feeding a white baby, and death row inmates' thoughts. [4] [5] Legal advertising that employs shockvertising would depict or re-enact a car accident, which is now illegal in New York. [6]

This practice has been compared to Extreme sports and Lewd behavior,[7], and to the Jerry Springer show.[8]

In fairness to the advertising agencies who design these ads, it has been noted that they are no more taboo-violating than reality television, and often work to sell the product being publicized.[9] [10] Furthermore, not-for-profits or NGOs often need to go to the extremes of activism.[11]

Shockvertising is recognized around the world as a term of art, in Polish, [12] in German, [13] and Dutch. [14]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ BBC news article
  2. ^ Anti-smoking campaigns feature these images, see:, here Bainbridge Blog, and here:Fredome to Choose UK web site
  3. ^ Dolce & Gabbana ad at: Cherry Flava web site
  4. ^ Market Place Word Press web site
  5. ^ Angelo Fernando web site
  6. ^ See the Legal advertising article, and N.Y. rule 1200 cited therein.
  7. ^ [1].
  8. ^ Angelo Fernando web site
  9. ^ Market Place Word Press web site
  10. ^ Angelo Fernando web site
  11. ^ MarcG's Blog
  12. ^ : Marketing przy Kawie - Specjały :
  13. ^ PR Portal Genran web site
  14. ^ /Geschiedenis Andere Tijden: Veertig jaar Ster-reclame - ‘Shockvertising’ en het Droste-effect


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