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From Apryl Duncan, for About.com

Snickers Commercial Pulled After Complaints

Thursday February 8, 2007
A Snickers commercial where two mechanics accidentally kiss and then do something "manly" to make up for it has been pulled. The commercial made its debut during Super Bowl XLI's first quarter. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Human Rights Campaign complained about the ad to Masterfoods, who makes Snickers, saying the ad's message is anti-gay. Alice Nathanson, a spokesperson for Masterfoods issued a statement saying the purpose of the ads was to "capture the attention of our core Snickers consumer." The statement goes on to say that the ad wasn't meant to be offensive and will be pulled from TV and the Internet.

More on the Snickers Commercial:

The company's Web site also featured an alternate ending where the men attack each other instead of ripping out their chest hair. It also had video of NFL players reacting to the kiss. That content has also been taken down.

Comments

February 9, 2007 at 8:06 am
(1) Lonnie says:

OMG! Will people just get over the politically correct crap. it was just a funny commercial about the typical man and it was very funny. It p*sses me off that the company gave in to the whining of the homos.

February 12, 2007 at 12:41 pm
(2) lisa says:

My 9 year old was offended by the ad, and it put me in an awkward position to have to explain it to her at that moment. i’m not real keen on ads showcase ANY sexual preferences simply because it take choice away from parents as to what their kids are forced to view during “family friendly tv” and when they learn that sex exists. The reaction from the gay/lesbian community is to be expected, but i think the ad sends more of a negative about being who you are, and enforces our cultures need to conform. Men are not allowed to be men in our culture-gay or straight. This ad speaks to conforming to what is culutrally expected and to make sure that your actions can never be misconstrewed, because “they” might get the wrong idea. Be real people-it isn’t always about you!

February 15, 2007 at 6:26 pm
(3) Jean says:

I’ve seen the commercial; and at first glance I shared the concerns of the “gay” advocates. However, as a part of marketing it is the intent and the right of advertisers to target any demographic they want. The idea that the two men did something manly to “make up for the kiss simp;ly reflect a mainstream idea that men don’t typically kiss one another and nothing more. T0 suggesst that it is anti gay is rediculous. products marketed to middle class surburban consumers don’t necessarily capture the ideas and desires of people who live in the ghetto, for example. However, I don’t believe that we are attacking inner-city consumers by not directing our advertisement towards them in any particular case.

Another example, as an African american woman, when I watch shampoo commercials that promise to make your hair long, bouncy and shiney, I don’t trip out because I think that the message is anti, “black woman.” My thoughts are…that shampoo is marketed towards white women. So, then, I purchase shampoo that promises to do something wonderful to my naturally, wonderful kinky hair.

Everybody…take a chill pill.

November 29, 2007 at 9:19 pm
(4) Linda Metz says:

Who and what was the meaning behind the absolutely STUPID commercial during tonight’s Packer/Cowboys game? It is quite obvious that you have a definate problem with your commercials. Could you please contact me with the message you were trying to get across to the adults and the CHILDREN viewing this program tonight? It is the one with the Pilgrim and the Norsesman at the filling station….throwing garbage cans over the lack of a snicker’s bar; what type of message does this send out to not only the adults watching, but the children as well? Pleas explain this to someone who works retail and is 60 year old and just doesn’t get it?
Thanking you in advance:)

November 30, 2007 at 11:30 am
(5) David says:

Linda,

Why not contact the company if you’re that upset about it?

For the record, TBWA/Chiat/Day New York handles Snickers and it’s also the agency responsible for the big Super Bowl commercial fiasco.

May 14, 2008 at 5:04 pm
(6) Chill says:

You all need to chill the f*** out they’re just commercials. Especially you who complained about the nordic commercial. Sure its stupid but is just a damn joke. This is america and we pride ourselves on the right to free speech and restricting the venue that is tv to such a great degree is absolutely absurd.

January 7, 2009 at 10:04 am
(7) crissi says:

I cant believe that they put it on the air to begin wit but seroisly you got to stop and think ne more who it mite offend wheter u like it or not.

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