DeepSummary
In this episode, host Terry O'Reilly discusses vintage advertisements and commercials that could never air today due to their offensive, sexist, or politically incorrect content. He plays audio clips and describes print ads from different decades that featured questionable portrayals of women, promoted cigarettes as doctor-recommended, advertised products like DDT and 7-Up to babies, and more.
O'Reilly highlights examples such as a Marlboro ad with babies saying their mom should smoke, a Volkswagen ad suggesting women are bad drivers, and a commercial where Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble smoke cigarettes aimed at adults but watched by children. He notes that while these ads were acceptable at the time, they would face major backlash today.
The episode serves as a retrospective on how societal norms and values have shifted over time, as reflected in the advertising industry's changing standards and sensibilities. O'Reilly comments on how these vintage ads offer a glimpse into the prevailing attitudes and mindsets of their respective eras.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Many vintage advertisements from past decades contained sexist, offensive, and politically incorrect content that would be unacceptable today.
- Ads reflected the prevailing societal attitudes and norms of their time periods.
- Commercials and print ads promoted questionable products like cigarettes and DDT, portrayed women in demeaning roles, and even advertised to babies.
- While these ads were widely accepted when they aired, they highlight how values and sensibilities have shifted over time.
- Examining vintage advertising offers a glimpse into the cultural mindsets of different eras.
- Contemporary advertising standards have become more socially aware and sensitive to issues of discrimination and appropriateness.
- The evolution of advertising serves as a barometer for changing social mores and progress over the decades.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Marshall McLuhan once said that advertisements were the cave art of the 20th century.“ by Terry O'Reilly
- “We've come a long way, baby, when you're under the influence I'm Terry O'Reilly.“ by Terry O'Reilly
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Episode Information
Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Apostrophe Podcast Network
5/4/24
This week, we go back in advertising history and take a look at the ads and commercials that could never, ever, EVER run today.
They are either so politically incorrect, so sexist, or so inappropriate, you won’t believe your ears.
From doctors recommending cigarettes, to 7-Up advertising to babies, to everyone singing about the joys of DDT, it’s amazing to think they all ran back in the day.
Ads that couldn’t run today.
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