Peloton Ad

[brockash]

Dunno. I took the article as some people being offended. One paragraph said "The 30-second ad sparked a storm on Twitter, with several users pegging it as sexist. Some said the husband was “controlling” and “manipulative” as buying his wife an exercise bike suggested that the she needed to lose weight."

Just like it's OK to see a problem with this ad, it's also OK to think it's absurd to find the ad "sexist", "manipulative", non-PC, or otherwise "bad".

I mean I could def. see it that way. I would never recommend someone get their significant other an excercise machine for a gift unless the other person stated it's what they wanted... if they didn't than yes it seems a bit controlling/belittling.

 

[bcla]

I always find it interesting when they do those types of 'gifting' commercials but have two different colors. Yeah you're showing off a color. But then you show a guy who automatically wants black and assumes his wife will want the red. But then again car commericals (as many different types) pull from stereotypes to sell their product.

I have seen some interesting car commercials. There's the BMW ad where they're showing a mixed-race family getting from one holiday gathering to another. While I don't really buy it, there is an Inifiti SUV ad showing three friends going skiing and surfing - ostensibly on the same trip and maybe even the same day. But what's really interesting is that one of the friends is a black woman with a rather large afro (kind of bucking the stereotype of skiers and surfers) although I'm trying to figure out how it looks so perfect after she takes off her ski helmet.

Also - it's kind of disturbing that they all so thin. It just doesn't seem realistic.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I have seen some interesting car commercials. There's the BMW ad where they're showing a mixed-race family getting from one holiday gathering to another. While I don't really buy it, there is an Inifiti SUV ad showing three friends going skiing and surfing - ostensibly on the same trip and maybe even the same day. But what's really interesting is that one of the friends is a black woman with a rather large afro (kind of bucking the stereotype of skiers and surfers) although I'm trying to figure out how it looks so perfect after she takes off her ski helmet.

Also - it's kind of disturbing that they all so thin. It just doesn't seem realistic.

I think companies are trying to be more diverse in their portrayal of who buys their products but I still think they employ a ton of stereotypes to actually sell their vehicles. That said Buick is one that is actively trying to get away from a stereotype with their commercials lol.

 

[bcla]

All those Xmas car ads are funny. The car is in the driveway with snow all around. Yet, the car is completely uncovered and there are no tire tracks anywhere. C'mon...show it in true nor'easter area style. Top of the car has slush all over it and the lower half is caked in dried road salt.

Haven't seen much road salt since it's rarely used in California and only lightly used in Nevada. I have gone out for a couple of hours playing in active snowfall finding two inches on the roof of my car and no tire tracks anywhere. Got very interesting when that snow melted, I braked, and a sheet of snow slid down my windshield.

I just want to see a commercial where they show an SUV that's stranded in loose sand. There was this guy a few years back who tried to impress his girlfriend and got stuck.

 

[wenrob]

I suspect you aren't going to an actual answer because there is absolutely nothing sexist about it.

A couple Christmases ago dh got me a bunch of exercise stuff (weights, resistance bands, other stuff that I can't remember but no big equipment). I never asked him for it, but it was a very thoughtful gift. He knew I was trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle. I was thin and wanted to stay that way.
I would have been over the moon if he got me a Peleton. Maybe if he did I would still be the same weight I was that Christmas

Yeah, I’m pretty sure I won’t get an answer either. I keep thinking, “Was I supposed to be offended the year my DH got me the next size up in weights? How about last year when he got me an Apple Watch?”

I mean I could def. see it that way. I would never recommend someone get their significant other an excercise machine for a gift unless the other person stated it's what they wanted... if they didn't than yes it seems a bit controlling/belittling.

It’s all about knowing your audience. I like fitness and I like gadgets. You get me something that combines the two and you’re going to have a home run. I think it also has to do with your own state of mind and the type of relationship you have. I was bowled over that my DH gave me an Apple Watch last year. It would never have even crossed my mind he thought I was fat or needed to get more exercise. He knows how important getting movement in my day is to me and he knows how hard I work to keep the weight I lost off. It’s weird to me that people would jump to the conclusion that the DH in the commercial was delivering a negative message. I think that’s more about their own thought process.

 

[bcla]

I think companies are trying to be more diverse in their portrayal of who buys their products but I still think they employ a ton of stereotypes to actually sell their vehicles. That said Buick is one that is actively trying to get away from a stereotype with their commercials lol.

The problem with Buick was the way that General Motors used to position their North American brands. Chevrolet was more or less the entry level brand, Buick and Oldmobile were the mid-level brand. Pontiac was the fun, youthful brand. Cadillac was upscale. GMC was trucks, although almost all models have a Chevrolet equivalent. They didn't have a problem with the stereotype because they could just market Pontiac to younger buyers and older drivers were happy with Buick's land yachts.

But they really start appealing to younger buyers with smaller cars. I know many are SUVs now, but they're typically compact SUVs.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

The problem with Buick was the way that General Motors used to position their North American brands. Chevrolet was more or less the entry level brand, Buick and Oldmobile were the mid-level brand. Pontiac was the fun, youthful brand. Cadillac was upscale. GMC was trucks, although almost all models have a Chevrolet equivalent. They didn't have a problem with the stereotype because they could just market Pontiac to younger buyers and older drivers were happy with Buick's land yachts.

But they really start appealing to younger buyers with smaller cars. I know many are SUVs now, but they're typically compact SUVs.

Yeah I've got a tiny car presently and I don't really want a big 'ole SUV. I prefer a small SUV or crossover personally and that will likely be the next type of car we get. My husband has a Mazda 3 though he's wanting a truck (not a huge one though).

Presently it's that Buick wants to appeal with their existing cars to that younger group. Get away from the whole "Buick is more boring and for the older crowd" and have more sleeker, wider appealing types. IDK if they are succeeding though lol.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It’s weird to me that people would jump to the conclusion that the DH in the commercial was delivering a negative message.

I don't think the husband is delivering a negative message either.

But I can understand how without any context you're left thinking it comes out of left field. Of course reasonably we can assume she's wanted it, dropped hints or something like that but I don't see why they couldn't have shown that for a quick hot second.

 

[bcla]

Yeah I've got a tiny car presently and I don't really want a big 'ole SUV. I prefer a small SUV or crossover personally and that will likely be the next type of car we get. My husband has a Mazda 3 though he's wanting a truck (not a huge one though).

Presently it's that Buick wants to appeal with their existing cars to that younger group. Get away from the whole "Buick is more boring and for the older crowd" and have more sleeker, wider appealing types. IDK if they are succeeding though lol.

I'm not sure with the marketing. Chevrolet might be doing better with the appeal, although those ads with people brought in for focus group stuff just seem so fake. I mean - how would anyone not recognize the guy in the Chevy ads?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not sure with the marketing. Chevrolet might be doing better with the appeal, although those ads with people brought in for focus group stuff just seem so fake. I mean - how would anyone not recognize the guy in the Chevy ads?

Yeah those commercials remind me of how House Hunters show is like..just how many takes did it take to get that level of shock and incredulity and excitement and surprise just right lol.

 

[Hikergirl]

I don't think the husband is delivering a negative message either.

But I can understand how without any context you're left thinking it comes out of left field. Of course reasonably we can assume she's wanted it, dropped hints or something like that but I don't see why they couldn't have shown that for a quick hot second.

I guess they didn't feel they had to show it because like you said, reasonably we can assume it was a gift she wanted or at the very least would have liked.
I mean if you look at any commercial this time of year, do we need to see the person specifically say they want XYZ, or can we just assume by the reaction that they were happy to get it?
In the Peloton one she sure looks excited about it. There is no reason to question or assign some sort of "ism" to it unless one is projecting how they themselves would feel if someone gifted them one. That is their own issue about how they feel about themselves and has nothing to do with what the commercial is actually conveying.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I guess they didn't feel they had to show it because like you said, reasonably we can assume it was a gift she wanted or at the very least would have liked.
I mean if you look at any commercial this time of year, do we need to see the person specifically say they want XYZ, or can we just assume by the reaction that they were happy to get it?
In the Peloton one she sure looks excited about it. There is no reason to question or assign some sort of "ism" to it unless one is projecting how they themselves would feel if someone gifted them one. That is their own issue about how they feel about themselves and has nothing to do with what the commercial is actually conveying.

No I agree with you that there's no reason to assign anything towards it. Like I said I don't think there's an issue with it but I do think it wouldn't have been a problem for them to show it, maybe removed the "it's day 5 part" or whatever and sub in something in the beginning. Give context rather than have the viewer make the assumption. It's a reasonable assumption absolutely though just thought they could have added it in there

IRL I'm going to be excited by whatever my husband gives me. I think that's a reasonable assumption one can make about other people. Some people here interpret that to mean she's excited about the particular gift. I interpret that to mean she'd be excited regardless, maybe with the way she said it it's like "ohhhhh" as in that's a fancy gift kind of thing.

 

[bcla]

Yeah those commercials remind me of how House Hunters show is like..just how many takes did it take to get that level of shock and incredulity and excitement and surprise just right lol.

They're apparently pulled off the street, contacted later by email. They have to sign an NDA. A few people have talked about the experience if they weren't named (and thus couldn't be sued). It doesn't sound like anyone is coached per se, but they're kind of stunned by how everything is happening so quickly.

https://tv.avclub.com/what-s-it-like-to-be-one-of-the-regular-people-in-tho-1798262273

 

[luvsJack]

Ah, OK, guess I really am simple. I'd have never seen that angle. I'm not into social media or stuff like that. When I watched that ad I simply see a woman who is nervous about starting a new exercise routine, goes through the normal challenges of getting into it (such as getting up at 6am) and then being very appreciative of how she really enjoys exercising and how much better she feels one year later...and she is documenting the journey, just like people keep exercise logs. Told ya I was simple.

Honestly I would bet dollars to doughnuts that is exactly the intention. And it’s what I saw too.

Some people just have to figure out how to be offended and how to make those offended “right”.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

They're apparently pulled off the street, contacted later by email. They have to sign an NDA. A few people have talked about the experience if they weren't named (and thus couldn't be sued). It doesn't sound like anyone is coached per se, but they're kind of stunned by how everything is happening so quickly.

https://tv.avclub.com/what-s-it-like-to-be-one-of-the-regular-people-in-tho-1798262273

Well that was actually quite an interesting read. Thanks for that!

 

[mnrose]

It's an ad. I don't care one way or the other. I ignore them all. There's a mute button for a reason.

 

[RamblingMad]

I mean I could def. see it that way. I would never recommend someone get their significant other an excercise machine for a gift unless the other person stated it's what they wanted... if they didn't than yes it seems a bit controlling/belittling.

Given the obesity rates in the US have grown significantly since the 80s, this bike is really about the subscription. It’s like paying gym dues without ever walking into a gym. That’s crazy smart. Folks will pay thinking they’re going to work out. They’ll pay to feel less guilty.

Of course, exercise has very little to do with weight loss. That’s the crazy myth Coke has been peddling for decades.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Peloton Christmas Ad mocked as sexist

Thoughts? Me? I'd love a Peloton for Christmas so I see no problem with the ad. I'd also take a Lexus. I don't need to pick it out! lol

The "outrage" also overlooks the possibility that it is what she "wanted" for Christmas.

The only thought I had about the commercial was if I want a peloton I‘m not going to wait for my husband to buy it for me because I will buy it myself.

I wonder if there would be the same outrage if they show a woman buying one for her husband.

 

[wenrob]

The only thought I had about the commercial was if I want a peloton I‘m not going to wait for my husband to buy it for me because I will buy it myself.

I wonder if there would be the same outrage if they show a woman buying one for her husband.

I asked that up thread but so far I’ve gotten crickets.

 

[ronandannette]

And that's great! I think it's kind of funny that they are so specifically narrowing their customer base to that, though. It comes across as a "am I even cool or stylish enough to work out?" and that kind of vibe is off-putting to me.

Name an ad for any personal-care product where the user actually seems to need it. For everything from tooth-whitening strips to incontinence underwear, the characters in the ads are all perfect physical specimens. Has it ever been any different?

I said if she wanted it it's fine. If she didn't express to her husband that she wanted it she'd probably see it as a criticism of her weight.

But my point is if he knows his wife so well that he knew she would love this thing, that is not a bad thing. And perhaps she has a good self esteem and doesn't take it as a criticism at all.

The house itself just seems too perfect. Almost nothing in the kitchen other than a coffee mug and a fruit basket. No TV in the living room. And at least 50 ft of holiday bunting along the wall?

Honestly, 5 pages later I'm finding it hilarious how hard one needs to "over-think" it to either condemn or defend this ad. These are not real people - there's no back-story, they have no thoughts or feelings or relationship dynamics. The perfect house is a set, not a home. And I'm not trying to be condescending here; I know you all know this. I'm just flummoxed by how "into it" everybody has gotten.

It's an ad. I don't care one way or the other. I ignore them all. There's a mute button for a reason.

We DVR everything or watch it on-demand. I don't think I've seen an actual commercial for years.