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Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

Posted Monday, November 17, 2008 3:27 PM

Johnson & Johnson rolled out a web video campaign for Motrin over the weekend that ticked off a lot of moms. Many were upset that baby carrying was being referred to as a fad and felt that the ad was insinuating that moms see their babies as a type of accessory. Offended moms Twittered and blogged so much that by this Monday morning, the ad was pulled down and a corporate apology (promising that all print versions of the ad will be pulled) is on the Motrin.com homepage.

Check out the ad for yourself and tell us: What do you think?

Posted by Bump Dara
Filed under:

Comments

re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

The add isn't so much offensive as it is ignorant.  Wearing your baby properly does not cause strain or pain as the ad says.  I don't let stupidness like that offend me though; there's too much else to be bothered by.

Posted by DarceyLivesinFL    Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:36 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

Um...we carry the baby for nine months already. Don't they think we might be used to it?

Posted by Tinkermeg    Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:45 AM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I was offended that they implied that mom's weren't smart enough to figure out carriers that didn't hurt them.  I wear my baby a lot and it isn't painful unless I'm doing it wrong.

I also thought they showed a tastelessness in their timing- this past week was International Babywearing Week !

Posted by gnatty_girl    Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:12 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I don't think it's anything to get upset about and certainly shouldn't have offended anyone. Motrin was clearly just trying to say "we're good for moms!" and play off of the trends and discussions that moms are having these days.

Posted by treala05    Thursday, November 20, 2008 6:12 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

OH, my goodness, I think we all need to lighten up about what we label as "offensive" in this world.  I mean, truly...  let's spend our limited time and energy confronting TRULY offensive stuff - racism, sexism, homophobia, misogynistic crap that passes as "entertainment" these days.  There are truly enough problems in this world without us getting overly emotional about something that r-e-a-l-l-y doesn't matter.  

Posted by shanita257    Thursday, November 20, 2008 6:15 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I think the whole thing just sounded stupid---I would not have been,and am not offended, but i wouldnt pay attention if it came on

Posted by chaoshappens    Thursday, November 20, 2008 7:12 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I wasn't offended at all. The Motrin people should have put a lot more thought into their ad campaign, because apparently there are a lot of VERY sensitive people out there, but other than that, who cares? It's not the last stupid ad we'll be seeing; ad execs for so many different products need to fire most of their people and hire new ones. But seriously, as shanita257 said, there are many more things to be offended about.

Posted by xdevooghtj23x    Thursday, November 20, 2008 8:01 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

The only part that bothered me was the comment about looking like an official mom because my baby is attached to me. I'm an official mom because I carried her for 9 mos., gave birth, feed her, get up at all hours to take care of her, have figured out how to shower, cook, and clean house as quick as a bee, but as silent as a fox. I'm already official! :-)

Posted by neclifton    Thursday, November 20, 2008 8:25 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

OMG can everyone please chill out. Let's focus on Education reform and not a stupid commercial

Posted by 070707bridetobe    Thursday, November 20, 2008 9:34 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I agree with shanita257 and 070707bridetobe.  Are we seriously taking the time to get upset about some ad probably comprised by a few ignorant, insensitive men who probably offer the Motrin to the nannies that actually carry thier kids around? I mean seriously, I am sure that the moms that spent time making thier own response video to this ad could have found a million more things to do that would have been so much more rewarding and WAY less stressful--maybe reading your kid a book, or maybe making a video to promote awareness about homelessness, HIV/AIDS in third world countries or how we can help the less fortunate during this economic crisis that we are in..How about it?

Posted by naimah19    Friday, November 21, 2008 8:39 AM


More ignorant than offensive...

I definitely found the ad more ignorant than offensive.  DarceyLivesinFL  has the right idea, wearing your baby properly actually takes strain off of your back compered to carrying your baby without a sling or a carrier.  I am glad they pulled the ad and this will not affect my opinion of Johnson & Johnson.

Posted by Catfish22    Friday, November 21, 2008 8:52 AM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I didn't find it offensive at all and there probably is truth to it.  I know when I used the baby sling it killed my neck and shoulders and being pregnant for 9 months didn't help my back either.  Now lugging the baby in the car seat everyday is killing my shoulder and back too.  I take motrin everyday and can totally relate to the ad but I can't relate to the moms that had a hissy fit over it......geez get a life and lighten up!

Posted by rhutchin    Friday, November 21, 2008 11:24 AM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

I agree, I find the ad more ignorant than offensive but can understand how some could be offended. They made some pretty lame statements in the ad. The "official mom" was the worst one. I probably won't buy Motrin for awhile at least. If I am spending MY money on a product I would hope that they would spend some money on their advertising and not put out such ridiculous ads.

Posted by mrsnicolew    Friday, November 21, 2008 11:31 AM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

Lighten up, people.  If you can't make light of the things that make you a mom and the things that mom's have in common, how are you going to be a good mom?   A sense of humor goes a long way and yes, sometimes being a mom is painful (in both the physical and emotional way).  This commercial is not making light of that.  It is saying here is something to make being a mom a little less painful, when you need it.

Posted by stephies78    Friday, November 21, 2008 6:21 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

ad stunk

Posted by kailuasummer    Friday, November 21, 2008 9:55 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

WOW.  Obviously the ad exec who wrote this one has NO CLUE.  Probably doesn't have children.  If they do, probably has a full time nanny or au pair (or a very taken-for-granted wife).  Maybe all three!  Yeah - uncool, Motrin.  Probably want to do some sort of focus group or population survey before you put another ad out there.  As of today, I'm switching to another ibuprofen brand.

Posted by betty665    Saturday, November 22, 2008 9:42 AM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

Won't be buying MOTRIN anymore.

Posted by LaceyW.    Saturday, November 22, 2008 2:31 PM


re: Tell us: Motrin ad offensive?

It was ignorant. Like many others, I didn't like the "official mom" comment. I think neclifton said it the best about being an official mom... it's not about wearing the baby.

Posted by bellacheesehead    Saturday, November 22, 2008 3:08 PM


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