In recent fast-food news:
Burger King has once again taken their advertising to a whole new level. Burger King has accumulated quite the track record of unique marketing techniques. Earlier this year they launched a Facebook application called, “The Whopper Sacrifice”. Facebook users were able to download the application and remove 10 friends from their friend list. Those removed received a message through the application that stated, “”Eric sacrificed Josh Morgan for a free Whopper.” Not a bad idea for a free Whopper right? Well after 233,906 friends were sacrificed, Facebook put an end to the application.
Burger King also released their very own cologne called “Flame”. Under the tagline, “Where fire meets desire” Burger King’s UK marketing ploy moved into the United States and sold out of the product in a matter of days. The cologne was said to smell like a flame-broiled burger.
Now, Burger King is stepping into the media limelight with a more controversial print advertisement, with more than just a play on words. The promotion was set in Singapore for their new BK Super Seven Incher. Now I assume that my readers are all pretty PG-friendly, but this ad is “blown” out of proportion with words such as blow, and a provocative copy text.
“Fill your desire for something long, juicy and flame-grilled with the NEW BK SUPER SEVEN INCHER. Yearn for more after you taste the mind-blowing burger that comes with a single beef patty, topped with American cheese, crispy onions and the A1 Thick and Hearty Steak Sauce”
Fortunately for Burger King, the advertisement was reported to be created by a local agency in Singapore, rather than BK-loyal Crispin Porter + Bogusky. The media has been outraged, with a big name blogger calling it, “ is among the ‘worst’ he’s ever seen in more than 17 years of industry experience.“
So it is very obvious that this advertisement is sexually driven. Should parents be speaking out about this “inappropriate” advertising method? I’m sure some of the Conservative Christians are getting their panties in a bunch, but I don’t blame them. On the other hand, consider all the filth on any other commercial or television show. You can’t flip through a series of channels without seeing a model from GoDaddy, a promotion for the Hooters Pageant, or a sexy alcoholic beverage ad. It’s become second nature to us all. While I do find the Burger King ad a bit disturbing, I do appreciate their ability to be clever and witty, despite the message that is still perceived by even the most innocent of minds. Nonetheless, Burger King took a big swing and missed the ball for being such an international powerhouse, making a move of a young brand begging for media attention.
So what are your thoughts on the new BJ, I mean BK ad?
See for yourself,
Facebook Whopper Sacrifice
Flame Body Cologne BK Super Seven Incher (Singapore)
UPDATE: Burger King Does it Again: http://tinyurl.com/mge3ek
Read in the News
“international powerhouse.” now that is an interesting concept. hmm… i may have to blog about that. yes… i think i will. coming soon. don’t let me forget… i may have you in as a guest in my course to talk about these ads of which you speak.
Wow, I knew they had some bad commercials, but I didn’t realize they had gone this far. That’s just disgusting. Why would you want to think about that when you are eating a greasy fast food burger? Ugh.