Coke's Great New Olympics Work

JCPenny Stands by Ellen Degeneres as New Spokesperson

As part of a corporate rebranding, JCPenny recently redesigned their logo (shown) and hired Ellen Degeneres as their new spokesperson. The latter decision didn't sit well with the social conservative group "One Million Moms," who started a vicious campaign to try and get JCPenny to change their minds. Well, they're not changing their minds, and Ellen took some time out of her show the other day to respond:

And JCPenny's CEO, Ron Johnson, reiterated their stance in support of Ellen this morning on CBS. Click here to watch.

Winning in Super Bowl Advertising: A Leo Burnett Infographic

Super Bowl 2012: Meet today's fans

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Superbowl Infographic

Here's a cool infographic on the SuperBowl, just in time for the big event next weekend. As usual, I don't know who's playing, but I know who's advertising and who's performing at halftime.

Provided By - Diesel Mechanic Schools

New study on how gays and lesbians perceive advertising

A new study from the University of Miami interviewed 25 gay and lesbian Americans of different age, ethnic, and professional backgrounds on their reactions to commercials exemplifying dominant gay and lesbian portrayals. 
According to the study, five specific strategies emerged within these minority consumers to interpret the messages catered to them:

• Gay men accepted the perception of "higher disposable income of gay male households" and transformed material consumption into a definition of self-worth. "I was on many consumer panels because I fit the profile of gay men who have disposable income and travel a lot," one participant said.
• Participation in the mass market was equated to membership in mainstream society. "We got money. We contribute to the corporation. We contributed to big business. We got families. We are part of the mainstream now," a participant said.
• Targeted advertising was identified as an essential step in achieving social political inclusion. "Consumer rights and citizenship, civil rights are intricately connected in the United States […]. And when we express our identity as a consumer, that reinforces and strengthens our identity as a citizen," a participant said.
• Perpetuating problematic depictions of gays as effeminate men or lesbians as "sexualized femme" was tolerated in the interests of social inclusion. "I was ambivalent when watching this commercial. It's playing up the stereotype. But for me, if you can see gay people on TV in Texas, it's positive," one participant said.
• Participants were willing to give up something of their subcultural identity for the sake of total acceptance in society. "When we are truly accepted in the society, we will just blend in […] even that might mean sacrificing our uniqueness," a participant said.

Source: "How Minority Consumers Use Targeted Advertising as Pathways to Self-Empowerment: Gay Men's and Lesbians' Reading of Out-of-the-Closet Advertising" Journal of Advertising Vol. 40 No. 3 Fall 2011.

New Santorum Campaign Ad

Lagging behind in the polls, it looks like Santorum is trying to appeal to the religious extremists by telling them that God told him to run for President. The ad, by the way, says nothing about why he'd make a good president. 

New Marriage Equality Ads in Maine

New marriage equality ads are hitting TVs in Maine. Here's one featuring Paul and Jeanette Rediker, a straight Maine couple with a gay daughter:

In 2009, a "people's veto" reversed legislation that would have legalized marriage equality in Maine. Supporters of marriage equality are now trying to reverse that action through the very same process. 

Ad Spotlight: Australian Marriage Equality

This new ad for Australian Marriage Equality highlights growing statistics in favor of marriage equality there.

Ad Spotlight: K-Y

Looks like this is running in the UK:

GLAAD Applauds Next Season of Dancing With The Stars

The next season of Dancing With the Stars on ABC will feature Chaz Bono and Carson Kressley, and GLAAD approves:
“With both gay and transgender contestants represented on this upcoming season, ABC will send viewers a strong message about the diversity within the LGBT community,” said Herndon Graddick, senior of director of programs for GLAAD, in a statement. “At a time when transgender representation in the media is sorely lacking, Chaz Bono joining the cast is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture. Appearing on such a high-profile show will allow millions of Americans to get to know him in a whole new light.”

The Growing Campaign for Bert and Ernie to Marry

I never knew this, but apparently a lot of people out there suspect that Bert and Ernie are gay, and now pressure is mounting for the two to marry. There's an official change.org petition as well as a Facebook page. My question is, aren't all puppets technically genderless? So isn't this really about marriage equality for puppets? 

Next Round of Prop 8 Trial to be Televised

When the California Supreme Court hears arguments on September 6 to determine if the bill's sponsors have grounds to appeal the decision Judge Vaughn Walker issued last year -- deeming the measure unconstitutional -- the action will be broadcast for all the world to see. Read more here.