hummer makes me go hmmm

there's a new ad airing locally.

the camera starts out with a tight view of mom driving, rain coming down outside. she comments to the kids about it being the first day [of school]. she asks if the kids want to be dropped off so they can walk up (you know, because being seen with mom dropping you off for school just isn't cool). the kids decline. mom pulls up to the school and we're shown a group of older kids hanging out on the school steps. junior gets out and heads up to the school. the kids on the steps look as if they're going to block his way, but as he gets close, they make way and comment to him, 'nice ride'. he grins, knowingly and the camera shows the h2 parked at the curb.

i've driven and ridden in the military hummers a considerable amount and have really enjoyed their off-road capabilities. we put those things through the works while in iraq. EVERYTHING we threw at them they took, and kept on running. so, for years after returning to civilian life, i would always comment on how impressed i'd been with them. no more, general motors.

this ad made me sick. what kind of irresponsible brainwashing is passing for marketing these days? your POSESSIONS are what are going to define you as a person, provide protection and give you status? WHAT?! the message to parents, "a slick ride will keep your children safe at school" is ludicrous, but the message, "you won't fit in unless your parents have a hummer" pointed at kids is just plain damaging. this sort of consumerism thinking and afluenza can only help to skew the focus on what is truly important and worthy of energy and pursuit in life.

no, i'm not a freakish 'earth-firster'. i drive an SUV as well, but i'm proud to use it for it's intended purpose - off-road access to remote locations, hauling lots of outdoor gear, etc. so i'm not going off on general motors for creating a vehicle that is environmentally irresponsible. that's not the issue that i'm taking here. what has me so riled is the bombarding of us with the constant message that it is our material items that make us who we are.

will people ever come to the realization that they are SHACKLED to debt through their material things? that they are SHACKLED to time lost to maintaining their material things? that they are SHACKLED to egoistic thought by attempting to improve self with material things?

ugh. it is saddening.

i think i'll take the shackles off and go for a run in the rain tonight...

Posted by boingo at October 27, 2004 2:19 PM