Aids and Advertising

The United Colors of Benetton launched this photo campaign to raise money and spread awareness of Aids. Even though the photo was not a pleasant photo, it caught the attention of many people. The photo was a way to get people to start thinking about how Aids was no longer a disease just related to gay men. The photo had a lot of controversy around it because no one had every done a campaign this way before. The photo in return brought the United Colors of Benetton a lot money, and they gave a undisclosed amount to charity. Even though some people don't agree with the ad. It doesn't take away the fact people still bought clothes, gained awareness and that they even gained customers because of this ad. Some would even say that Gap even revamped this campaign in a more appealing way. Gap decided instead of showing a picture they would make a special line dedicated solely to Aids. This clothing line was called RED and when you purchased an item you got a information booklet. So in a since even though the clothing lines make way more money than they give to charity. People as a whole can't deny that it makes you want to be more aware about Aids and how it is taking over.
Though Yoplait products are less jaw dropping does it really catch your attention more? Have you taken it upon yourself to know more about breast cancer which is what Yoplait's campaign ad is all about? Yes, the company also shows us healthy people that have recovered from the disease, which is always good to see.
The ad campaign to me was shocking at first. After I started to look deeper at the situation I started thinking about how could a company use this picture to try and raise awareness. Then it dawned upon me that if you have a shocking enough photo, slogan etc... people will remember it no matter what. So the ad did serve as a useful way to catch your attention and want to learn more about how some one can look this sick. I do believe it could have been done differently but, who am I to try and discredit someones hard work and effort to raise money for a good cause. Also knowing how much the clothing companies or the food industries make off of the campaign for Aids awareness doesn't match up to the donation, how can you discredit there efforts. How many people do you that are even trying to do anything about Aids. I mean how many people do you know that do anything for basically dirt cheap in America. The reality is American people people like to see drama and agony. The more dramatic something is the longer the impression stays with you. So in all the campaign does have a good effect. Even though as people we might not all agree with the method that launched the campaign, I pretty sure that if you say that clothing store that you would go in and at least look at the clothes and ask how the contribute to an Aids organization.