People complain about Man in the High Castle ads

1) I don't think Amazon should HAVE to take the symbol down, that's against free speech.
2) They should take those symbols down on their own once they realize the still deep angst these images provoke.
3) I will watch the show when I get time.
4) I have no problem personally looking at any symbols when I want to watch or read on the subject, but It would personally affect my mood greatly to see them on the way to work every morning, having lost 60% of my relatives from those atrocities. I didn't know them, but I have heard long detailed accounts of many of them that both made it out, and died in camps.

So, Once again, I think Amazon should be permitted to display any symbol. However, I think they should have the good taste to realize it does not conger up the same emotions as a Burger King poster. Use of certain symbols should be reserved for use at appropriate times, like during their program about that topic, where people are fully aware and expecting their emotions to be manipulated. But not on a subway seat.

If I saw those ads, I would be irked, but I personally wouldn't have ever said anything. But yes, I would have my mood instantly changed.

 

The more I think about it, the more I think Amazon did this to create controversy. I think they knew people would complain. Like I said, I think the show is meant to be shocking. It generates buzz about the show. They put the ads up, people complain, they quickly take them down and they get their 15 minutes in the spotlight where people ask about the new show.

 

I liked your post but Burger King ads are just as bad. Yuck.

 

I know, I never said they didn't, I was discussing the topic at hand, if people should be bothered and if Amazon should pull.

 

Nobody seems to want to really answer this question, but if you were tasked with marketing this show, how would you convey the message of a Nazi occupied America without using any kind of German WWII imagery?

 

So maybe they don't put an American flag across the benches with an Iron Cross and Eagle, but what images do you use for billboards and posters to convey the story? Germany in WWII is going to convey "Nazis" to the public. There are going to be upset people. I'm curious how many people actually complained, and I still think this was done to provoke a reaction and generate a news story.

 

I think it's fine to use that imagery on TV or in Theaters where people are expecting stuff like this. There is a difference between putting it on Amazon or some SV station and putting it wrapped on seats people take on their way to work in the morning. The line is admittedly blurry, but a line nonetheless.

 

Billboards and posters are a big part of advertising for movies and TV. Maybe not in Portland, but if you drive around LA or NY you will see it a lot more. They're not going to completely ignore a huge part of advertising because the subject matter could be offensive.

This isn't the first TV show to use imagery that's meant to provoke a reaction to generate buzz. The upside down American flag conveys a powerful message.

"The Flag Code states it should only be displayed upside down when there is extreme danger to life or property."
http://www.usaflagsupply.com/upside-down-flag/

 

It looks to me like they intentionally avoided using the swastika in advertising though.

 

Nate, there are always words, images that can be used, some cross the line, some go up to it, some smash it to pieces and some don't go far enough to inform. THat's exactly why marketers get paid.

Imagine if Amazon did go further and put Swastikas and cement showers with corpses of emaciated Jews on those posters. My guess is you too would say that went too far. There isn't some litmus test as to what's offensive or disturbing. It's subjective and in many cases has to do with ones life experiences. We can't sanitize for all offenses, but we can try to understand what large numbers are concerned with and at least try and keep their concerns in mind when we make our decisions. It doesn't mean acquiesce all the time, but at least try and determine what's common curtsy and adjust accordingly.

 

See, I don't think it's so much the images. I think it was the ridiculous extent that they went to cover the entire car in advertising. I think if it was JUST a couple posters, people would have tuned it out or let it go, but they covered every bench in flags and images. I think they overwhelmed people with imagery and that was their mistake. The benches were too much. The posters would have probably been fine.

With that said, I think they did it intentionally. I think they meant to piss people off.

 

None of the pictures actually show the posters. I'm curious what the posters look like.