Mrs M
yoda76EAT NANDO'S AND POLE DANCE
June 29th 2007 04:16
For the last few weeks now Nando’s (fast food chicken restaurant) have been running an ad on television featuring a mother who is so addicted to Nando’s chicken she needs to wear a Nando’s patch to curb her cravings at work.
The mother’s day job is pole dancing and her patrons found the patch a little off putting so she switched to the gum.
When I first saw this ad a few weeks it did throw me a bit because of its silliness and let’s face it, it is just a little bit absurd. A mother going to work in her in her tailored suit; shown pole dancing; and then we see with her husband and two children in a family restaurant. It does seem to be an unusual situation; and simply because of our preconceived notions of what occupations mother’s have and what kind of women pole dance for money.
Our preconceived notions aren't always correct. You know what they say about people who assume.
Family groups complained the ad degraded women and undermined family values and generally found it offensive.
The only time I ever saw this ad was after 9.30pm and it was on SBS. Only in the last couple of weeks had I seen it on commercial television; again after 9.30pm.
In this smh.com.au article it says that Nando’s argued that pole dancing does not degrade women because it is seen as a “popular form of exercise” and there is a character on Home and Away who is in fact a pole dancer. Let’s just drive this point home, Home and Away screens at 7.00pm and it is aimed at the young impressionable demographic of society. So if it’s okay with Home and Away….
Some people might find this ad offensive, which is there prerogative. But I would assume that adults can see through the advertising ploy and change the channel or not buy the product.
As for the young impressionable children, well I would hope they would be in bed by 9.30pm; children up to the age of 16 still need an average of 10-11 hours sleep…but I digress.
Let’s face it, pole dancing, patches and gum have nothing to do with fast food chicken but Nando’s have managed to get their name out there, which is the precise point of advertising.
Do we expect truth in advertising? Absolutely. But if an ad is overtly humourous and tongue-in-cheek, should we be so quick and cry foul on the grounds of political correctness?
The Advertising Standards Bureau did not pull the ad but Nando’s did say that the advertising run for this particular ad would wrap up by week’s end. Were Nando’s pushed or did they jump? Trying to save PR face. Or perhaps were they telling the truth and it is a matter of convenient timing and my mind has gone into overdrive conspiracy theories.
The mother’s day job is pole dancing and her patrons found the patch a little off putting so she switched to the gum.
When I first saw this ad a few weeks it did throw me a bit because of its silliness and let’s face it, it is just a little bit absurd. A mother going to work in her in her tailored suit; shown pole dancing; and then we see with her husband and two children in a family restaurant. It does seem to be an unusual situation; and simply because of our preconceived notions of what occupations mother’s have and what kind of women pole dance for money.
Our preconceived notions aren't always correct. You know what they say about people who assume.
Family groups complained the ad degraded women and undermined family values and generally found it offensive.
The only time I ever saw this ad was after 9.30pm and it was on SBS. Only in the last couple of weeks had I seen it on commercial television; again after 9.30pm.
In this smh.com.au article it says that Nando’s argued that pole dancing does not degrade women because it is seen as a “popular form of exercise” and there is a character on Home and Away who is in fact a pole dancer. Let’s just drive this point home, Home and Away screens at 7.00pm and it is aimed at the young impressionable demographic of society. So if it’s okay with Home and Away….
Some people might find this ad offensive, which is there prerogative. But I would assume that adults can see through the advertising ploy and change the channel or not buy the product.
As for the young impressionable children, well I would hope they would be in bed by 9.30pm; children up to the age of 16 still need an average of 10-11 hours sleep…but I digress.
Let’s face it, pole dancing, patches and gum have nothing to do with fast food chicken but Nando’s have managed to get their name out there, which is the precise point of advertising.
Do we expect truth in advertising? Absolutely. But if an ad is overtly humourous and tongue-in-cheek, should we be so quick and cry foul on the grounds of political correctness?
The Advertising Standards Bureau did not pull the ad but Nando’s did say that the advertising run for this particular ad would wrap up by week’s end. Were Nando’s pushed or did they jump? Trying to save PR face. Or perhaps were they telling the truth and it is a matter of convenient timing and my mind has gone into overdrive conspiracy theories.
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Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
So I say, thanks, Mrs M for clarifying that up!!!
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
I must admit that I don't like the ad but it has nothing to do with the impressionable children thing (mine watch Home and Away after all (yes, I'm a closet H&A fan)) it's more the grossness of that man sticking his face right in the woman's backside ...
...that's enough to turn anyone off their chicken.
Take care,
A. xx
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Thanks for the laugh Aimzster.
Hi Andrea,
It can be vague yes, like I said I had to see it a few times just make sure I was watching what I thought I was seeing.
I suppose you are a good example. You don't like the ad...and that's okay...not everyone has to. It is a bit confronting.
I do find the ad amusing because it is absurd.
I just worry that people are quick to jump on their soapbox (not you Andrea
Home and Away? Really? I suppose my guilty pleasure is Days of our Lives and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Thanks for your comments, very much appreciated.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
This post is not about this ad....but w're talking about this ad...oh very good M....
I think that Nando's (who?) work is done and by pulling out now after the complaints...they're being very clever.
It is opportunistic timing.
...because now...people will wonder if they had been 'pushed' and this will make people sympathise and grumble that PC-ness has gone to far...and this "we're all in this together" attitude...seels products.
You sure?
Ever seen a chicken on a spit?
...and gum holds the tassell patches to their nipples.
What really makes me a bit sick is that my 11yo knows what a poledancer is.
Why wouldn't he?
After all Elle Macpherson had her last lingerie range launch shown in a 'dance' club and then it was shown on the news.
And gyms now have Pole Dancing classes and dance classes that have stripper dips...
And music videos?
And shows like 'Friends', which was broadcast at the very late hour of 7:00pm had many adult friendly episodes of the finer points of poledancing.
And then there's movies. Child friendly movies.
AND CARTOONS.
...and no I'm not talking about Pluto The Horn Dog type cartoons.
I have nothing against these dancers...I think they're amazingly athletic and their bodies are fabulous and well, I have different ideas of what exploitation is but....
I would prefer my 11yo to remain a child until he's an adult.
Aimzster:
Comment by Damo
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
If you click on the smh.com.au link you will find another link that shows the ad. Too many links?
Have I had chicken on a spit? Nah. Greeks go for lambs and pigs. It would have to be one hell of a chicken to feed my family.
Smart of them really. They are catering for families and if you offend too many of them.....no patrons for Nando's.
The news report that I saw on TV also talked about the new ad about P platers and speeding. You know the one that implies that if a male P plater speeds he has a small penis. That ad came under fire too and the spokesperson (RTA I think) wasn't apologetic at all.
Let's hope your 11 year old doesn't show you any poledancing moves....
Hi Damo,
It looks like an ad designed to stir controversy. By discussing it we also discuss Nandos
Thanks for the visit and comments.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
hahahahahahaha Mrs M! I have a Greek friend.... I don`t think we ever ate chicken at her house... for that exact reason
I have seen this ad a sum total of twice (not much of a TV fan) and I didn`t get it actually.
I suppose because I don`t have kids it is not my first thought to draw the connection between them and the message being given. I did think having a mum as a poledancer could be interesting on 'Career Day' at school!
I must admit though I have been at home and walked past the TV when the midday film was on... and nearly fallen over by what has been shown. My goodness there have been some really saucy moments... I know kids are growing up fast these days but to go from Playschool to ... um... Play - something - else seems like quite a huge leap to me.
If it is kept to late at night then I don`t see what the problem is.Like you say kids should really be in bed by that time anyway.
ash
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Ash, that's so true about the midday movie. I must admit I was a little surprised when I wandered into the lounge room early one afternoon to find my son watching bare breasts on the Blue Lagoon.
They also showed repeats of Last Man Standing in an early afternoon slot at one point and had one bloke going in to donate sperm and considering his options while looking at the ... um ... reading material they had given him.
The unfortunate thing was that it was Matt from Playschool who was doing all this and my son very innocently asked me what Playschool Matt was doing.
How to explain sperm donation to a four year old.
Thanks Mrs M.
A.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Mr M gets a bit nervous when Days of our Lives is on...it's become saucy.
But I hear you about midday movies. They showed Arthur the other day and that does have some naughty bits.
I hear you Andrea about Matt and Playschool. A couple of years back they were showing re-runs of Secret Life of Us on midday and there was Rhys Muldoon and Deborah Mailman pashing on. They don't do that on Play School.
Hi Kleonaptra,
You make me laugh
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Not at all!
Not at all.
For those that haven't seen the ad in question:
To be honest, I find it absurd and amusing, but my first thought when I saw it was "How on Earth did they get that past CAD?"
Commercials ADvice is the
screening body that decides if your ad is fit to air according to the guidelines.
Aside from the racy nature of it, it makes a claim that is untrue - Nando Fix Gum cures your Nando's cravings - funny, but misleading. CAD are usually ready to pounce on untrue claims. Save for the VERY short line at the end which I'm willing to bet most people miss: "Now Not Available".
As for the timeslots, it would seem to fit these criteria from the above CAD guidelines:
M – Mature “M”
Definition: Recommended for Viewing Only by Persons 15 and Over
May be broadcast during the following hours, except during P
and C programs or adjacent to P or C periods:
• Weekdays (schooldays):
• 8.30pm–5.00am (see Note 1)
• 12 noon–3.00pm (see Note 2)
• Weekdays (school holidays) & Weekends:
• 8.30pm–5.00am (see Note 1)
Note 1: not in G or PG programs or sport starting at or
continuing past 8.30pm.
If the program continues past 10.30pm, this restriction ceases
to apply.
Note 2: see Clause 2.10.3 of the Code of Practice for time zone
difference adjustment.
Don't know which side of the fence I sit here ( especially with regards to the daytime slot...) but it is an interesting exercise in what you can get away with. Or more to the point, how to really generate some publicity ;o)
Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
Pole dancers always crank my motor and imaginations, couple that to chicken and I'm your man.
Raven
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
What?
If you read the smh article you'll see that Nando's did walk a fine line but they stayed on the right side of the line according to Advertising Standards Bureau.
As for the daytime slot, I have never seen the ad during the day. I'm not the ulitmate authority on it, but c'mon, I know my stuff....I think.
Let's face it, it's chicken...generally not a very sexy subject.
Hi Raven,
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Of course they think it skirts on the right side of wrong - they let it go to air...
So by that rationale, it would be OK for your daughter, as long as she wore a suit while she did it?
My point is, that I have no problem with the ad, but it should not air when children can see it - ie during the day. Of the three children you live with, how may are around, awake and possibly watching TV between 12 and 3pm?
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Precisely. But that's hardly all families? Shouldn't I have a right to decide when I have to explain pole dancing to my children?
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
But you better make sure that they don't watch Home and Away.
And, if they saw someone pole dancing say in a gym (where women aren't naked or men throwing money at them) they would probably just think well that looks like funny dancing and a little cool to be climbing a pole.
They hardly know the connotation associated with pole dancing because they haven't been subjected to that....yet.
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
No problem with that...
...yet.
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
you're right, it is absurd and your first reaction is huh!? What the hell!?
I've seen some pretty bizarre attempts at advertising, but this one takes the cake...
Great post!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
What an interesting post. I am glad that Yoda posted the video so I could get a look. I was thinking that although it is clever and kind of far fetched, who was this ad marketed to? Men who seretly want their wives to be strippers (hot wives...hot chicken) or wives who want to eat lots of chicken and still have a smoking body or get a smoking body)
What about real pole dancing moms? I have worked with a few who were single moms working their way through college or worked late nights so they could be with their kids during the day. When my son was young I would not have wanted him to see it but he would not have been up past 10:00PM so there would be no explaining to do. Mmmmm. I have to think more about this. I would hate to think folks were being elitists and that having this type of job although I wouldn't do it,,,should not be disregarded if it is putting food on the table.
Or maybe this ad isn't that deep and it is just about spicy chicken=hot pole dancer fantasy woman/wife
You know there are many men (not all) who want a wife in the kitchen and a whore in bedroom. Wow I think my knuckles are dragging now.
Mis
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
We actually know a woman who pole danced for a while just to help the family finances through a sticky spot.
By day she worked in a make up counter in a major department store, some night studied opera singing and the other nights pole danced.
Lovely, lovely lady and she certainly doesn't fit the "stereotype". Does anyone really?
Thanks for the visit Mis.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I loved the first lot of ads with the crazy chick in the straight jacket - "cant be trusted with cutlery?" Cos I been there and done that!
I just think the whole idea of patches and gum for spicy sauce is ridiculous! Ok, yeah, its supposed to be, but I just cant handle the idea of spice gum!
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I think I remember the ad you're talking about.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
want to take the uber-P.C. route that America has.
Brings the whiners right out of the woodwork. Drives us all crazy.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
want to take the uber-P.C. route that America has.
It's one thing to be sensitive to other's around you and another to be SO PC that I'm too scared to smile in case someone gets offended.
Thanks for the visit D.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis