So we all knew that GM was going to have to put out some kind of advertising to address their recent bankruptcy filing but I expected more than the stock video rip-o-matic we got. The voice over is what I expected but let’s take a minute and examine some of the imagery they have chosen represent their reinvention.
:15 – A Subway. So cheap public transportation is the plan to reinvent GM’s cars?
:16 – One legged man running. One of the most amazing people I have know in my life was a physically challenged athlete who shot archery with one arm. He was a real inspiration and those athletes deserve more than becoming the standby heavy handed visual for determination.
:25 – Injured hockey player. Not only is a disturbing visual but if you have ever watched any amount of hockey you know you will only see a player in this position after they have been hit by a puck or stick in the face.
:29 – Pittsburgh Steeler’s quarterback Ben Rothlisberger. I am a die-hard, bleed black and gold Steelers fan and this doesn’t make any sense to me. Ben is hardly the sports figure I would pick to represent reinvention.
:30 – A shredded American flag. There is no context as why the flag is so damaged or if it was from a storm or war. Like the hockey player player I don’t understand what such a dark image has to do with their reinvention.
:40 – Overused ‘green’ imagery. Can someone please find a way to show ‘green’ technology without the windmills and the solar panels?
Am I alone on this? Am I missing something here besides the heavy handed use of tired stereotypes? Let’s hope their business plan has more innovation and vision than their advertising.