i would say i have two differing opinions on the Nike ad — as someone who works in advertising and primarily social strategy, i think it’s a smart move for Nike that feels different than their typical “intense motivation” messaging and it’s a great partnership for them (i also love Megan so much and she’s just so charismatic in her commercial work!)
the sentiment in the comments seems like people really resonated with her encouraging balance of having the chips AND the green juice. that clearly feels refreshing for people, along with the lighthearted and fun energy, whereas fitness is often SO intense
but then as someone with my own history of ED recovery and concerns about how body image is evolving, i definitely understand what you called out about the “wanting to be cheeked up” line. it doesn’t feel egregious (and i assume they felt they had to make some kind of reference to Megan being known for her booty & twerking) but it does undercut some of the positives about the messaging
it’s like 2 steps forward and 1 step back, so i guess technically still a step forward? but agreed it could be better still
Brilliant and insightful as always. As a woman who lives with disabilities that affect her mobility, these types of cultural manipulations hit me in a different way — who I am I, as a woman in this culture, if I can't do the physical work or "beauty" maintenance required to make sure that I am "desirable" and fu*kable? Change myself to be "acceptable" or "decorate" the world around me?
Having grown up in the "no curves allowed" 90s and 00s, it's still weird to me that my body shape is now in fashion. Having said that, I was introduced to rock climbing as a teen and still adore it, and so I'd much rather concentrate on how I feel in my body than how I look.
I'm very aware of my privilege in that, and grateful that competition climbing was hard to get into back in the days I was strong enough to have stood a chance. Nothing wrong with comps, and I love the visibility it's given the sport, but I'm happy that I never had that pressure.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Good piece, clearly got me thinking!
Adverts are definitely getting outta hand and forgetting the important bits in storytelling. A few weeks back I saw an ad of a South African celebrity using a low end perfume. It was unfortunate that the response was not positive because nobody bought into it. Why would a rich woman use a perfume that costs $15? It's not impossible, she may very well like it & wear it every day but we are wired to believe that because of her status she would much rather wear high-end/luxury brand scents.
In the case of Megan, I think Planet Fitness would have pulled it off better if they offered a class/session where women did Megan's gym routine. One session, ticket it & offer a discount for people who sign up after that session. And she could have done it virtually. That would have made people FEEL more than an ad that's out of reach.
But then again gyms make money from people who sign up and never come in so....
i would say i have two differing opinions on the Nike ad — as someone who works in advertising and primarily social strategy, i think it’s a smart move for Nike that feels different than their typical “intense motivation” messaging and it’s a great partnership for them (i also love Megan so much and she’s just so charismatic in her commercial work!)
the sentiment in the comments seems like people really resonated with her encouraging balance of having the chips AND the green juice. that clearly feels refreshing for people, along with the lighthearted and fun energy, whereas fitness is often SO intense
but then as someone with my own history of ED recovery and concerns about how body image is evolving, i definitely understand what you called out about the “wanting to be cheeked up” line. it doesn’t feel egregious (and i assume they felt they had to make some kind of reference to Megan being known for her booty & twerking) but it does undercut some of the positives about the messaging
it’s like 2 steps forward and 1 step back, so i guess technically still a step forward? but agreed it could be better still
Brilliant and insightful as always. As a woman who lives with disabilities that affect her mobility, these types of cultural manipulations hit me in a different way — who I am I, as a woman in this culture, if I can't do the physical work or "beauty" maintenance required to make sure that I am "desirable" and fu*kable? Change myself to be "acceptable" or "decorate" the world around me?
Having grown up in the "no curves allowed" 90s and 00s, it's still weird to me that my body shape is now in fashion. Having said that, I was introduced to rock climbing as a teen and still adore it, and so I'd much rather concentrate on how I feel in my body than how I look.
I'm very aware of my privilege in that, and grateful that competition climbing was hard to get into back in the days I was strong enough to have stood a chance. Nothing wrong with comps, and I love the visibility it's given the sport, but I'm happy that I never had that pressure.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Good piece, clearly got me thinking!
idk why, but taking Ls on NYE had me hollering.
Love this analysis and critique
That yoplait ad. Wow. Feeling major love for the child in me (and in you and millions others) that saw that ad.
Adverts are definitely getting outta hand and forgetting the important bits in storytelling. A few weeks back I saw an ad of a South African celebrity using a low end perfume. It was unfortunate that the response was not positive because nobody bought into it. Why would a rich woman use a perfume that costs $15? It's not impossible, she may very well like it & wear it every day but we are wired to believe that because of her status she would much rather wear high-end/luxury brand scents.
In the case of Megan, I think Planet Fitness would have pulled it off better if they offered a class/session where women did Megan's gym routine. One session, ticket it & offer a discount for people who sign up after that session. And she could have done it virtually. That would have made people FEEL more than an ad that's out of reach.
But then again gyms make money from people who sign up and never come in so....