Leave a Comment Sagesse
Marriage equality group Freedom to Marry releases first TV ad of election season
August 16, 2012
By Jacob Combs
Freedom to Marry, the national marriage equality advocacy group that earlier this year urged members to put pressure on the Democratic Party to add language about equality marriage rights to the party’s platform, has released its first ad of the election season. The TV spot, titled “Grandparents,” is airing in Minnesota, where a constitutional amendment with the title “Limiting the Status of Marriage to Opposite Sex Couples” will ask voters this November to explicitly ban marriage equality in the state.
In the ad, which will air in Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth couple Yvonne and Fred Peterson explain how their views on marriage equality have changed over the course of their own 53-year marriage. Yvonne wasn’t always for marriage equality–in the ad she says that in the past, “if someone had asked me if gay people should get married, I would have said no”–but as Fred points out, “the world is changing.”
According to a report by Minnesota Public Radio, the mid-six figures ad buy will run for several weeks. Although the ad makes no explicit mention of the fact, the Petersons have a gay grandson, as Freedom to Marry noted in a press release. From the Minnesota Public Radio piece:
To John Aldrich, a political science professor at Duke University, it’s noteworthy that the first advertisement features older, straight, grandparents from greater Minnesota.
“Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have seen an ad like that. It may not have even been possible to find — except for professional actors acting professionally. You couldn’t find people in the street to have played that kind of a role,” Aldrich said.
He said reaching older, blue collar voters is what the VOTE NO campaign needs to tip toward majority support and defeat the amendment.
As the piece notes, opponents of the constitutional amendment have far outraised its supporters, and now enjoy a $4 million cash advantage. You can watch the ad in its entierty below.
Having technical problems? E-mail equalityontrial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
60 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Sagesse | August 16, 2012 at 8:43 am
@
2.
Jamie | August 16, 2012 at 9:13 am
I get that this is the message of Freedom to Marry, however these types of ads have consistently been shown to have no effect on voters. It's lovely and it makes gay people feel good about themselves, but it's just a complete waste of money as far as convincing voters.
We've lost 32 contests running these same ads, why would we buy more of the same for the next four battles? If this is what we are going to expect from these groups, I'd just prepare yourself for four more losses this November.
3.
Gregory in SLC | August 16, 2012 at 9:45 am
Hi Jamie…I know you've been criticized for some of your opinions before but I tend to agree. Sad fact is those against marriage equality won't be moved by nice or sad messages. Even if showed effects of hate (suicide, families torn apart or whatever) the conservatives would just think "that is what you get for being immoral" I can't think of any effective msg for these EXPENSIVE TV spots. On the other hand, opponents put out messages like "your kids will be taught in school….churches will have to perform marriages….your marriages will be ruined" and conservatives are moved to vote against us.
4.
Todd | August 16, 2012 at 11:00 am
Not effective? I really like this ad, and I hope it does have some effect.
5.
cr8nguy | August 16, 2012 at 11:01 am
ok, i get the criticism, i really do. but no one has yet offered an alternative. what kind of ad would you run? and how would that work? i live in North Dakota….have lots of friend in MN…been to Duluth many times. This ad strikes me as something that will make older Minnesotans stop for a second and think about it. Will it swing votes? I have no idea. but this idea that you can attack the opposition for what they truely are is tenuous, isn't it? when you do that, you are attacking their religion…and religion is still BIG in the upper midwest. you will shut people down immiediately if you aren't very careful with how you do it.
i'm not saying we shouldn't have harder hitting ads. i just haven't yet seen one……or even a suggestion of what one would really look like….that seems feasible. i am asking seriously…..does anyone have a specific suggestion? and where are our marketing gurus? you can't tell me we don't have a gay version of Frank Schubert. where is the guy who was obama's deputy campaign manager? he was gay and has also complained about the ads. but where is he?? if he is serious, maybe he should be involved in this fight.
6.
cr8nguy | August 16, 2012 at 11:01 am
i'm really not trying to be a jerk. i just keep reading the same criticisms everytime an ad comes out. but no one seems to want to offer and actual alternative. and we clearly need one.
7.
Seth from Maryland | August 16, 2012 at 11:10 am
i agree , as much i dont like nasy negative campaigns , we are going to have get into the mud and fight dirty an expose their lies , because if you think our opponents are going to be nice and sweet, then ur sadly mistaken , we just cant win like this
8.
Martin Pal | August 16, 2012 at 11:14 am
So the couple in the ad have a gay grandson. And it’s not even mentioned in the ad. I’m thinking that if I were inclined to vote against marriage equality this would play right into my fears or my stereotyped thinking: “See? They can’t even say they have a gay grandson in the ad–because they don’t want people to know. Why? Because they’re really ashamed. I wouldn’t want anyone to know either. They’re being pressured into something they don’t really believe in by those radical homos.”
I don’t know why “our side” (whatever that entails) is so afraid to take the fight to the voters we need. The people whose votes we need keep crying they want “to take the country back.” They don’t want to accept that “the world is changing” and if it is, they certainly don’t want to be a part of that. It’s frustrating that we’ve had years of these ads that don’t work and no one is trying the opposite. The ads that work for our opponents are visceral. They don’t appeal to the intellect (fairness). We need visceral ads. Like what? (cont’d)
9.
Martin Pal | August 16, 2012 at 11:17 am
(cont’d) Just off the top of my head, how about you see a guy on screen facing the camera. Someone comes up to him and punches him in the gut and he doubles over on the ground. (If you don’t like the punching, how about spitting?) While he’s writhing on the ground in agony you hear, better yet, you see an openly gay person (like Neil Patrick Harris?) say, this is what it feels like when people don’t value me and my marriage. Or have the person with his partner and children and say “me and my family.” That ad could be done in ten seconds. Like a quick punch itself. And if you had someone out, who is also legally married, it underscores that marriage is already a fact for many gay people. The ad infers your vote can actually hurt people and/or make their lives worse.
Did I say anything untrue there? It does feel like that to us. I felt like that when all those people flocked to CFA recently. No, just keep running those minute long (six figure!) fairness ads, ads that even supporters tune out in 5 seconds. It’s also amazing to me how many of these ads don’t even have gay people in them as if to just see our faces will send voters into a panic. It is so frustrating to see the old “Doctor, it hurts when I do that; then don’t do that,” again in this election cycle when marriage quality is on the ballot in several states. When will “our side” learn?
10.
Martin Pal | August 16, 2012 at 11:20 am
^^^^^
Marriage “e”quality, of course…
11.
Builtpd | August 16, 2012 at 11:27 am
I like Martin’s “ad” better.
12.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 16, 2012 at 11:39 am
My personal suggestion is this…. Have a person on camera state:
"I personally disgree with Same Sex Marriage because of my religious beliefs."
"However my religious beiefs are my own and should not be used to deny anyone else the right to live their life the way they wish."
"I wouldn't want the government coming into my church and telling us what to believe, so why should my church be telling the government what laws to pass"
13.
Gregory in SLC | August 16, 2012 at 11:41 am
I've racked my brain since the ads of prop8 were so effective against us "(little girl speaking)…Mommy I learned in school today that I can marry a princess!" …to me that sound nice…and the way it should be. To much of the population they freak out and get a bunch of Mormons to pass laws against us. Perhaps we could show part of their negative ad with a big FALSE over the screen. then present TRUTH: briefly present the truth.
Maybe the above add would be more effective if had a tag line at the end that said TRUTH voting for marriage equality will not affect traditional marriage, but voting for marriage equality will have a HUGE positive impact for 10,000 Minnesota families who pay taxes.
This upcoming election is making me physically ill. I see Romney gaining support and seriously worry for the states with marriage up for a vote. I hear my Utah co workers, and some Utah gays all for their republican candidate and I feel pretty helpless. So much is riding on this election for my family. : (
14.
Gregory in SLC | August 16, 2012 at 11:51 am
Not bad Mark : )
15.
Seth from Maryland | August 16, 2012 at 11:57 am
hmmm, now that i think it about this ad could very well work and an be effective in Minnesota
16.
Martin Pal; | August 16, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Bad, Mark, because people DON’T separate their religious beiefs from the voting booth and, again, it appeals to fairness–which hasn’t worked for us yet.
17.
Martin Pal; | August 16, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Seth, the flaw in your comment is most voters are not going to “think” all that much. They’re just going to react.
18.
davep | August 16, 2012 at 12:35 pm
I think the "You ware going to be lied to" ads would work. tell people –
You will see ads opposing civil marriage equality funded by groups like NOM and FRC.
NOM has been charged with eighteen counts of election law violations from their previous anti-equality campaigns in other states, and now they are coming here. If they won't be honest with the courts about where they get their money, how can you trust what they say about civil marriage laws?
The FRC is associated with extremist views that are responsible for things like the "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda, which would condemn people to death simply for being suspected of being gay. Are these the kind of people who should be making civil laws in OUR state?
19.
Mackenzie | August 16, 2012 at 12:36 pm
It is important to remember what part of the country we are in. Central Northern states have a much different mentality than even other midwestern states. Places like WI, MN, IA are more collectivist in nature. The value of a person is placed in much higher regard. Think about it, many of these states are comprised of middle class more conservative type people, but they routinely vote for Democrats. They are much more apt to consider their neighbors friends and families when they vote and make decisions that effect their communities. Now living in Missouri I can tell you it is not the same here. People are more individualistic and tend to focus what makes them better off.
I agree, our ads are lovey dovey nice and don't really blow our opponents out of the water. But who are we going to attack? Those who agree with are not going to vote for us more because we slam our opponents tactics. Those who disagree with us are going to find any attack ads hostile to their long held and sadly firm opinions on the matter. Running ads like this make marriage equality seem more normal and acceptable. No one likes being the last loser to be against something.
20.
davep | August 16, 2012 at 12:42 pm
"Who are we going to attack?" We ought to attack the ORGANIZATIONS that are funding the anti-gay side of these referendums. Not the voters, the organizations. Tell people about NOMs 18 violations of state election regulations. Tell people about the really nasty and extremist side of some of these groups, like the "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda.
We want these ads to reach people who may be opposed to marriage equality, and make them think "hey, I'm not crazy about same sex marriage, but I sure as hell don't agree with THOSE horrible people and there's no way I'm supporting what THEY say!".
21.
joe | August 16, 2012 at 12:44 pm
I think that we should produce 3 minute or less ads on YouTube. Especially those of us who have great ideas.
22.
cr8nguy | August 16, 2012 at 12:58 pm
i like it
23.
cr8nguy | August 16, 2012 at 12:59 pm
this could work i think. it does not make an issue of religion.
24.
Seth from Maryland | August 16, 2012 at 1:35 pm
i agree 100% Mackenzie with everthing you said
25.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 16, 2012 at 1:40 pm
But we DO need to make an issue of religion. They are always harping on how immoral it is, and how it goes against God and their view of the Bible. We need to counter that with the fact that marriage is a civil contract and has NOTHING to do with religion or their beliefs.
26.
cr8nguy | August 16, 2012 at 2:03 pm
that's fine, but attacking their religion won't work … i don't think anyway. it'll just close them off. make an ad with clergy who are pro-ME explaining why they are and how that is related to their faith persepctive. and an ad that focuses on the separation arguement……maybe someone who says, "i belive marriage is between a man and a woman, that is how my faith defines it. But civil law is different, my faith should not define civil law for every one else, so i oppose the ammendment"
27.
Focus Group Tested | August 16, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Any ads that could market and focus group tested? Doing the same kind of ads over and over expecting different results… means we haven't learned.
28.
wes228 | August 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm
The problem is that same-sex marriage really neither helps nor hurts anybody other than helping gay couples. It's easy to make up lots of stuff about how same-sex marriage will hurt people — they'll recruit your kids, devalue your own marriage etc. etc. But we can't make up stuff about how it will help everybody — what are we going to say? If same-sex marriage is legalized everyone will have free lollipops delivered to their door every day?
There is the economic issue about helping business I suppose — but it's really only useful if your state can host destination weddings like New York with New York City and Niagra falls.
29.
Felony Marriage Ad | August 16, 2012 at 2:15 pm
How about a ad (with Here comes the bride organ music) first showing felony opposite sex spousal abusers getting married, followed with adult child molesters getting married, then drug and alcohol abusers getting legally married.. Then a lovely family of several same sex couples and their well adjusted children, with a deep GODLY voice… "NO YOU CANNOT MARRY, it will destroy marriage as we know it"
30.
Jamie | August 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Same sex marriage increases stability for the couples that are able to get married. Marriage makes people wealthier. It makes them happier. It makes them more productive citizens and workers, which leads to more wealth and stability,
Children of married couples have better outcomes. These children already exist and are being raised by gay couples. They deserve the benefits of marriage that their peers enjoy.
I've always found the argument odd that children of gays and lesbians aren't as well adjusted as other children. First it's wrong. Second, even if it was true, what person in their right mind would want to hurt those children more by depriving them of married parents. We should help disadvantaged children, not try to disadvantage them more.
All this helps society. It makes us all stronger. It makes us all more free. It makes us all more American. That's the message that we should drive home.
31.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 16, 2012 at 3:57 pm
No one is attacking their religion…I myself am a Christian and proud of it. What we are pointing out (not attacking) is the misconception that marriage equality effects they and their beliefs.
32.
Mike in Baltimore | August 16, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Maybe something like this?
“Regarding the rite of marriage, the practice of our local church is rooted in our understanding of the history and etymology of the term matrimony,” said Rev. Coats, who testified in favor of the bill at O’Malley’s side. “Therefore, wedding ceremonies witnessed and presided over at our church acknowledge the union of a man and a woman in a sacred ceremony,” he said.
“With that said, I am here today to express my full support of the proposed Civil Marriage Protection Act as proposed by the governor,” he said. “As a matter of public policy, I believe it is the obligation of the state to insure that all of her citizens are protected equally under the law.”
(https://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/02/11/omalley-defends-marriage-bill-at-md-house-hearing)
33.
Gregory in SLC | August 16, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Excellent approach!
34.
deppy | August 17, 2012 at 12:02 am
This is a weak ad that will do nothing to change the numbers. It's simple, if we want to change the numbers in our favor then we must change the ads.
People keep mentioning "but what type of ad would we put out?". It's quite simple, we know the ads about "save the children" work. Turn the tables on the haters. Make our ads about how this will take away healthcare from children. Make our ads about how children won't have right to inheritance without marriage equality if one of the parents dies. We have to be direct and show the harm this does to children of gay people, not the harm it does to gay people.
People are generally selfish when they go into a voting booth. Think about how often you vote for/against something when it has no direct impact on you. That's how most the voters are when it comes to our rights. If we can change the tone of the narrative to "these people are our to harm our children", then I think we would change more minds.
35.
wes228 | August 17, 2012 at 6:44 am
"All this helps society. It makes us all stronger. It makes us all more free. It makes us all more American. That's the message that we should drive home."
Still too abstract for the average American voter. On the one hand, the opposing side can drum up powerful (albeit entirely fictional) visuals of children being "indoctrinated" by bringing home books about same-sex families or priests being forced to perform same-sex marriages. On our side all we can do is say Being nice to gay people should make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, even if if won't personally benefit your life at all!
36.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:28 am
Attacking religion doesn't work. It makes folks who are ON our side defensive. We need to USE religion. Folks saying "Our church doesn't support same sex marriages, so we won't perform them in our church. As human beings, WE support the right for people who are not in our church to marry and enjoy the same civil rights we have. So we are for marriage equality!" is a mixed message, (and could be better worded… I will work on it) but it works WITH religion. We don't have to support it, we just need to understand that butting our heads against that wall is useless at this point in the fight. Let's just run around the end of the wall.
37.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:33 am
PART 1
OK… gonna recycle an ad suggestion or two that I came up with a while back….
THE PARTS FIT
A group of people standing around a water cooler are discussing what is wrong with gay marriage. As each speaks, the camera focuses on them, moving around the circle as the speaker changes.
Man 1: Well, of course, marriage is about procreation. Gays can't have kids.
Cut to a shot of a gay couple and their three young kids playing happily in the park. Cut back to the water cooler.
Woman 1: OK, sure, yes.., they can have kids, I guess, but of course, no CHURCHES think they should get married, it is against the bible!
Cut to a shot of the same gay couple emerging from a church while the minister and all the guests throw rice and cheer.
38.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:34 am
PART 2
Man 2: Fine, yes, ok… SOME churches will marry them. The important thing is that it redefines marriage!
Cut to series of quick shots of the same couple. They mow the grass, bandage a kid's knee, make school lunches, pay bills together, laugh, fold laundry etc. Cut back to the water cooler.
39.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:34 am
PART 3
Woman 2: Well, no.. that IS just like my marriage, but what is really important is that the PARTS just DON'T FIT.
Cut to quick shot of the same family, dressed up and standing in front of a professional photographer's background while a camera flashes. They are obviously having fun together. Dads hold the youngest child, the other two are nestled in just the right spots between them to make the perfect family pic. Cut back to the group at the water cooler, showing all four looking towards 5th person off camera. Camera pans around to the final person in the group. It is one of the couple. He smiles at someone who then walks into frame. It is his husband. The husband takes his hand, and the guy looks at their clasped hands, wedding rings visible, then back to the group.
Married man: (with a smile at the group, he raises their clasped hands up) In fact, the parts all fit just fine.
40.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:34 am
PART 4
They turn and go, leaving the group to watch them leave. As they walk away, hand in hand, the camera follows them and pans down to their hands where we see the wedding rings, and see that their hands fit together perfectly.
A title comes up that reads "Support Marriage Equality"
41.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:38 am
PART 1
Another one…
DIFFERENT FAMILIES
In as close to the same set up as the King and King commercial as can be managed, a kid comes home and says "Mom, guess what I learned in school today? I learned there are all different kinds of families."
Junior continues in voice over as the scene cuts to show proud kids introducing their families to the classroom, posters reading "FAMILY DAY!" in the background.
"Sarah brought her mom and dad…" and we see a smiling girl standing in front of mom and dad.
"Joe has two daddies. He says he is lucky cause they both like baseball and make great peanut butter sandwiches." Joe and dads show off his new baseball glove.
42.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:38 am
PART 2
"Eric doesn't have a mom, but his dad and sister live with his grandparents!" Dad and younger sister watch Eric hug grandparents.
We see other kids with other families, adopted parents and siblings of different races, someone in a wheelchair, and so on.
Voiceover: "Not all families are the same, but all families deserve the same rights and protections. Support Marriage Equality."
Cut to Junior, hugging his mom, and his other mom walks in and joins the hug.
Voiceover: "Vote yes on Marriage Equality."
43.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 7:41 am
And another…
PEOPLE LIKE YOU
A man is sitting with someone… we only see the shoulder of the other person. Obviously they are holding hands, and he is very upset.
Man: They voted against us. Maybe we could go up to Canada? I know.. we can't afford it.. but.. I want to marry you! I love you! There must be something we can do!
Camera pans out and we see that it is a woman he is holding hands with and she looks just as sad.
Voiceover: What if they decided people like YOU couldn't get married?
The camera pans down to the couple's clasped hands. A title appears "Support Marriage Equality".
44.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 8:08 am
And another….
RELIGIOUS RIGHTS
We see a series of very tight head shots, showing the following people telling their stories. They all look sad, concerned, upset, We cannot see any details of background or dress but the faces come from all walks of life.
Older man: I wanted to, but they told me no.
Younger man: I could lose my job.
Middle aged woman: It’s illegal where I live, even though I want to do the right thing.
Middle aged man: We are fighting for the right. But so far, our freedoms are being denied.
Two women together in frame.
Woman 1: It’s really not right;.
Woman 2: They say it violates THEIR religious rights if it becomes legal.
The shots repeat, but pan out. Each holds a sign that says “I Support Marriage Equality”.
Middle aged man (in a Rabbi’s outfit): What about MY religious rights?
Older man (wearing priests robes): I support equality.
Woman 1 (in some sort of religious garb) : God loves all his children.
Middle aged woman: (wearing a minister’s robe and a cross on a chain): I support equality.
Younger man (in judge’s robes): The religious objections mean that I can’t even perform a civil marriage.
Woman 2 (also in some sort of religious garb): And we support marriage equality.
We see a shot of the whole group standing together, smiling, holding their signs.
Voiceover: Support religious rights. Support Marriage Equality.
45.
pad | August 17, 2012 at 9:18 am
An ad running that says "NOM had 18 election violations" ….Boring.. doesn't seem a strong motivator or selling point for equality at least to me…
46.
data needed | August 17, 2012 at 9:23 am
Run several ads and get them market and focus group tested.. Christians, blue collar, elderly. Get some data that actually supports adds that have the best chance. We need market research….
47.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 9:25 am
PART 5
Alternately, they walk away, and we follow them, focussed mostly on their hands, and as they pass a desk, we swing to the framed picture of the family that the photographer shot sitting on the desk, and we see that they do fit together perfectly as a family with kids.
A title comes up that reads "Support Families. Support Marriage Equality".
48.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 9:30 am
How about shots of the Westboro Baptist Church protests, with the simple voice over "Is this who you want your children to think you were? When you deny equal rights to others, this is how you will be remembered. Suppport Marriage equality."
49.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 9:32 am
3 minutes is too long for an ad, but other than that, it is a good idea. Do 30 second ads, or better yet 15 seconds. Make them pithy and sharp and tear jerking. That is what people are conditioned to listen to. Longer than that, we will only appeal to people who are already on our side. We need quick bites that grab people.
50.
joe | August 17, 2012 at 10:51 am
best idea ever!
51.
SoCal_Dave | August 17, 2012 at 11:04 am
Love all your other ideas (further down this thread), but I think this is the one that would actually work best. Show the "God hates f*gs" signs. Show a headline with the Uganda death penalty law. Tie NOM and the rest to these groups. They say they only want to deny gays marriage, but this is where they are really headed. Are you on their side or the side of equality? Choose equality.
52.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 11:20 am
Part 1
Got another old one that I just reworked…
THE TALK
Tom (a teenager) and Dad are out fishing… and having "The Talk". Dad is obviously very uncomfortable with some of Tom's questions.
Dad: I just don't think it is right, them teaching you kids about "different" families in school It will give you ideas!
Tom: Dad, some parents aren’t even allowed to adopt their partner’s kids? Imagine if you died and the state took me away from Mom. I think it is good to learn about different families, and how their civil rights affect all of us, don’t you?
53.
AnonyGrl | August 17, 2012 at 11:21 am
PART 2
Dad: Well, sure, but you are more likely to start experimenting now. Just to try it out, and that scares me.
Tom: Dad, when YOU found out about homosexuality, did YOU start experimenting?
Dad: (flustered) NO! Of course not!
Tom: Why not?
Dad: (upset, a little angry) Because I am not gay!
Tom: Neither am I. But if I were, wouldn’t you want me to have equal rights?
Dad looks taken aback and doesn't know how to respond. As the voiceover comes in, he slowly nods, and Tom smiles.
Voiceover: Trust your kids. They are smarter than you think. Support marriage equality.
54.
Deeelaaach | August 18, 2012 at 4:19 am
I don't know if these are good ideas or not: I'll let the marketing gurus – if we have any – make that call.
Alternative ending 1:
One person returns to the cooler and the gay couple and says "I guess I've never really known anyone who is gay before. I guess I don't know anything really about gay people besides what I've been told and what I've heard. Maybe I should get to know someone who is gay and hear about it from them. Do you mind if I ask some questions?"
Alternative ending:
Voice over: If you've only been told what to believe about gay families, maybe it's time to learn about gay families for yourself. What <emphasis> don't you really know <end emphasis> about gay couples and their families?"
We know that some people will not think about what they're told and what they know from their own experience. Many of these folks won't listen no matter what. My idea is to change a few minds – the minds of those who think about what they do and don't know. These endings would necessarily change the focus from those who are against the LGBT (without thought) and hopefully will be thought provoking to those who actually think about what they are told etc. Maybe asking someone to think won't work, so yes, these endings may be bad ideas.
55.
_BK_ | August 18, 2012 at 6:20 am
AnonyGrl, I love your ideas. I'm not an ad-maker, but these definitely would work on me!
56.
Mike in Baltimore | August 18, 2012 at 10:16 pm
There are not that many who are against Marriage Equality who even go to YouTube. Many only go to "Xian" sites, and/or NOM, and/or FotF, etc.
In other words, YouTube videos will, effectively, only be preaching to the choir.
In maybe 20-30 years, when the over 60 generation is fading (or already faded) from the scene, YouTube will work to spread the word, but it almost certainly won't until then.
Remember, it was about 20-30 years after commercial radio began before it became the medium of politics (and then only enhanced by FDR's 'fireside chats') (prior to that, it was newspapers and campaign literature); then when commercial TV came around, it took most of two or more decades before it was considered 'mature enough' to be taken seriously for political advertising.
In other words, effective ads (unless you are preaching to the choir) only appear in the media that the undecideds and opposition get their information, and very few of them currently get their information from YouTube.
YouTube can be effective in testing ideas, but then the idea MUST be placed in the media that most people read, hear or watch. And right now, YouTube is not that medium.
57.
Josh | August 19, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I like it!
58.
Josh | August 19, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Another good one. Show what it feels like to be denied equality for no good reason.
59.
Josh | August 19, 2012 at 12:52 pm
We know it's a tough decision for some people. In case you didn't know, you don't have to vote yes or no. "Just Leave it Blank"
One thing that should be advertised in MN is the fact that a blank answer to this question equals a NO vote. I think that little known fact could help some people who are on the fence. Based on what they've been told in church they think they should vote yes, but maybe they have a gay niece, nephew, neighbor, co-worker, etc who they know to be a good person and they would feel bad voting against their equality/happiness.
Just Leave it Blank
60.
fiona64 | August 21, 2012 at 10:13 am
Sounds very similar to "Sinead's Hand": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ULdaSrYGLQ
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