Fond of collecting Shells? - Think about the snails first!

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A powerful & provocative ad that reflects upon the condition of the refugees, who are forced out of their homes.


According to Spluch,

The United Nations refugee agency is running a provocative international advertising campaign that employs shock tactics to raise awareness about its work and drum up public support for those who have been forced to flee their homes.

The pro bono TV campaign, launched in Canada earlier this month and also running in about a dozen countries in Europe, South America and Africa, was created by the Toronto office of the BBDO advertising agency, said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which hopes the drive will help raise $1.8 million for the agency this year.

Using shock tactics, this seemingly animated piece draws an analogy to the process of pulling a snail out its shell - the pain and the cruelty associated with it, and the disturbing site that ensues.

Something to reflect upon. Commendable execution of the creative, a fine piece of Social Marketing

[Sources: Google Video, Spluch]

Comments

Anonymous said…
This ad is disgusting as well as disturbing!! What a shame that you think the only way to get sympathy and action for others is to harm another living being!!
October 26, 2007 5:22 pm
Puru Gupta said…
Dear Friend,

I totally agree with you. If this ad has been shot with a real snail, then it is indeed disgusting.

However, as I had mentioned, this seems to be an animated version, and does not harm any living creature.

The best part is, as has been reinforced by your response as well, that this ad succeeds in creating discomfort in our minds - be it disgust or disturbance.

If an ad hits you where it hurts the most - the pain stays with you for long...which is where this ad just hit us! Hence so much appreciation from my side...

The motive is not sympathy, but a level more than that, which is where both of us managed to reach. It is just a difference of perspective, thats all...

Regards
Puru
October 28, 2007 6:12 pm
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