Each day around 1 o’clock as I sit here at my desk I hear a terrifying noise coming from the TV in a nearby room. It is the sound of a baby coughing – a very young baby. If you have ever seen the commercial for the pertussis vaccine, you know what I am talking about.
It is horrifying and gives me chills, but definitely gets my attention – exactly what it is intended to do.
What was even more horrifying to me was the reaction I saw all over the internet. Moms and the like out there complaining about the blunt nature of this commercial and how it should not be aired – too harsh.
Really? Pertussis is real. It is not a disease from the past. Babies are dying. It is here again and very real.
If this commercial is what it takes to get the word out – it is not too harsh – but very necessary.
It is not only the pertussis commercial. The anti-smoking commercial got a bad rap years ago when the mom of a child in the train station disappeared. Again, real. How about the newest one where the guy with emphysema is trying to breath. Makes me sick each time I hear it, but it is real.
These may not stop a long-time smoker from smoking but if it has any influence on my kids – so be it. And, I can tell you it has.
What do you think of these gut-wrenching commercials? Too much or exactly what we need?
{ 19 comments }
I think they do the job effectively. I find it hard to believe people can object when they also turn around and watch all the reality TV shows out there without blinking an eye. Reality is reality, even if it offends.
I think they are what is needed. Otherwise, we just ignore them.
Shell´s last [type] ..4 Steps to a Better Summer Next Year
I’ve seen people IRL with pertussis. It’s super scary. So I agree with the use.
AND so good to see you back! I’ve missed you!
Missy | The Literal Mom´s last [type] ..Why Doing Something for YOU is Imperative to Mental Health
The pertussis commercial served its purpose in that it convinced me to google pertussis and figure out if I was unwittingly carrying around a death virus that my kids will catch via my mothering them. Yeah. I don’t know that it would change anyone’s minds if they are against vaccines, but for everyone else, it’s pretty effective.
If anything will keep people from smoking, I’m all for it. And I live in tobacco country!
Kelly´s last [type] ..Creepy Ass Kids
I haven’t come across an infomercial that has gone too far. Infomercials are there to inform us about the real deal especially when it comes to viral diseases or sicknesses. “What we don’t know won’t hurt us” is not all the time true.
Dereck Cummings´s last [type] ..Italian Language Learning Software
Sorry but a smoker does not quit by these commercials. The problem is that the tobacco industry and all the big industries have a back door to shove their bad products in our lives. Wish you well n thanks for sharing!
Ravit´s last [type] ..Storage for small spaces
I agree with Kelly, the pertusis commercial makes you google for the additional info, and I guess it might be the same for some other products. It would be a miracle if a heavy smoker will quit, BUT maybe commercials like this will at least stop a few people to switch from a “light” smoker to a “heavy smoker)
Jo´s last [type] ..Living Wall
It is a fine line, because at times, I cringe at fear based PSAs. However, pertussis, health consequences of smoking, drunk driving, and texting while driving can have very real and dire consequences. So yes, in these cases, I do believe it gets the point across in very real terms and images that the public can understand.
CA currently has a law requiring all students entering 7-12th grades to be up to date on their pertussis booster in order to continue on in school. For a good reason. Pertussis can be fatal for the babies that aren’t able to be immunized.
So good to hear from you Dalia, hope all is well.
Melissa´s last [type] ..Fevers in Children…To Treat or not to Treat
Last night, we had really great debate with my husband and my niece with the anti-smoking issue. I stand to them and explain how smoking really dangerous for their health and why should they stopped the vice. I was just wondering why people can’t stop smoking though it’s not good for the health.
Xina Mae´s last [type] ..How To Lose Weight in a Healthy Way
I think the best way to stop someone from doing something or make someone do something, is by social\environmental influence. It can be from people around/television/radio/work. This commercials influence the people around your enviorment and they influnce you, so i believe its what we need, although, there are diffrent and better ways to influence a social environment
barak´s last [type] ..7 Steps To Dye Your Dog’s Fur
i think there isn’t right or wrong in this case. what works for you doesnt always work for another
dovev´s last [type] ..Best places to find low rider bicycles for sale
Social media ads hits millions of readers and supporters. Sometimes they go beyond the limit in propagating what’s right and wrong.
Claire´s last [type] ..angry birds game online
I don’t think what they are needed, or else just ignore them..
hannamay´s last [type] ..Getting Pregnant Faster
I can tell you that I still remember the smoking campaign that was going on when I was a kid. It really helped to keep me from smoking and it helped my mom to stop because we kids asked it!
Betsy at Zen Mama´s last [type] ..Laugh And The World Laughs With You…Literally!
I think that these ads will be a part of our daily life.. it just depends on us on how we are going to ignore it or let it affect us.. everything has its own advantage and disadvantage, it’s up to the person to do what he or she thinks is right
carly´s last [type] ..game angry birds
I think they do make an impact, but I’m not a fan of seeing stuff like that. This made me think of the ad in magazines for the charity that helps kids with cleft palates. That one makes me turn the page in a hurry.
OH I KNOW!!!!!!!!!! One day that commercial literally played 3x back to back, I’m like ENOUGH! And those commercials that are extra extra long about the abused animals? I need a box of tissue if I don’t switch the channel. With what’s her name… singing in the background (In the arms of an angel) OH! Sarah McLaughlin! Ughhhhh.
sheila´s last [type] ..Do you have room in your life?
We got mix reaction all over the internet about this particular advertisement and I am with you about this problem. We need everyone to be aware. We cannot keep out negative problem from others who are not aware.
Ada´s last [type] ..Top 10 Dating Sites
I don’t know that it would change anyone’s minds if they are against vaccines, but for everyone else, it’s pretty effective. The pertussis commercial served its purpose in that it convinced me to Google pertussis and figure out if I was unwittingly carrying around a death virus that my kids will catch via my mothering them.
Jason´s last [type] ..How can i get my ex back