Let me begin by stating that I’ve historically been a huge fan of shock-value. As a kinder, I was highly concerned with the “liquids-inadvertently-flying-out-of-nostrils” factor; the bigger reaction that I got from my comments, the better. And while I was never the kid to streak through campus for a hearty laugh, I’ve been known to drop an offensive joke here or there. So when I say that I’m not easily offended by any assortment of jokes/content, I’m really not exagerating.
With that said, the imagery below to me seems slightly tasteless. Some students from an art school in the Netherlands produced the ads below for a faux “History Channel for Kids” campaign, using legos to recreate iconic historical events. I *think* it’s meant to be funny – or at least cutesy. And I guess the Normandy and JFK Assassination ads are okay. But the 9/11 ad – I’d go ahead and say that the kiddies that produced it have officially broken Too Soon For Humor/Entertainment rule (see also – the “Garbage Fail Kids” Ravaged Rhianna Card, Princess Diana Jokes on ebaumsworld.com, and every 9/11 movie that’s been released thus far).
That’s just me. Check it out for yourself, though:
(Images via Ads of the World)
June 1, 2009 at 2:47 am
I guess I can see how it would not be as vivid for them as it is for us Americans if they are over in Europe. I always enjoyed the lego bible but that is detailing something from 2000 years ago, this was not even a decade ago. I do feel like they are cheapening 911, and to a certain degree the shooting of JFK, by turning it into toys.
Another glaring problem is the ratios in the 9/11 ad. I know it may be splitting hairs but I still remember those buildings quite clearly and the details here are way off. The buildings are way too small… anyone who had ever seen them in person (or miles away in NJ even, or heck even on tv) would have made them so much larger. They were just larger then life, and dominated the skyline. I know it is a side point but that says to me that the event obviously did not mean much to the artist. 8years X thousands of miles away = an ability to make light of the event I guess.
Good blog post by the way.
June 1, 2009 at 3:12 am
Agreed! I wasn’t even going to touch on the art direction – but that is also pretty offensive too.
And thanks!
June 1, 2009 at 3:11 am
I’m with you on this one. 100%.