Controversial Gun Violence Ads Using Children

Two recent campaigns that raised hackles.

1.

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=62Va-Ll2vKw.

In May of 2011, the Brady Campaign put out this TV spot seeking a ban on assault clips, like the one used by Jared Loughner in the Tucson massacre in January of that year. The main shooting target in the ad, a young girl with pony tails, was obviously meant to represent Loughner’s youngest kill, nine-year-old Christina Green.

Assault clips are still legal and readily available.

2.

In April of 2010, The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence rolled out this fashion parody campaign to address gun violence against children. At that point in the school year, 150 Chicago children had been shot, 25 of them dead.

The body copy reads, in part: “The vest fits snug, while leaving arms and hands free to raise in the air for that “don’t shoot, I’m innocent” stance.”

The headlines of the ads are awkward. And I don’t think humor — or at least, this humor — works when you’re talking about dead children.

Two more ads below.

3.

Copy: “Whether it’s just a bit chilly or raining bullets, this cozy vest is sure to protect your child from all the elements.”

Ugh.

4.

Get it? Instead of six feet under.

Double ugh.