Human empowerment

Age, happiness, determination were at the heart of this week’s top ads as voted on AdWeek. What is common about these ads is the focus on real life stories and challenges that key protagonists face is their day-to-day lives. Part of the list is “Dear Future Mom”, a beautiful ad to which I dedicated a post last week.

Another ad you probably had the chance to see in social media platforms this week is an inspiring video by Walmart. 'Work Is a Beautiful Thing: Meet Patrick” shows the story of a brave young man that does not give up despite the challenges he faces in life. He beautifully describes struggle and his reaction to them this way: “my whole life people have been telling me that I have a learning disability. I guess they are right, because I never learn how to give up.”

Source: Save the Children UK, official Facebook page

Another thoughtful ad was introduced this week“StephenHawking: I’m giving my voice” by Save the Children UK. This TV ad was launched as part of #SaveSyriasChildren campaign and is an appeal to everyone to contribute for the big cause of helping children in Syria.

Last, but not least “Love Later Life,” an ad by Age UK. This foundation is UK’s largest charity and is devoted to helping people that have challenges in making the most in their later life. Every word said in this ad is a word of wisdom that delivers and strong message “No one can predict what is lying in front, with a future more challenging than ever before, so enjoy the adventure”   

To conclude, I would like to present some questions that are inspired by these ads and some other recent ones. Lately, I have seen many ads that are non-celebrity oriented. And, I do not refer only to ads that promote social causes, but also to ads from big, successful companies like Coke, Schwarzkopf, Budweiser etc. Could this be a sign that companies are shifting towards a different approach with advertising? Is the importance of celebrity advertising diminishing? I will try to give answer to those questions in my next post. J