Cutting Through The Clutter: More Seriously Shocking PSAs

10/9/09  Print This Post Print This Post    3 Comments      Written by Ian MacKenzie
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In the past, we asked the question Should Social Advertising Campaigns Offend To Enlighten? Clearly, it doesn’t matter what we think, since the following ads seriously raise the bar on shock value.

While some are actually kind of clever, some of them (especially the horrific workplace safety one) are seriously disturbing.

What do you think of these ads? Effective or over the top? Share your thoughts in the comments!


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About the Author

Matador ID: ianmack

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler. He is currently editing the One Week Job documentary. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

3 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Isabelle replied on October 10, 2009

    Over the top but very effective, I think. Here in Belgium, there was an official info campaign about safety on railroad crossings with a similar kind of ad. Since I saw it, I am double as careful when I approach a railroad crossing and the images play back in my head. Same with the British one about texting while driving.

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  • ian replied on October 10, 2009

    Definitely memorable… but the hot oil one is disturbing… I can’t imagine being a kid and watching that inbetween your cartoons. That may scar some psyches for life.

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  • Christine Garvin replied on October 10, 2009

    I definitely think it speaks a LOT to where our worldwide, western-influenced go-hard-or-go-home culture has gotten us. So little moves us now that we need horrific images to jolt us at all. I find that kind of scary, to be honest.

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