The Afterschool Alliance (www.afterschoolnow.org), supported by the Ad Council and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, are running a public service ad campaign that appears to ridicule Masters swimmers. According to Alliance’s website, “These PSAs use humor to communicate the importance of taking action to support afterschool programs. The campaign includes TV and radio spots, newspaper ads, billboards, web banners and more.”
One print ad has a facial portrait of a smiling, senior gentleman in a pool, obviously a happy swimmer, with swimming goggles on. Superimposed over the portrait are the following words: “There’s nothing more REFRESHING than neglecting our nation’s YOUTH.” At the bottom, the ad continues to say: “When I don’t support afterschool programs, I feel so relaxed and carefree. It’s like I’m doing nothing at all! Unless you call depriving 15 million kids something…”
You can download a copy of the ad from the following website:
www.afterschoolnow.org/print_ads.cfm
Parents
Former Member
Effi,
I agree that the method of the add is off. Your point about swimmers supporting sports and activities for our kids is the thinking that needs to be looked at. As a parent we need to be active and be an advocate for our childs best interests, but what about those that don't have that support. We can and should be advocates for those children too. That was the point I was making, questioning our motives for helping, going out and helping a program (paid or volunteered) where you have no real ties.
Once again I could care less about the actual adds, the concern they are trying to convey no matter how poorly or offensive is something that needs to be addressed. Whats next New Yorkers being offended because everyone thinks all they say is Yo! because of the visa checkcard commercial.
Effi,
I agree that the method of the add is off. Your point about swimmers supporting sports and activities for our kids is the thinking that needs to be looked at. As a parent we need to be active and be an advocate for our childs best interests, but what about those that don't have that support. We can and should be advocates for those children too. That was the point I was making, questioning our motives for helping, going out and helping a program (paid or volunteered) where you have no real ties.
Once again I could care less about the actual adds, the concern they are trying to convey no matter how poorly or offensive is something that needs to be addressed. Whats next New Yorkers being offended because everyone thinks all they say is Yo! because of the visa checkcard commercial.
