Some people unfairly believe that those who have lung cancer deserve to get it, and now the agency Laughlin Constable, together with the Lung Cancer Alliance, is sending out the message that "No One Deserves to Die" through a series of provocative and polarizing advertisements.
Each of the ads shows an image of a social archetype, such as a hipster or crazy old aunt, along with the words, "[...] deserve to die." The agency launched the teaser ads around U.S. cities, but while their message was well-intentioned -- albiet very confusing if you don't pause to read the fine print or visit the campaign website -- the ads received tremendous backlash; some people even ripped the posters down in anger.
However, the actual message is the opposite of what's written on the posters, something you'll see if you scroll down to the bottom of the campaign's website. The site says," Many people believe that if you have lung cancer you did something to deserve it... Lung cancer doesn't discriminate, and neither should you. Help put an end to the stigma and the disease."
Although the ads are a very interesting and complex way to send a PSA, they're certainly shocking enough to elicit reactions and get attention.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Anti-stigma Campaigns
- Campaigns aimed at reducing stigmas associated with diseases offer opportunities for provocative messaging and creativity.
- Inverted Messaging
- Using messaging that goes against common beliefs or expectations can create buzz and attention if executed properly.
- Provocative Advertising
- Creating ads that are polarizing and shocking can help grab attention and generate conversations around important issues.
Sectors Adopting This
- Advertising
- The advertising industry has the opportunity to use creative messaging to raise awareness about important issues and reduce stigmas.
- Healthcare
- Anti-stigma campaigns like this one have major implications for the healthcare industry, as they can help encourage early detection and promote a more accepting attitude toward those with illnesses.
- Nonprofit
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations can benefit from using provocative messaging to get their messages out and spread awareness about important issues.
