Capitalizing on the popularity of the incredibly successful television cartoon The Simpsons, the voice of the globally popular character Bart Simpson has been used to promote a Scientology event in Los Angeles.
The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, has used her famous cartoon character’s name and voice to create a recorded phone pitch to people in which she says: "This is Bart Simpson," before saying she’s just kidding and identifying herself correctly.
Cartwright, who is scheduled to be a guest speaker at the event, then continues speaking in the voice of Bart Simpson while announcing the Scientology event. "It’s gonna be a blast, man!" she says, followed by the trademark Bart Simpson laugh.
She then asks listeners to call and confirm their attendance at the Hollywood event.
A lot of people are ‘having a cow’ over this, so much so that the issue even received air time on breakfast radio programs in Australia this morning.
Cults Capitalizing on Cartoons
Bart Simpson's Voice Used to Sell Scientology Event
Trend Themes
1. Celebrity Endorsements in Unconventional Industries - Using the voice of a popular cartoon character to promote a religious event highlights the potential for celebrities to endorse products or services in unexpected and unconventional industries.
2. Utilizing Nostalgia in Marketing - Capitalizing on the popularity of a beloved cartoon character demonstrates the power of nostalgia in marketing campaigns, opening up opportunities for brands to tap into consumers' fond memories.
3. Controversial Advertising Strategies - The use of a controversial character like Bart Simpson to promote a Scientology event raises questions about the effectiveness of provocative advertising tactics and their potential to generate buzz and attention for a brand or cause.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - The Bart Simpson Scientology promotion showcases the potential for innovative advertising techniques to capture consumers' attention and create memorable campaigns.
2. Entertainment - The crossover between The Simpsons and Scientology highlights the possibility for collaboration and partnerships between different segments of the entertainment industry, contributing to unique and engaging experiences for audiences.
3. Religion/spirituality - The use of a cartoon character to promote a religious event raises discussions about the role of marketing and technology in spreading and promoting religious ideologies, creating room for disruptive innovation in the realm of faith-based organizations.