# Spoofing Activism Using humor as a means to connect, brands make light of philanthropic causes. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 3, 2014, updated Feb 24, 2014 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spoofing-activism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Spoofing Activism trend? **Spoofing Activism:** While the mood with regard to charity is usually quite sombre, a number of brands are disrupting the philanthropic community with campaigns that spoof the very causes being marketed. Lightening the mood with humor, the campaigns take an infantile approach to activism to garner the attention of younger audiences and help transform charitable endeavours into a form of entertainment for enhanced interaction. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 24 to Dec 15, 2013 - Published: Feb 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Spoofing Activism trend ### Humor Activism By using humor as a way to spoof current social initiatives, brands can create engaging content that allows viewers to feel passionate, yet approachable causes. ### Playful Minimalism By embracing minimalism, campaigns and products can cut through the noise and easily connect with audiences through the use of playful and vibrant designs or illustrations. ### Charitable Cheesiness By using cheesy but memorable slogans, brands will be able to create campaigns that are eye-catching and can set them apart from their competition while raising awareness about their cause. ## What the Spoofing Activism trend means for industry ### For Advertising Incorporating humor into campaign messaging can lead to positive brand sentiment among audiences. ### For Pet Industry By raising awareness through fun and humorous campaigns, animal adoption rates may increase and pet organizations can garner more support. ### For Non-Profit Charitable organizations can benefit from campaigns that leverage humor in raising awareness. When an audience is entertained, they are more likely to share and contribute to the cause. ## Trend signals for Spoofing Activism Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Spoofing Activism trend 5 featured examples from Mar 24 to Dec 15, 2013. - [Ridiculous Cab Driver Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taxi-driver-calendar): Celebrate Every Month with Your Taxi Driver Calendar (Category: Social Good) Implication: Innovative photography techniques and concepts for unique calendar designs. - [Humorous Cancer-Fighting Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-poster-promote-indigogos-campaign-against-cancer): These Illustrations by Byron Galan Uses Clever Internet Humor (Category: Social Good) Implication: In the field of graphic design, there is a disruptive innovation opportunity in utilizing minimal icon designs to create impactful visual communication materials. - [Face-Covering Mustache Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vml-movember-2013): The VML Movember 2013 Campaign Promotes Charitable Hilarity (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for advertising agencies to create innovative campaigns that combine humor, charity, and creativity. - [Hilarious Charity Pet Postcards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-postcards): Amelia Lee Designs Romantic Pet Postcards for the SPCA (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Charitable organizations can leverage the trend of humorous and engaging postcards to raise awareness about their cause and attract more donations. - [Pet Adoption Sitcom Parodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-pup): The Fresh Pup of Bel Air is a Fun Way to Increase Adoption Awareness (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing creative marketing strategies to promote pet adoption and increase awareness. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Good - [Athlete-Partnership Charity Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-bosa) - [Pet Rescue Food Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badlands-ranch) - [Life Jacket Technology Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-jacket-technology) All articles: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood)