# Shocking TV Commercials Horrific UN Landmines Ad By Cecilia Biemann | Published 2008-10-20 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/controversial-tv-commercials-horrific-un-landmines-ad References: [scaryideas](http://www.scaryideas.com/video/8987/) & [stoplandmines.org](http://www.stoplandmines.org/slm/index.html) Considered 'too graphic' to be aired in the United States, this shocking [United Nations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-rights) commercial which relocates landmines into 'our own backyard,' powerfully hammers home the horrific consequences of inaction on the issue of landmine eradication. The commercial ends with the poignant question: If there were landmines here, would you stand for them anywhere? It's a shame it wasn’t allowed to go to air, as this commercial would definitely have been effective in sending shivers up the spines of US soccer moms. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/commercials) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Graphic Advertising:** The rise of graphic advertising allows for more impactful messaging but also challenges the limits of censorship and audience tolerance. - **Societal Consequences Messaging:** More companies use messaging that vividly highlights the dire consequences of not addressing societal issues like climate change or politics. Such messaging creates a strong emotional connection with audiences. - **Controversial Marketing:** Controversial marketing campaigns are becoming more commonplace as companies seek attention and differentiation in a crowded marketplace. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising:** As advertising becomes more graphic and controversial, companies must balance the goal of making a strong emotional impact with the potential backlash of offending or alienating their audience. - **Nonprofit/ngo:** Nonprofits and NGOs seeking to raise awareness of social issues are increasingly using provocative messaging to get people's attention and spur action. - **Media/entertainment:** The media and entertainment industry faces the challenge of balancing creative freedom with social responsibility and potential censorship when producing graphic or controversial content. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Haunting Tech Safety PSAs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-for-child-protection.md) - [Soccer Match Women's Aid Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-aid-campaign.md) - [Unpredictable Festive Ad Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowfall.md) - [Domestic Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-not-a-home.md) - [Creative Eerie-Themed Soccer Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scary-good.md) - [Mock Social Good Fashion Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-models-own.md) - [Influencer-Inspired Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomcat.md) - [Wrestler-Themed Chocolate Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonys-chocolonely-advertisement.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md)