Anyone On Here Finds This Advert Offensive?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2834465/Watchdog-primed-investigate-Sainsbury-s-Christmas-advert-complaints-flood-use-WWI-imagery-promote-company.html

No I know this is not a top news story, but as always the Mail has published some great photos.

[Kromovaracun]

I did like the advert. I thought the people taking offence need to get a grip - it was a hundred years ago, for christ's sake.

The only problem I had with it was how disappointed the British soldier looked at his present at the end. "I can't believe I traded a massive chocolate bar (seriously, that thing is huge) for this."

[Postdog]

I said I found it offensive when it first aired, though I can see I am in a minority. Irrespective of RBL approval or the fact that sales of chocolate are for their benefits, at the end of the day Sainsbury are promoting themselves on the backs of dead soldiers. I think it should be sacrosanct, end of.

[hc4361]

In the same way the birth of Jesus is exploited at Christmas, Postdog?

The no mans land truce is a famous Christmas event and does reflect the true meaning of Christmas. I thought it was very well done.

[Retrochic]

Postdog -on reflection I totally agree with you. Nothing seems to be sacred these days. Perhaps the next controversial ad will be for brake pads featuring the Pont de L'Alma tunnel.......

[Retrochic]

Christmas has no 'true' meaning, its made up. The true meaning of Christmas is the Yule celebration, celebrating the shortest day and the start of the sun coming back -this is the truth

[Zeuhl]

/Perhaps the next controversial ad will be for brake pads featuring the Pont de L'Alma tunnel....... /

As far as I know none of the soldiers killed at Ypres succumbed to a lack of good shopping, faulty self service tills or any failure in Own Label products

I suspect the majority of those who died, if we could ask them, would encourage anyone who can, to go down to our local supermarket, stock up on some nice food and drink, share it with friends and family and have a jolly good time.

And perhaps give them a little thought when we do.

[jno]

I wonder how it would have gone if the message had been "Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat"

[Retrochic]

Zeuhl

I suspect the majority of those who died, if we could ask them, would encourage anyone who can, to go down to our local supermarket, stock up on some nice food and drink, share it with friends and family and have a jolly good time.

thats what Pagans do -just leave out the Jesus was born on this day to save mankind nonsense

[bibblebub]

"...the Mail has published some great photos" - they must have worked really hard to get screenshots from a video

[Zeuhl]

^
Indeed, the ad's strapline is:

Christmas is for Sharing

which seems like a respectable, truthful and appropriate sentiment to me.

and yes, the Midwinter Festival is all about feasting together and looking forward to another year of Life

[glenbar]

Certainly not. I would rather watch that, bearing mind it is also donating to British Legion than an advert with Penguins. I love penguins but fail to see the connection with Christmas.

[tonyav]

Not at all offensive, great ad imo.
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/video/watch/the-story-behind-the-sainsburys-2014-christmas-advert/vi-BBdzxJQ

[TWR]

When I first seen this ad I thought it was distasteful, then after seen it a few time I tried to put myself in the shoes of the lads, one min singing, the taking a chance by standing up, the next meeting their enemy, the game, then the blast's and returning to the trench and firing at the person the 10mins previous was his opposite in the game, It was very sad to know either one may have been killed.

[Prudie]

It's only donating to RBL if you buy the chocolate. I'm more moved by the penguins but that's my problem.

[dunnitall]

Not at all offensive to me. Why should it be? Bringing back to us who didn't know just what went on! It is about sharing and caring, something this world lacks but I guess those who find it offensive will have the last word...but for me it's poignant and just about right for the anniversary it recalls.