Suddenly it’s wrong to exploit tragedy?
October 29th, 2008
The big Hudson nephew story prompted the makers of The Back-Up, a bedside shotgun rack, to issue this press release:
COULD A BEDSIDE SHOTGUN RACK HAVE SAVED JENNIFER HUDSON’S FAMILY FROM TRAGIC DEATH?
Chicago, IL (MMD Newswire) October 28, 2008 — Tragedy strikes in a Chicago home leaving 3 people dead and an Oscar winner forced to identify the bodies of her family.
Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were gunned down in their home Friday. Could an invaluable device have saved their lives? It’s called The BackUp and it is a bedside shotgun rack.
More than a bit crass, in my opinion, because they use the names and specifics of a high-profile incident. If they had simply released a presser about how their shotgun rack could help homeowners defend themselves and supplied a few statistics about home invasions, I would have no problem with the timing.
While this advertising is more than a bit over the top, the reaction from critics is laughable. Here’s a selection:
- Worst Person of the Day
Who would be disgusting enough to try and capitalize on a triple homicide, especially when one of the victims was only 7 years old? - Company using Hudson deaths for promotion
- Jennifer Hudson family slayings used to tout gun-rack product in ad
This one is funny because of the links below the headline:
Apparently, it’s okay for the Chicago Tribune to capitalize, even while criticizing someone else for trying to capitalize. - Sensitive Company Exploits Jennifer Hudson’s Tragedy in 24 Hours Flat
If using tragedies, especially those involving children and those getting nationwide news exposure, to promote a product is outlawed, the Brady Bunch and every gun control group in the country would be out of business in ten seconds.
So let’s do it.
