Saints “Voodoo” Direct TV Spot
Direct TV has taken their NFL Sunday ticket commercials to new heights with this Voodoo practicing Saints fan in the spot above. In the spot, the Saints fan torture a rival Atlanta Falcons supporter using a voodoo doll. What heinous crime has the Falcons fan’s only crime, you ask? He purchased a Direct TV package that will allow him to watch his team regardless of where he lives.
The Saints fan sits at home pricking a doll with needles that inturn cause the Falcons supporter to fall to the ground in pain. With an evil grin on his face the Saints fan mumbles, “Dirty birds can’t fly with a broken wing.” When watching the spot you can’t help but laugh at his agony. But I must say, I’d be interested to know what sort of information the creative brief had that enabled the art directors at Deutsch to realize this would be a funny scenario for Direct TV’s football audience?
I guess the real question is why was this topic considered funny to people? The practice of voodoo is usually considered evil, black magic. I should clarify; in my opinion western media portrays voodoo as evil and dark. Its considered something used to harm others. But honestly, I don’t think that is the whole truths, nothing but the truth.
Anyway, let me know what you guys thought about the spot and why you thought it was funny or not funny. Oh, one more thing, how many times have you guys seen this particular spot aired on T.V?
Best,
-A.B.
5 Comments
plumcrazy928
Hi, I actually am using this commercial as part of my english 102 project for pathos, ethos, and logos. I actually live in Baton rouge so I actually think they used Voodoo because it is part of the New Orleans history. It is very common to find some sort of “voodoo” kit in a New Orleans gift shop; it’s part of the old culture.
A.B.
Thanks Plumcrazy928. So the agency might have actually had put some thought into it when they used the voodoo doll scenario and the New Orleans Saints.
Fiona
I’m a New Orleanian and I thought the ad exploited corny stereotypes. We don’t consider voodoo evil; mystical maybe but not evil. It’s yet another part of our history misunderstood by the rest of the country. In fact there’s a company here that makes voodoo dolls of the Saints so I seriously doubt that voodoo dolls were meant to harm. Their website voodat.com says “Contrary to popular belief, Voodoo dolls are usually used to bless instead of curse. The purpose of sticking pins in the doll is not to cause pain in the person the doll is associated with, but rather to pin a picture of a person or a name to the doll, which traditionally represents a spirit.” So the agency was far from portraying “the whole truths,nothing but the truth” about voodoo.
A.B.
Thanks Flona. And thank you for providing some insight into the subject. I don’t think too many people know that the dolls were meant for blessing, me included I’m sorry to say.
Fred from Baltimore
Regardless of the truth about voodoo, the ad is hilarious because the practitioner is both into old-school dark arts, right along with being a rabid football fan….and he can’t bear to see his neighbor “disrespecting the Saints” by not watching them every Sunday, like he does. The evident enjoyment he takes in meting out this justice only ices the cake. Great ad!