In an attempt to get someone (anyone!) to like them, Nokia’s N-Gage brand launched a vaguely risque ad campaign in Britain, featuring subtle gems such as “This is where I took on three guys … and made them cry like babies,” and “This is where I made Kev look small.” These were promptly swatted down by the Advertising Standards Authority (and not the Amateur Swimming Association, as I first reported.)
Nokia ran ads from the same campaign in the U.S. just a couple of months ago, including some of the same ads causing the controversy in the U.K. (although, strangely, given our free-wheeling attitude about same-sex relations, not the ones that could be interpreted as having a homoerotic overtone.) In the interests of serving our readers, and because any opportunity to insult the N-Gage is irresistible, we have scans of the Americans ads for your edification.
I would draw your attention especially to the ‘Kate, Lucy, and Michelle’ ad, where Nokia appeals to the elusive “male, 20-25, fucks cousins in mobile home” demographic. [Thanks, Vic, for the scans.]
Read – ASA Bans Nokia N-Gage Ads
Look – “Kate, Lucy, and Michelle”
Look – “Where Denise Showed Me”
