Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Is It Possible To Be Slightly Horrified?

While I was watching Project Runway this evening, I saw a commerical that shocked me in more ways than one. Orbitz, the online travel search site, has a commerical featuring gay men looking for a hotel. It goes a little something like this: "He's a travel editor, and he's got a new boyfriend! They need a hotel in San Francisco with a mini-bar and a gym.. go!" The guys proceed to look for hotels game-show style (you've probably all seen and Orbitz commercial, you know what I'm talking about) - the new couple wins, even though the new boyfriend is distracting the guy by playing with his ear. The travel editor shows his disgust in typical gay fashion, with a snappy head turn and "oh no you di'int" face. The couple jumps up and down and embraces. If you want to see the ad, go to Commercial Closet.
I am just stunned by this commercial. One on hand, good for Orbitz for showing gays in their commercials, and even better for them for devoting a whole section of their website to gay travel. Seriously, that is awesome. But why did they put the travel editor in a lavender shirt? Why is everyone looking for a hotel in San Francisco, with a mini-bar and a gym? Why does the travel editor look like Stanford Blatch from Sex and the City, and the couple look like Abercrombie and Fitch models? WHY are they showcasing stereotypes!?
Maybe it's not my place to be riled up about this, but I am. I really, really am. Watch the commerical and tell me if I'm overreacting.

Orbitz "gay-friendly" commerical - D-

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I watched the video. I just kept thinking, huh? lol

equippedtofascinate said...

I've seen this commericial, and I can't decide if I should be pissed or laugh.

Dustin Harder said...

um, this commercial has been out for a while love. It annoys me but I am all for it at the same time, and then offended...basically-yes, I get what you are saying. be riled!

Chargenda said...

Yeah. I don't know what to think about it. I was so confused and thought about rating it. But, I just don't know. So stereotypical, yet also sort of fun and stuff. I have no idea what to think. I felt weird after.

Anonymous said...

i think its great and everyone should be able to have a laugh at others and themselves-- whatever the case may be.

Chargenda said...

i think you are great noah!

Anonymous said...

"noah" is how you say "nor" in Maine. and that's great.