Horses. They’re like big riding dogs.

29 December, 2008

Is anyone else disgusted by these new Lexus commercials?

For those without cable the basic plot of the commercials (there are slight variations) is a child is looking at a freshly unwrapped gift on christmas morning and as he or she is saying "this is the best gift ever" the scene changes to (presumably) the child in the present day receiving a Lexus. The point being that this is the new best gift ever.

First off who gets or gives a car for christmas? I once got Nintendo, it was a milestone. My parents never gave each other a luxury sedan - they couldn't afford one period, but I have to assume that even if they could and decided to get one they wouldn't do it as a gaudy, extravagant, arrogant christmas gift.

Now think about the current economy. Think about the arrogance implied in these commercials - while children in Detroit learn that their city is being put out to pasture - some yuppy is getting a foreign luxury car.

And think about how privileged that person's childhood must have been that no item or the emotions surrounding it can surpass a piece of metal and leather. In fact, one of the commercials addresses this: the gift that is overcome by the Lexus is a pony. I think when I quote Jerry Seinfeld here I speak for most sane people:

I hated those kids. In fact, I hate anyone that ever had a pony when they were growing up.

And that's who Lexus is selling to, the pony kids - who everyone hates.

(quote from seinfeldscripts.com)