WHERE SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING MEETS LGBT EQUALITY

Michelin, If you've ever believed

Members:

With a closeup of BFGoodrich commercial truck tires on a big red rig (ironically including painted yellow flames on the fender), this print ad carries the headline, "If you've ever believed there was a Broadway musical just waiting to burst out of you, then our tires aren't for you."

This ad, carried on the inside back cover of Truckers News was forwarded by a gay trucker.

By contrast, competitor Bridgestone has actively courted gay consumers since 2001 with numerous gay-specific ads in various media.

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User Comments
David Frishkorn
I don't really view it as mean-spirited, just a lame attempt at 'tough-guy' humor. I will simply follow their advice. They said their tires are not for me, and I accept that.

Matt
I have to say that the context bothers me more than the ad itself. Had it appeared in a gay publication, I could see it as almost approaching irony (but probably still offensive). In a (straight) super-macho setting, I think it is terrible and homophobic.

Peter Wezyen
It sounds like they DON'T want our business. I DON'T want their tires.

Paul N.
This ad is a horror. Spiteful, mean and not a damn bit funny!!

Alex
Nothing wrong with it. It's got a point. I can't see some flaming gay guy going out 4x4'ing .......can you??

Adrienne
As a former truck driver, I know first hand how anti-gay the trucking industry is. The most popular form of insult over the C.B. pertains to sexuality and truckers are probably the least tolerant professional group I can think of. I am straight, but this ad bothers me very much. They are hoping to appeal to the traditional tough guy by disparaging gays. This is a stereotype that will continue to flourish because the men who drive trucks (mostly a white male dominated field) are very much disassociated with society (often spending months at a time on the road with only fellow truckers to talk to). Any stereotype that caters to their "rugged, independent, manly and totally anti-gay" persona is very well received in this profession. It's almost a twist of irony that BF Goodrich is not only being anti-gay in this ad, but are furthering a (often well deserved) stereotype about truckers as well. It's kinda like "Who are they really insulting"?