Hope and Apple’s new iPhone 4G
Reading the headlines each day can leave one with mixed feelings. Are America’s days numbered? Is the stock market really going to come crashing down, will Europe fail, will the oil ever stop?
The ever flowing news of the day can resign one to morbid cultural thoughts. But there are other signs that something else may be afoot. Today I watched two ads that convinced me once again that all is not lost. Call me naive, but I am an optimist.
(With apologies to to my Droid/Verizon friends, ahem, Thomas), Apple’s new iPhone 4G was released today featuring a front camera making possible two way video phone conversations. And despite a wi-fi snafu, the launch included some hip marketing from the company that defines “cool” in America.
So how did Apple choose to market the new device? With a sentimental jazz hit featuring iconic moments in the life of everyday Americans – including babies, children, parents, grandparents, and an emotional clip of a soldier away from home using his new iPhone to watch the live ultrasound of his child.
Screenshots from their new ad:
Separately, in a new advertisement launched last month by AT&T, the telecommunications giant used a technology “moment in time” marker to creatively imagine the potential of a human relationship. And not just any human relationship, but the marriage of a man and woman, their child, and the potential of that child (hmm, sounds familiar).
So what does it all mean? Are we back on track, culturally speaking? Probably not. But we’re holding some firm ground. Love of children, marriage, and the gift of every human life still hold some sway in our public consciousness. At least according to two American corporate icons that spend tens of millions every year on advertising. Presumably they have some pulse on what people consider important.
Subtle signs, no doubt, but here’s to hoping they are suggestive of a growing undercurrent.
Maybe even a Springtime.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by CatholicVote.org, ElRelampago. ElRelampago said: What are Apple and AT&T using in commercials to connect with American hearts? – http://ht.ly/1VDhP (via @CatholicVote) [...]
The previous comment is kinda weird. Enough said.
In related news, Apple has decided to use its extensive control over apps/web content to prevent the use of i-Products for porn, etc. It kinda makes you wonder who slipped up and hired a Christian for some high-ranking post. Except, then, Steve Jobs made the announcement himself, and he defended it a good deal of lucidity.
Love it!! Thanks for bringing this ray of sunshine into our lives!!
When I saw the At&T commercial I was really thinking ‘ could this be a pro-life commercial?’ untilt he logo came up. but i loved the concept of the president of the u.s. and going backwards from there. choose life!
There is so much beauty in (sacramental) marriage and family, that just presenting it is attractive. Just present it!!
It is really amazing that you focus on this add as a bolster for your worldview. Believe me, if most of the people who contribute to this blog were to race into the train car of an unsuspecting woman like that she would run, or call the conductor to claim harassment.
Don’t flatter yourselves!
