Make no mistake, any hip-hopper knows that said rapper has been shot 9 times, but is that really something that you want associated with a sportswear label? What does it mean: wear reebok and even if you do get shot a couple of times, at least you wore reebok, or does it mean that by wearing reebok, you will survive being shot a couple of times?
The irony continues...the program just after the advertisement was a documentary that focusses on schools that are trying to create a gun-free society.
I am aware that like most international companies, Reebok SA is no allowed to make their own advertisement and must make use of US ads. But surely there is a generic advertisement that shows a bit more social responsibility to the SA community? I would love to know who chose that particular advertisement for broadcast; the advertising agency or Reebok marketing managers.
On another note, having been on the South African Reebok website, I noticed that they proudly proclaim to be 'Proudly South Africa', but yet they only make use of US ads for broadcast purposes and since when is the NFL, the NBA and the Liverpool Soccer club proudly South African?
Companies should refrain from jumping on the 'Proudly South African bandwagon to promote their brand locally and should really localise their brand. They should also advertise with a bit more social resposibility.
Please could they replace the current ad with something a bit more tasteful.
