One Million Moms Flips Over Manscaping Commercial
The anti-gay group One Million Moms, which probably doesn't really have one million moms as members, is flipping out over a new Norelco body grooming commercial because it suggests a man is shaving his "private area."
In the ad, a scruffy man prepares himself for a first date and trims down his beard, chest and...his pubes. Although the 31-second commercial is clearly meant to be fun and lighthearted, OMM, which is affiliated with the conservative Christian organization American Family Association, sees it in a totally different light.
"The new Norelco commercial goes beyond a close facial shave to body grooming well below the chest and back," the group said in a
OMM also took issue with the ad's language: after the man finishes shaving, he says, "I'd f*** me," but the F-bomb is bleeped out. Additionally, the group has a problem with the name of Norelco's website, www.IdFAQme.com.
"This is clearly a play on the F-word," the statement reads. "The excuse Philips Norelco gave by phone was equally dismissive, saying, 'We are trying to reach a certain audience and would pass along these concerns.' Their response isn't good enough. The ad shouldn't run at any time. It is not only inappropriate for children; it is offensive to adults also. The company's response to people's concerns is in poor taste."
OMM didn't stop there, though. They took to their Facebook page, which at 55,853 likes falls 944,147 short of their namesake "million," to further slam Norelco's ad. In a Wednesday posting, the group urges their supporters to take action by emailing the shaving company and "requesting they cancel their new 'body grooming' commercial immediately!" As of this writing, that post has 130 likes. A number of users and presumed members of OMM replied to the post saying they sent an email to Norelco.
"Sent. I am so sick & tired of stuff like this. I have started turning to more and more alternatives off the mainstream markets so I don't put any more of my family's hard earned $$$ into the pockets of smutty brands/advertisers!" one supporter wrote. "Those disgusting commercials cross the line! It's not only offensive but disgusting. Sent!" another posted.
OMM made headlines last year when it attacked JC Penney for hiring Ellen DeGeneres as its spokeswoman. The group demanded that the department store fire the out comedian and asked supporters to call the company to complain.
Ultimately, the group failed getting rid of DeGeneres and admitted defeat in March 2012 and Monica Cole, OMM's director, said they would no longer focus on JC Penney and would move on to other issues. "But we have heard back from so many of our members," Cole said. "We have heard back from men and women -- not just moms -- saying they will no longer shop there at JC Penney, as long as Ellen DeGeneres is their spokesperson."
The group has also criticized Jennifer Lopez's new family TV show that centers on a multi-ethnic lesbian couple. Additionally, OMM went after Toys 'R' Us for selling an Archie Comics book about a same-sex wedding.
Watch the Norelco commercial below: