Have you heard the debate regarding erectile dysfunction commercials airing during prime time? Apparently some people want these commercials aired after 9pm, not during family viewing hours. A congressman calling for the action stated that he was watching TV with his grandchildren when a Viagra commercial came on. You know the one, with the couple who is trying obviously unsuccessfully to have a romantic interlude. At the end of the commercial, after the introduction of Viagra, they both have smiles on their faces. The congressman states they are an inappropriate interruption to his family time. He states he isn’t against the advertisement, simply that it should be moved to a different time slot.
What do you think about this argument? I’m not sure myself. I do have children. Middle schoolers who live and breathe anything remotely sexual and/or scandalous. We’ve been watching TV together when these commercials have come on and they’ve never said anything. They’ve never asked me what the medication is for. They’ve never run from the room screaming in embarrassment. Is there a difference between Viagra commercials and say, period commercials? It’s “inappropriate” to view erectile dysfunction commercials but not “inappropriate” to view Tampax commercials? Honestly, if I see one more “have a happy period” commercial I might lose it myself. They are both biological/physiological functions right? What about all the yeast infection commercials? Talking about the smell and discharge. Yuck. Maybe all these commercials should come on later at night.
Or maybe we should be more accepting. Men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Who knew? Maybe these commercials serve as bonding moments for men. Lord knows they could use some real bonding. Maybe it allows them to talk more openly about their erections. Or lack of. I know I’m much more sensitive to the topic. I always feel relieved for that couple in the commercial getting joint massages. It’s nice to know that due to a Viagra intervention they’ll be getting some action later on. Sweet. Where’s the harm?
And thanks to the barrage of feminine hygiene commercials my husband is now an expert. Our daughter had a little itching going on down there. I didn’t think it was a yeast infection. Maybe a soap allergy. It was the middle of the night and he ran to Walgreens. He came home with every feminine itching product known to man. He had wipes, creams, suppositories, and some kind of gel. He didn’t feel embarrassed. He has openly applauded Always for their wings invention. He’s very mechanical and appreciates the genius of attaching wings to protect panties. He and my son both know the difference between panty liners vs. pads. Maybe it’s a good thing. We women look out for our men. How else would we learn about erectile dysfunction and what can be done about it? Our men surely aren’t going to bring it up. (Pardon the pun).
I think they should stay on. I think to be open is to be accepting. I think there’s value in being accepting. Females have periods. Men have erections, or are supposed to anyway. Why be embarrassed? Why hide it? Big deal. And if these commercials lead to happy periods and better sex, yippee! I’m all for it.
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