By John Q. Hosedrinker As I scrolled through my social media feeds in the days following the Super Bowl, I couldn’t escape the controversy surrounding the “He Gets Us” ads made by a Dallas firm. It seemed that everyone had an opinion on these commercials, and the backlash was fierce.
The ads, which were meant to promote a message of inclusivity and understanding, were immediately met with criticism from both the left and the right. Many felt that the $100 million spent on these ads could have been better used to address pressing social issues, such as poverty and hunger. After all, isn’t that what Jesus would have wanted?
I have to admit, as someone who is not religious, I found the whole concept of spending millions of dollars on a Super Bowl ad to promote Jesus a bit dystopian. It seemed to go against the teachings of humility and selflessness that I associate with Christianity. Jesus washed feet, he didn’t spend exorbitant amounts of money on marketing campaigns.
What struck me as particularly hypocritical was the fact that the family behind these ads owns Hobby Lobby. This is the same group that has fought against providing birth control through the Affordable Care Act, something that goes against the teachings of acceptance and care for all that they claim to follow. It’s hard not to see a disconnect between their actions and their professed values.
The ads themselves were also found to be tone-deaf and out of touch. They portrayed Jesus as a compassionate and understanding figure, which is ironic considering that the conservative groups pushing these ads often espouse beliefs that are anything but compassionate and understanding. It’s clear that they missed the mark completely.
But what bothers me the most about these ads is the underlying political agenda. It’s no secret that they are a form of white, Christian nationalism, funded by individuals who have also contributed to anti-abortion and anti-LGBT organizations. This is not the message of love and acceptance that Christianity should be promoting.
It’s frustrating to see these ads infiltrate platforms like Reddit, where they seem to be everywhere. It almost feels like they are forcing their religion down our throats, without considering the diverse beliefs and perspectives of the users. It’s a clear attempt to convert, rather than engage in meaningful dialogue.
In the end, I can’t help but feel that the money spent on these ads was a complete waste. Imagine what could have been done with $100 million to help those in need, to find cures for diseases, or to combat poverty. It’s disappointing to see this kind of expenditure when there are so many pressing issues that need attention.
So, as the controversy surrounding the “He Gets Us” ads continues to swirl, I can’t help but feel that religion, once again, is causing more harm than good. It’s a stark reminder of the suffering, death, and wrongdoing that has been perpetuated throughout history in the name of faith.
In conclusion, these ads, made by a Dallas firm, have certainly struck a nerve with many. The backlash they have received is a testament to the growing frustration with the influence of religion in our society. It’s time to question the motives behind these campaigns and to call out the hypocrisy that exists within them.