Advertising in Music, or "It's Been A Hard Day's Night, I Need a Pepsi"

So, if you haven't already seen it, there's this video circulating the internet of a couple who, for their entrance on their wedding day, choreographed an elaborate dance, involving all the bride's mates and groomsmen, and set to Chris Brown's "Forever." You can watch it here if you're interested, it's pretty cute.

While watching this video, I was struck by one of the lines in the song, "Because we've only got one night, double your pleasure, double your fun." Where have I heard that before...oh yeah...



It's a Wrigley's slogan. Chris Brown put a Wrigley's slogan in the middle of his song's chorus, as if it was just any old lyric. But of course, it's not. It's advertising. And what really bugs me, is that I like this song. It's catchy, it's upbeat, it's got some good, spacey, techno noises in there (that's pretty much my criteria) but I can't really enjoy the song, because when it gets to that line, I just feel dirty for listening to it. I think it's because when I listen to music, I want to hear music. I don't want to be told to buy something. Now, Chris Brown also did an ad for Wrigley's, based on this song (he was recently dropped as a spokesperson after he got into legal trouble for taking it upon himself to beat the tar out of his girlfriend. Nice.) seen below.



This ad doesn't bother me. It doesn't. It's unapologetically a commercial, I know when I watch it that I'm being sold something. And art and commerce have met before, and they certainly will again, but what really gets my goat about this one instance is that it goes beyond product placement. It's taking a pop song, and advertising within it. Pop stars do ads. I get that. But putting it in your actual product? Are you that low? Do you care that little about your own music, that you will literally sell space mid-song? Oh, and check out 0:11 in this video...

That signature foil wrapping...the shot of him putting the gum in his mouth...gross.

Pop music has been a cash cow for some time now. That's old news. But I still say it's a sad day for popular music when a song, which is supposed to be artwork and creative expression, is written and distributed for the entire purpose of selling chewing gum. Chris Brown, you were already a giant douche. But you've now graduated to "colossal douche who reigns as king of all douches in Douchania, the country populated only by douches."

You Can Stand Under My Um-ber-ella ella ella eh eh eh

Domestic Violence is usually something that happens and stays behind closed doors. Recently a bout of domestic violence became a very public affair. No, most celebrities really aren't, unfortunately, ideal role models. Rihanna and Chris Brown seemed like they had it all though. You can scoff at my example, but I think there's something to be learned here.

There's not a lot of solid facts available, but it appears - for those of you not keeping up - that Chris Brown hit his girlfriend Rihanna, hard, sometime right before they were scheduled to perform at the Grammys. Rihanna may or may not also be pregnant, but I'm not sure because I haven't talked to her in a few weeks to ask.

Domestic Violence is never an easy discussion to have but we managed to have an engaging and thought provoking conversation about the subject here on These Gentlemen.

It began when Jason Heat told a story about an abused red-headed girl from his past in two parts: PART 1 and PART 2.

There was a great amount of reaction to this story.
Some were critical of the red-head's decisions: RESPONSE ONE
Others came out in support of this person: RESPONSE TWO
Others told stories about similar experiences: RESPONSE THREE

One major element of the debate was why a woman would stay in an abusive relationship. Does it happen out of fear? or love? a feeling of entrapment and a sense of helplessness? Should the woman just "suck it up" and "be there for their man?" How can the woman in an abusive relationship find help?

After all the public scrutiny of Chris Brown and all the turmoil and rumors surrounding the situation, Chris Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, are now getting back together. Is that a mistake? Do we forgive a man for hitting another woman? Is she staying in the relationship out of fear? or love? or lack of help?

I think there's something to learn from Chris Brown and Rihanna. Domestic violence is usually not something widely discussed, and so I think there's a lot of people who don't truly understand it. Chris Brown and Rihanna provide a rare look into this sort of usually private ordeal. I've heard people question why a woman wouldn't just walk away from any man who is abusive. Not everything is so black and white.

For more information on getting help regarding domestic violence click: HERE