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Controversial advertising: When brands cross the line in shock-and-awe campaigns

^{Published on 2024-12-18 00:00:48 - The Financial Express}
 

• Just weeks earlier, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal stirred controversy with a job ad for Chief of Staff, unapologetically advertising that the role required candidates to pay a `20 lakh "fee" and work for free for the first year.

The article from Financial Express discusses the phenomenon of controversial advertising where brands employ shock tactics to capture consumer attention. It highlights how companies like Balenciaga, which faced backlash for an ad campaign involving children with BDSM-themed items, and others like Dolce & Gabbana, which offended with a culturally insensitive ad in China, have crossed ethical lines in their marketing strategies. The piece explores the fine line between being provocative to stand out in a crowded market and offending public sensibilities, potentially leading to brand damage. It also touches on the psychological aspect of why shock advertising works, citing the need for brands to create memorable and shareable content in the digital age, but warns of the risks involved when such campaigns are not carefully considered. The article concludes by suggesting that while controversial ads can generate buzz, they must be managed with a deep understanding of cultural and social contexts to avoid negative repercussions.

Read the Full The Financial Express Article at:
[ https://www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-controversial-advertising-when-brands-cross-the-line-in-shock-and-awe-campaigns-3694229/ ]

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