Ubiquitous Humour

Humour is everywhere. Advertisements are everywhere. Humorous advertisements are everywhere!

I believe humour has the ability to bring people together. It can spark a conversation. It can help blossom a relationship. It can turn strangers into friends, friends into lovers.

Ask someone what they would want in a partner, and I'll bet most people with reply with, "someone that can make me laugh," among other things, of course. Or maybe, "someone who has the same sense of humour as me." Or even, "someone who knows how to laugh at himself/herself."

The last of the above statements goes deeper than just having a sense of humour, it can show self-confidence, and how comfortable they feel in their own skin. Humour isn't just about the laughter, it can define who you are. It's about the connection between individuals.

When I say humour, what do you think of? Laughter? Smiles? Happiness? These are all very positive words. Even if you think of sarcasm, the desired reaction is often still a positive one.

If humour is often associated with positive words, feelings, and emotions, it is no wonder why it's so commonly used in advertising. If humour, in general, often creates a positive connection between individuals, it's no wonder how it is so effective in creating a positive connection between the ad and company, and the audience.

I'm pretty sure a positively humourous ad is more memorable than just a simple positive ad. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll create a little poll on here. Is humour effective in advertising? Let me know what you think. Humour me!

Even if the ad's main intention is to make you laugh, I still believe that there's something special and different—effective, in other words—about an ad that just merely has a less serious, less corporate—silly, if you will—tone to it. It weakens that barrier between company and consumer, and creates a more comfortable and personal connection.

This connection could be the reason a consumer chooses one company over another. If a company's sense of humour is similar to that of the consumer, the company is instantly easier to relate to. It can instantly become more personable and attractive. This works in the exact same way that the human connection would work.

Of course, there are some humorous advertisements out there that may have been offensive to at least one person in the world. In some cases, maybe the ad was offensive to many. I find this really unfortunate. I feel like our society can be so judgemental, negative, and sensitive, that even those who feel targeted by said judgement, negativity, and hurtful statements, don't even realize they do the same by attacking back.

It's unfortunate if someone feels offended by another's advertisement, or another's piece of work (artwork). I'm sure that wasn't the company or artist's intention. However, it isn't right for that same someone to feel the need to attack said company or artist in return.

"That's offensive." "You're being hurtful." "Those words are insensitive."

I agree that some things, some people, and some statements can be offensive. However, I also think that sometimes everyone just needs to lighten up a bit (or a lot?). Don't take everything so seriously. Let loose. Let your hair down. Let laughter consume you!

When was the last time you had a really, really good laugh about something?

Being serious all the time—about everything—must not lend for a very positive life.

The world is negative enough as it is; I think we can all benefit from a little bit more positivity, laughter, and fun. Life is too d*mn short to be serious all the time.