A dystopian day
As 100 million people crowded around a television to watch America’s greatest pastime, unbeknownst to them they were also watching a sickening display of capitalism at its worst.
The Super Bowl every year is a tradition for many American families — a chance to relax, eat food and cheer for their favorite teams. However, interpolated throughout this adrenaline-filled testament of patriotism are the most highly anticipated ads of the years.
For a short 30-second time slot, advertisers pay nearly $6 million, and they pull no punches in making their ads memorable and worth every dollar.
The high-budget, zany, fun and odd ads that have aired with the Super Bowl have almost become a tradition of their own, and they can catapult a company onto Twitter’s trending page. However, many of these ads, looked at an outsider’s perspective, are nothing short of dystopian.
Simply the dominance of celebrity cameos in these ads point toward the unfortunate idolization Americans hold for celebrities. Beyond this, the only political ads happened to both be for billionaires. Complementing these were ads from Google, a tech-giant, exploiting and playing Alzheimer’s disease for tears.
Finally, there was an ad from Michelob demonstrating its pledge to organic farmers, but what should have been an inspiring ad turned into a highlight of the idiosyncrasies of modern-day consumerism. Michelob spent $6 million to create an advertisement that, in summary, said they would put $1 million toward organic farming.
While Super Bowl ads are undoubtedly fun, millions of Americans eagerly looking forward to the chance to watch new ads seems like a sad and quiet slide into the overly materialistic society of tomorrow.
Kit Neikirk
Hilo
Keep the trees
After reading Lehua Maloney‘s letter (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 2) about removal of the beautiful monkeypod trees in Panaewa, I sat down and emailed Mr. James Komata about my opposition to such a disastrous plan.
It only takes a minute to either write or call the Parks and Recreation Department and let them know you oppose destroying the very thing that makes Panaewa such a beautiful and enjoyable place.
If you have ever attended an event or just enjoyed passing time at this beautiful center, please, please take a moment to speak out. Once the trees are gone, you’ll never again in your lifetime be able to enjoy the beauty and shade they provide for both fun events and relaxing hours spent at this treasure still remaining in Hilo.
Mary Serion
Ainaola