Bad Holiday Ideas

As many of you who have read here for awhile know, I work at a hospital.  In marketing, but still, at a hospital.  And in health care, there is the concept of a "Hard Stop."

A hard stop happens right before a surgery is about to begin.  Simply put, everyone stops what they are doing.  They review who the patient is, what the procedure is, where on the body they will be working, what they need to have on hand, etc.  (And my apologies for those of you who work in direct patient care for this gross over-simplification.)  A key part of the hard stop is that it's also a safe moment.  A time where anyone can say that something isn't right.  All of the people are on a level field and everyone's input matters.  The concept is aimed at preventing medical errors and improving patient safety.  Getting things right.

Clearly, a good thing in health care.  But I am starting to think that maybe a hard stop has implications beyond health care.

Looking through the Black Friday circulars and watching holiday television advertising, I decided this was definitely the case.  Perhaps, marketers need a hard stop, too. 

Take for instance these:

I have been seeing these Buzz Lightyear wings all over the place this year.  And they are not cheap, but as far as I can tell, they won't really allow your child to achieve flight.  Perhaps slightly less well than Buzz Lightyear does himself.  But clearly they are outstanding for encouraging them to jump off the bed.  Yup, we can definitely leave those off my list.

Now I took heat the last time I voiced my opinions about what men should or shouldn't wear.  I get it.  You all (or some of you) like your novelty items.  So sorry if I offend, but seriously?  A smurf night shift?  For a grown man?  There are so many jokes that need not be made.  Pants maybe, I could go there, but a short night shirt is way, way too bad.  I know, I know.  Some of you will tell me that you totally would love to get this for your husband or significant other, and others of you, some of the men, you'll say you want it.  And I say rock on.  I, however, will not be doing the same.  I'd like to stay married.  And laughing at him as he gets into bed is not a good start.

This was one of the worst I came across while looking at the Black Friday ads.  A McDonald's Drive Thru with Play Food set.  Because we all don't already have enough guilt for the times we call Micky Dees dinner in the car.  Now our kids can microwave burgers with the best of them in the comfort of our own homes.

But the worst?  The greatest offender?

A huge, longstanding, established retailer.  Macy's.  A retail giant licensing the use of a song that is all about counter-cultural youth finding their way and celebrating what really matters.  Roofs over their heads.  Friends.  Enough food to eat.  Health.  Okay, I get that it was from a musical.  But a really, really good one.  The song "Seasons of Love" from "Rent" never, ever should have been used in a commercial.  Unless it was a commercial to buy tickets for "Rent."

But it really, really never should have been used for a commercial for the ultimate in consumerism.  Other than getting a car with a giant bow on the top, that is.  (Another topic for another time, by the way.)

I give you the horrible use of the amazing "Rent" song used to sell jewelry.

So attention marketing seniors and minions alike.  You have it from me.  Go forth and begin to implement the "Hard Stop" in marketing.  We may all just be a little better for it.