When you live in a major metropolitan area you are bound to see a plethora of billboards advertising a wide range of products and services. Philadelphia, until recently, was the city I frequented the most. Now I live in lower Delaware and only venture near Philly when I absolutely have to.
Just last week I caught sight of this billboard on the side of I-95.
Yup, shock value accomplished! I had to do double-take to make sure I saw that correctly. Wow, how low can we go? I was none too happy to have to then explain to my 12 year old stepson and my 9 year old son the whole concept of adultery and the purpose of said billboard.
Last year I remember seeing another shocking billboard advertising laser tattoo removal. The image was of a woman's bare back with four names tattooed in an ascending list. The first three names were all crossed out with just the top name showing. The words "People Change" were in large print on the ad. What changed was her preference to switch from male partners (the first three names) to a female partner (the last name). I have no problems with a person's sexual orientation. In fact, I couldn't care less who one chooses to be with. My issue with this billboard in particular is that this advertising company was forcing me to have a conversation with my then 8 year old son about sexual orientation. Yes, it's a conversation that needed to happen, however, I think it should be up to the parent when they feel their children are ready to discuss such grown up topics.
Then there's this one. Oh Ashley Madison, I know people cheat. They (not all) always have, and always will, but do we need to see this every day on our way to and from work?
Really, Philadelphia, is this the message you want to be sending out to the world? Money talks, I guess that's the bottom line, eh?