Comments on: ARE FNB’S ‘FLOYD THE FLORIST’ ADS HOMOPHOBIC?

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I also have a non nasal lisp and part of the family, relax! South Africa is one single country were we can laugh at and with ourselves.

By: Craig D.

Craig D. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

correction – “I’m NOT sure the current ad achieves such…”

By: Craig D.

Craig D. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It would be interesting to see what the strategic brief was behind the ad concept. Are they in anyway trying to position themselves as a bank for, including amongst others, small business professionals who may be gay, or not. I’m sure the current ad achieves such, assuming the former was the objective. Also think its a little counter-productive from a business point of view in today’s socio-economic climate what with gay bashing, etc. Feeds into a distorted stereotypical perception, and also quite honestly 80s and very Floridan/ Crystal Springs type stuff. Would be interesting to see what MetropolitanRepublic or DDB South Africa (FNB’s ad agencies) have to say about it all.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have not heard the advert but as a adult I would in all likelihood not be offended. Personally effeminate guys , gay or straight, embarress me. I like a man to be rough and ready. Prefer if they are sport fanatics. I digress , the point is that, as a teenager , I was very confused as regarded my sexuality. I loved to do sport and was a main man but I was also attracted to guys. I did not know what gay was and thought I was the only gay guy on the planet. My homophobic family spoke about gays as limpwristed, effeminate dress wearing lispy men. I was mortified to be associated with that image and so stayed closeted for 32 years. Only when I came out and men other gay guys did I realise that there were machco gay guys. The part were the ad could be dangerous is that other gay teens who as confused as I was may also stay closeted when it is not needed

By: jp

jp — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

yes – fucking offensive

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Not so much offensive, but more irritating! Cant stand that ad...it actually makes me change the station.
But yes they are taking the piss with an overtly camp character.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I agree we should laugh at ourselfs a bit.. do the sr8 complain when there is a nerd or a dumb idiot in an add.
Its a nice add and people should not take offence as non was made.
Smile damit

By: Mwangi

Mwangi — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think we should all learn to laugh at ourselves a little even when the joke is slightly weak and not be so angry and humourless all the time.

By: Rolando

Rolando — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I find them offensive. And the lisping queen is such a tired and un-creative staple of SA ads. Can we move on already? I think there is a link to bullying. These kinds of ads help foster an environment in which people feel that it’s OK to mock gays as funny and camp. After all, if FNB can do it…

By: JustMe

JustMe — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I quite like the adverts. I find them humorous. Certainly not offensive in any way. It makes me smile whenever I hear them. Whoever the production house is, 10/10 for depicting a scenario so true-to-life ‘campy’ without going patronizingly overboard, as is usually the case.