It’s beginning to snow here in upstate New York, and so although we’re still a bit early for the Holiday build-up, I’m posting about a little controversy, and I’d love to hear your opinions.
Another author friend posted the following Christmas ad from Sainsbury’s (a UK-based supermarket). I was immediately drawn to the historical context of the ad, but some viewers of it found it offensive or disrespectful, according to some written commentary I’ve seen.
Have a watch, if you’re so inclined, and then please share your thoughts in the comments. Do you think it’s heartwarming or disrespectful? I have my own opinions, but of course I’d like to hear yours before chiming in with mine! 🙂
M. Reed McCall, Author 
I don’t see anything wrong with that ad at all. Why are people offended exactly?
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Apparently, they feel it disrespects the soldiers (presumably British) who fought and died against the Germans in WWI by portraying the German soldiers as just friendly chaps who happened to be on the other side of the conflict.
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*sigh* Don’t people just love to get offended by stuff? You know, I read an article on Cracked.com that told of one instance of German and British soldiers sharing a meal on Christmas, amongst other cases of war friendliness: http://www.cracked.com/article_19480_6-inspiring-tales-friendship-in-middle-brutal-wars.html so this stuff did happen, even if not to the level of Christmas cheesiness of that ad. *shakes head*
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I believe that the basic story in that ad is actually true. There was an unofficial Christmas Day truce, where both sides came out of their bunkers and celebrated together. In light of that, I see no problem with this ad at all. I don’t think it’s disrespectful. It’s just highlighting a human moment during an awful time in history.
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Thanks for your comment , Michelle. Those were my thoughts but it’s always interesting to see what others think.
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My only problem with that ad was how weepy it left me. I think it is a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity. And as it was made with input from the British Legion, I’m not sure who has the right to complain.
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Thanks for adding your thoughts, Kris!
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The Sainsbury’s advert, whilst brilliantly shot, is a truly cynical piece of marketing and here’s why:
http://lovelanguageloveliterature.com/2014/11/18/how-sainsburys-ruined-christmas/
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Ahh…I can see what you’re saying.
I knew straight up that the piece was an ad from Sainsburys, and so I expected the tie-in by the end and wasn’t bothered by it at all (perhaps also because there are some similar adverts in the US that cross similar, sacrosanct ground…i.e. the Budweiser horses “kneeling” and bowing in respect in an advert shown just once after the 9-11 attacks).
Not knowing the Sainsbury’s piece was an advert would likely have caused a different impact.
Thanks for the comment!
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I think Michelle got it right. I recall reading somewhere that this type of thing happened during WWI. Using a historical event for commercial purposes is common and this treatment appears to be not the least bit disrespectful.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Mike! 🙂
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