Romantic Paris
Okay, so at some point I knew I was going to have to break down and share this with you. I just have hesitated because if you come here looking for chocolate and get…this…well, how shall I put it? You might be just a tad disappointed. Also, I think I’m hurting my PG rating.
But–this has got to be the worst ad I have ever seen in my life.
It was everywhere in Paris this summer, put up by the “Mairie de Paris” (city government).
It says: Paris protège l’amour (Paris protects love).
So far so good, right? How sweet! How romantic!
But the third or fourth time you pass one in the street, the details start sinking in.
Paris protège l’amour–oh, it’s an ad to promote the use of a certain love-protection. With an AIDS helpline listed. And the words “Paris Pleasure, Paris Condoms” circling one over there in the right corner.
Okay, well, fine. That’s a worthwhile cause. And I’m a fan of French openness about these things, anyway. So…still so far, so good.
And then, then, it very slowly sinks in what that romantic setting sun over the Paris skyline IS.
Wait for it…wait for it…
Okay. Got it?
So you tell me….is this the worst ad you have ever seen or am I just sensitive about what I want my romantic setting sunlight to be coming from?
alala
Well, I guess I’ve been living in Europe too long, because I spotted it right away, before you even asked. Here they seem to favor pictures of various fruits and vegetables with condoms over them. I think the ads are designed to make people think, “Ew. Let’s play checkers instead.”
Michelle
That is hilarious! I totally missed it until you pointed it out. I was too busy struggling to translate in my head.
melinda
In a city that prides itself in “tastefullness’ I find it a touch “tacky” LOL.
I really don’t think it sends the message that well either. Poster looks nice but after awhile its a blurr in the streets and a waste of money.
laura
I think you’ve hit on it, alala! 🙂 At any rate, as an effort to make a condom look romantic…it didn’t work for me at all!
Yes, Michelle, I walked by them several times thinking, “There the government goes, playing up its romantic reputation, how sweet” before I realized what was really going on!
Definitely tacky, Melinda. Mind-bogglingly so, even!
La Belette Rouge
A condom sunset. Hmmm. If the sun is a condom, the moon would be what? Sounds like a SAT question of sorts.
corine
ewwwww!
Ann (Montego Bay DP)
Oh My! 😮
I’m shocked speechless. lol 😀
phyllis
Eww. Most subliminal stuff goes right over my head 🙂