We were directed towards this new ad campaign for the Vikings Group by Rioter James.
So, I turned on local tv for the first time in months last night…
Have the Vikings Clubs been running some strange variety of “We’re comfortable with gays, now” campaign under an “Everybody’s Welcome” banner for long?
Also, they’re either reaching out to or making fun of the Magic: The Gathering and the former-prisoner crowds.
I’m really not entirely sure what kind of angle they’re trying for.
Personally I think it’s pretty great that a club is making a public effort to welcome and encourage diversity.
The ads themselves are a little heavy handed and lame, but the message is a solid one.
Everyone’s welcome.
That is a wonderful message to make.
However just saying nice things is boring so let’s look at what’s confusing me…
Gays, nerds, and ex-cons? These are the minorities they’re trying to reach? EX-CONS?
You’re worried that former drug dealers and shoplifters may feel unwelcome in your club?
Was there actual market research into who doesn’t like going to the Vikings club involved here, or did someone just pick these three groups at random? Are these three groups what the marketing department at vikings thinks makes up Canberra’s minorities?
Also what’s going on with the Magic one? Collectable card games are welcome, but not in front of girls unless the girls also are into collectable card games?
I do like that it flips the whole sexiest ‘geeky stuff is only for boys’ trope on its head, but it keeps the ‘nerds are terrified of women’ trope in play.
Because that joke has just gotten funnier and more accurate since it was used in every movie and TV show ever since the 80’s.
Whatever I don’t know. Let’s go back to looking at the positives.
Nerds can play Magic the Gathering at the club, along with their fellow minorities like gay people, and former arsonists.
That’s a good thing.
I’ll bring my new red/black deck.