Rex is My Husband, Charlie is My Dog

by Guest Blogger, Lena West, Chief Social Media Strategist at xynoMedia

This commercial is running on television for Pepto Bismol:

Don't you just LOVE it?! Well, aside from her talking about her husband as if he's a dog...but, maybe that's why I like it ;)

I mean really...if you've ever been married, are married or have been around any man for any length of time, you know although we love 'em, they're a bit like goats - they'll eat anything that isn't nailed down, especially if the game is on.

When we tell them that scarfing down all that junk is going to cause an intestinal tornado, they tell us, "I've got a cast iron stomach." That is until their stomach decides it has had enough and makes like a trampoline.

And, that's precisely when our Rex's come crawling to us for help.

It's not just stomachs either. It's splinters. Minor electrical shocks from trying to be Mr. Fix-It. A rash from trying new laundry detergent. Putting silk drapery in the washing machine (yes, my Dad did this). Singed eyebrows from overzealous summertime grilling (yep, my Dad again). Breaking their clavicle because they fell off the roof of the house (my Uncle this time). You name it.

I think that's why this commercial hits home for a lot of women. The folks at Pepto did a good job with this one; they obviously understand that every woman has a Rex. And, once women feel that a brand truly understands us, then we can actually see ourselves (or rather our husbands) using their products. But, not before.

Comments

[Chris De La Rosa]

In our family our dad is our "rex", his grandkids call him the "hatch". That man will devour anything his grandkids shoves in his face. And complains to my mom when he gets sick from the crap that goes down the "hatch"

[Lena L. West]

@Dr. Wright:

I agree that any form of "copycat-ism" would be poor form for other brands, but this commercial hit the spot.

Thanks for reading and commenting,

Lena

[DR Wright]

I get the point, however, far too many commercials deal with the stereotype of men and then other marketers, thinking they are being cleaver, jump on.

You want to polarize people with your brand essence, not with bad advertising.

Dr. Wright
The Wright Place TV show
www.wrightplacetv.com
www.twitter.com/drwright1

[Lena L. West]

@Pat:

I'm glad I was able to introduce you to a new commercial! Does that make me a bad influence? :)

And, you are so right...men are usually not preventative buyers. I guess they think that sunscreen and insect repellent mysteriously appears in luggage while on vacation.

Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Pat Morello]

I hadn't seen this, it's terrific! You are so right, these companies are finally figuring out who does most of the buying! Heaven knows, the men in my life would never think to buy something in case they might need it.

Pat

[Lena L. West]

@Mary:

Gosh Mary, and I thought my Dad was adventurous, but raw potato and onion!?! Your Dad gets the award!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Mary Schmidt]

What's always astounded me is that a man will complain about his stomach hurting...and keep eating!

For example, my Dad (Warning: Appetite killer alert!) would eat a plate full of vienna sausages, pork & beans along with slices of raw potato and onion...as a snack before dinner. Then wonder why his stomach was bothering him, as he filled his dinner plate.

So, yep - I like the commercial too.