Obama the New LensCrafters Spokesman (OK, Not Really)

lenscrafters_obama.jpg

After seeing this LensCrafters ad on The New York Times homepage, one has to wonder if, perhaps, it was created specifically to get a bit of added awareness because, as one Adrants reader notes, it's somewhat "Obama-esque." Or, it could just be a random coincidence. But, it's not like marketers haven't done stuff like this before. See the ad in context on the NYT page here.

by Steve Hall    Jan-15-08   Click to Comment   
Topic: Online, Strange   

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Comments



Comments

Because all black men look the same to "one Adrants reader?"

Posted by: John on January 15, 2008 3:16 PM

Steve, that model looks as much like Obama as you do Ed Begley Jr.

Actually, come to think of it, you really DO look like Ed Begley Jr.

Posted by: Paul on January 15, 2008 3:46 PM

Steve, I've seen that photo before. They call it the "Number 6" (for ease of ordering) in the industry-favorite "Mainstream, Non-Threatening Minority Stock Image Library".

Maddox did a great essay on this. Most have probably seen it, but it's always worth a re-read.

Posted by: M.M.McDermott on January 15, 2008 5:42 PM

Uh, he looks nothing like Obama. So just because he's black?

Uh...

Posted by: Black man on January 15, 2008 7:44 PM

Yeah, sure they all look alike, right? Geez.
He looks more like a young Bryant Gumble to me.

Posted by: harry carrion on January 16, 2008 9:34 AM

i hope you're not serious. this ad has been out forever. he looks nothing like obama- except for the fact that he is a light-skinned black man wearing a suit....also obama doesn't wear glasses..

Posted by: for serious? on January 16, 2008 11:35 AM

That was definitely a coincidence. I've never had anyone come in and say that that guy looks like Obama. The guy we had on the poster before him was much better looking though. Can't wait until they change the graphic again.

Posted by: specs on January 16, 2008 10:17 PM