Autistic Actor Plays Real Life Role in SunTrust Ad

SunTrust recently released a new advertisement about "parents who are planning retirement for three." The commercial depicts a middle-aged couple and their live-at-home autistic son. The most interesting aspect of the commercial is that the autistic actor isn't a professional, he is a real performing arts student named Patrick Storey, living with autism. SunTrust consumer marketing director Emmet Burns says it's an example of the company "concentrating on the real-life circumstances, the real challenges that clients face." I think it is quite commendable and refreshing on SunTrust's behalf to step outside the boundaries and use a real life disabled person in their commercial. It makes the advertisement much more effective and has a certain emotional appeal to it. I hope this is the beginning of a new trend in the advertising industry.

Is Google Glass an Invasion of our Privacy?

The new Google Glass seems to be causing a stir among potential consumers who are begging the question of privacy, or better yet, lack there of. Many people are beginning to wonder whether or not this could be some sort of tracking device for Google, allowing the company to know exactly where you are, what you are looking at, or what you may be recording while wearing the glasses. And who knows what the user may be doing with those glasses? The privacy concerns not only affect those wearing the glasses, but the passerby who find themselves in the same vicinity, as well. Apparently, some places have already banned the glasses entirely.

Some have merely deemed this as a "techno panic," arguing that our society suffered similar fears when smartphones and cameras were introduced to the industry as well. A Google spokesperson suggested that since it is still quite early for Google Glass, chances are that social norms and behaviors will adjust to this technological development within due time. I am not quite sure what the future holds for Google Glass. I highly doubt that anything serious will come of these complaints, however, it is a bit unnerving when taking a step back and recognizing the almost limitless capabilities of this new invention. I think that advances in technology such as this will only add to the fact that privacy in today's world is virtually non-existant.

Southwest Airlines Takes New Marketing Approach

Southwest Airlines has recently decided to take a fresh approach in their marketing strategies. Previously recognized for their "fun" take on advertising, Southwest is using the new year to dictate a more mature, polished look by addressing the company's innovativeness. Their new commercial follows a line of "entrepreneurs and mavericks" while simultaneously expressing how proud they are to be the number one domestic carrier in the United States. And rightfully so. I swear by Southwest. They are the only airline that I will fly with (when possible). I would argue that they are the easiest, most reliable air-carrier in the industry, and the company has only continued to grow over the past few years.

Some people may argue that such a blatant change in advertising strategies is a bold move. However, I think that it was a smart decision on the company's behalf. Their loyal customer base already recognizes the fact that Southwest is the entertaining and accommodating airline that it has always been. With that being said, I believe that the company's focus on its innovation will only attract more customers with their "faster-paced, younger, and more energetic" advertising efforts.