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Shocktivism

Activists take a more militant stance through provocative marketing strategies

Implications - Activists are viewing marketing as less of a fringe activity and more of a necessity, competing for a piece of the marketing pie where they can. Using shock tactics that raise eyebrows, social organizations are behaving more and more like marketers—only with a different message. Consumers--those who crave social change as well as those who don’t--can’t help but absorb and respond to this provocative activism.
Trend Themes
1. Shocktivism - Activists use provocative marketing strategies to compete for a piece of the marketing pie.
2. Desensitization Marketing - Consumers are drawn to advertisements which contain shocking graphic imagery and that are memorable.
3. Charitable Body Modification - People are willing to undergo extreme physical change for a cause they believe in.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing - Marketing professionals can take inspiration from activists' use of provocative strategies.
2. Charity - Charities can inspire people to undergo extreme physical changes such as body modifications for their cause.
3. Environmentalism - Companies can keep in mind the urgency of environmental messaging and the effectiveness of graphic and disturbing imagery when devising marketing strategies.
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
11 Featured, 84 Examples:
4,545,488 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Apr 10 — Jul 10
Trending:
V. Hot
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Riot Photography
Riot Photography
Crowdsourced Photography Becomes Go-To for G20 Riots in Toronto
These crowdsourced G20 Toronto riot photos show that when people get out of control, crowdsourced journalism and photography has become the go-to place for both readers and traditional journalists. This… MORE
Charitable Body Modifications
Charitable Body Modifications
Aryan Hopkins Gets 1,091 Piercings for the Shriners Hospital for Chi
Piercings can be quite painful, but Aryan Hopkins got 1,091 of them for charity. You can feel his pain just by looking at the images above. Aryan Hopkins isn't someone who just gets body piercings for… MORE
Social Awareness Greetings
Social Awareness Greetings
The BP Oil Spill Greeting Cards by enGreet are Satirical and Charitable
The BP Oil Spill Greeting Cards by enGreet provide a hilarious portrayal of a very serious issue. Poking fun at everyone involved, from the BP company to Sarah Palin, these cards are perfect for your… MORE
Ignorance-Themed Activism
Ignorance-Themed Activism
Amnesty International 'Ignore Us' Print Campaign is Provocative
The newest Amnesty International 'Ignore Us' ads are provocative and disturbing, two features that make this campaign incredibly effective. The set of ads feature masses of people facing backwards in a… MORE
Graffitied Endangered Species
Graffitied Endangered Species
The WWF Campaign Tags the Environment for Awareness
Although to many graffiti is considered a work of art, when seen in the context portrayed in the latest WWF campaign, it's hard to think of it as more than simple defacement. This powerful WWF Campaign… MORE
Toxic Animal Ads
Toxic Animal Ads
The WWF Evollution Campaign Looks to Send a Clear Message
If you seek environmental ads with a strong message and clever imagery, look no further than the WWF Evollution campaign. The organization has always been known for cutting edge and sometimes even controversial… MORE
Gory Toy Campaigns
Gory Toy Campaigns
The Caritas Ad Campaign Warns Parents of Violent Playthings
The Caritas ad campaign certainly can change anyone’s view of the typical stuffed toy. This shocking ad campaign was put together by advertising agency BBDO of Dusseldorf, Germany, and shows parents how… MORE
Sinister Anti-Smoking Campaigns
Sinister Anti-Smoking Campaigns
'Smoking Kill' by Khalil Damak Shows the Dangerous Cycle
These artistic anti-smoking posters are part of a series called 'Smoking Kill' by Khalil Damak. Each image shows the dangerous relationship between cigarette smoke and a smoker's health by depicting the… MORE
play_circle_filledHeat-Packing Mothers
Heat-Packing Mothers
Moms with Guns Amber Alert PSA Makes a Brave Statement
The Moms with Guns Amber Alert PSA attempts to conquer the popular misconception that a gun can keep a family safe. The concept and the video is awesome. It makes regular moms look like bad-ass heat-packing… MORE
play_circle_filledFlash Mob Activism
Flash Mob Activism
Swiss Flashmobs Demonstrate Possibilities of Nuclear Plant Meltdown
Recent Swiss flashmobs have demonstrated what they deem to be scary but realistic effects of nuclear power. The random flashmobs would randomly collaspse in the street--much to the horror of uninvolved… MORE
play_circle_filledGay Rights Stunts
Gay Rights Stunts
4,000 Singapore GLBT Supporters Show Up at Pink Dot 2010
Pink Dot 2010 took place on May 15 at Hong Lim Park. It was the second annual iteration of the event, in which LGBT supporters gather to create a giant pink dot to honor the idea of love. There were 4,000… MORE

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play_circle_filledPolar Bear Shockvertising
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