Friday, July 10, 2009

Joe Camel

If you ever needed proof that we're fighting the wrong battles, look no further than the late 90s Joe Camel controversy. It's not that these moral crusaders didn't have good intentions, for no doubt they meant well. However, in their fixation on a single cartoon product spokescamel, they began to focus on symptom's of society's ills instead of the root cause. "If we could just get that blasted camel off of Playboy back covers," they thought, "No child will ever feel inclined to pick up a cigarette again."

Unfortunately for these folks, being The Man in telling the younger generation how to behave is probably the worst way to get them to acquiesce. In fact, the way most of us find out what's cool is by seeing what The Man brings down. That's not to say I'm calling cigarette smoking cool, of course. I'm no Joe Camel. That cartoon was one smooth character.

If nothing else, this media crusade only reasserts how uptight Americans are. This is what we do. We see that there are many problems that can not be fixed. Instead of picking a problem to focus on, we pick a tiny aspect of that problem from which to launch a media maelstrom of outrage and discontent. What can we say? We were too lazy to take a swing a solving the problem of youth smoking, so we cast out our excessive anger dart and target whichever minuscule point the dart pin pricks.

Admittedly I'm being a tad facetious. The Joe Camel ads, while certainly not as detrimental to society as moral watchdog groups would claim, absolutely came with myriad of mixed messages. The original Joe Camel ads (commemorating the company's 75th anniversary) featured the tagline, "75 Years and Still Smokin'". Perhaps this isn't the most welcome complement to anti-smoking programs in schools warning of emphysema and lung disease, but then again the ad isn't claiming that after 75 years you'll still be smoking. It's all in the semantics, you see.


Though the first to come under fire (from the media, that is, not lighters), Joe Camel was certainly not the only cartoon smokesanimal. From the 1930s through early 60s, Kool cigarettes had an adorable little anthropomorphic penguin hawking their goods.



A closer look into the Joe Camel Campaign shows it's pretty unlikely these ads were somehow intentionally aimed at children. A 1991 New York Times article explains

He has a penchant for dressing up in stereotypical masculine gear like hard hats, T-shirts, skin-diving wet suits and tuxedos -- all meant to appeal to the male smokers who predominate among Camel customers.

First of all, that sentence is ridiculous. It implies all real men go around alternating between their hardhats and tuxedos before a quick scuba diving jaunt. Obviously on all sides of the Joe Camel argument, serious amounts of exaggeration were in play.



The article also suggests that critics wanted to, er, penalize the character for its supposedly inappropriate traits:

Among the most contentious aspects of Joe Camel's appearance has been that nose. Reynolds has always said this protuberance is nothing more than an exaggerated rendering of a camel's nose; critics say it was drawn in a phallic fashion to suggest that smoking is a virile pursuit.

I have to say I'd never heard that one before, but my God, these people are Freudian. Okay, let's break this down. We've got a penis-nosed camel wearing sunglasses and a tuxedo, surrounded by fawning beautiful women, and proclaiming himself to be a "smooth character". This doesn't sound much like something to appeal to ignorant and impressionable young children. It sounds like something to appeal to ignorant and impressionable young men.

In all likelihood, the actual intent of the campaign was to be edgy and hip in a seriously calculated way. Sure, it's certainly an offense, but it doesn't mean they're trying to stuff cigs into the unsuspecting mouths of 3-year olds. Apparently not everyone felt this way. In this Bill Maher clip, an oddly mismatched group of interviewees discuss the controversial cartoon camel:



Regardless of Baptist Minister Tony Campolo's accusations against Camel, I beg to argue comic Kevin Nealon says it best in this segment: "If they influence kids, then why aren't more kids, like, riding camels?" Hmm. Probing question, favorite Weekend Update host. Why weren't more kids, like, riding camels?

The Journal of the American Medical Association stepped in and dealt the final blow to the thriving Joe Camel campaign. They produced a study that claimed that more kindergartners could recognize the Joe Camel character than Mickey Mouse or Fred Flintstone. First of all, that's really great news for these ad people. Secondly, maybe these researchers should have chosen some more contemporary characters.

The whole affair exploded in a highly-publicized trial, as testimonials claimed that the company was targeting young people because they were the most viable consumers with the most potential for growth. Well, as we said in the 90s, duh. That's how advertising works. We advertise to the people who will maximize our profit margins. It's not exactly rocket science.



Under pressure, the company pulled the ads, paid some money for anti-smoking campaigns, and replaced their spokescamel with a decidedly less cute generic camel silhouette. It just goes to show you: if you make a big enough fuss about some misguided notion, you can use a great deal of time, money, and effort formulating vicious allegations against a supposed wrong-doer and eventually bringing them down. Apparently a great victory for the moral crusaders of the world, the suave Joe Camel character was permanently benched. Thank God for that, too. We wouldn't want our kids exposed to obscene phallic-nosed caricatures.

Yes, I acknowledge that cigarette companies do a whole lot of wrong. That point is relatively moot. I just don't think that producing a suave hardhatted camel is one of them. Unlike today's more direct and effective anti-smoking campaigns, this didn't focus on stopping kids from smoking; instead, it sought to eliminate a character that children may potentially find appealing that could eventually lead to their interest in smoking. Not exactly a direct route there, is it?

151 comments:

Kristina said...

I always thought Joe Camal was cool. So I guess they worked but I never went out and bought cigarettes, well until I went to college. His magazine ads were the funniest, he was always playing pool or something.

LWLH said...

He was a bad ass freakin' camel, but I'm a Newport whore! :) lol

Progressive Momma said...

I never liked joe Camel- I thought that it was so stupid. I never understood why they would pick to have a camel. It just never made any sense to me. Plus I hated everything about smoking...Joe just didn't make it any better.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Remember Kenneth Starr??

Jamie said...

I so remember the nose/male junk controversy!!! Too funny!

Mr. Condescending said...

wow I used to think joe camel was the coolest! I remember telling my cousin that "I cant wait till we are old enough to smoke!" Then I tried a camel unfiltered and a burning piece of tobacco felt like it went straight down my lung.

Melissa Blake said...

OMG, I totally forgot about that. Damn, I miss those days!

Andhari said...

I dont know this trend, I'm so ASIAN lol

PerplxinTexan♥ said...

Right after the red ranger, I wanted to marry Joe...bad.

Awesome Sara said...

i thought 4 the longest time i was into beastiality bc i thought joe camel was hot.

Anonymous said...

I thought Joe Camel was cool, but I never wanted to buy cigarettes because of him... if anything, I just wanted to go party in a room full of Christmas lights... and I wanted a camel.

Some Person said...

Joe Camel's nose made me gay. I wanted to smoke it instead of a cigarette. Mmmmmmmm.

distance between planets said...

It would have been truly amaaazing to have had a Joe camel cartoon show, complete with smoking interludes and arcane tobacco references. Just thinking of it now makes me quite wistful.

mmmhhmmmmm said...

does anyone know what a carton that has camel joe playing a harmonica and his band next to him would be worth because i have no idea oh and its red and has camel on the side

Unknown said...

The quality of your articles and contents is great. America's best e-cigarette

Anonymous said...


This blog is genuinely impressive in all aspects.
Love Quote's

Anonymous said...

I am very thankful to all your team for sharing such inspirational information.
I really like this great job folks.

Unknown said...

Great job you people are doing with this website.
Relationship Issues With No DOS

Anonymous said...

These articles have got complete sense without confusing the readers. Visit Yu Eyut Ex

Anonymous said...

Your articles don't displace around the bushes correct t to the part. Onks Design Tips And Tricks

Unknown said...

I absolutely feel ecstatic when I find articles relevant to my work and my subject.
Relationship Issues With D Glaa

Anonymous said...

It feels awe-inspiring to read such informative and distinctive articles on your websites.
Healthy Relationship with Derry Chat

Anonymous said...

Your blogs have allured me a lot. I’ll again visit this great site to get more valuable stuff.
payday loans online no credit check

Unknown said...

Keep up the best work guys, nice posts are here to get more benefits.
payday loan direct lenders

Unknown said...

Mind-boggling job mates, I take pleasure in longing your articles. Good Relationship With Cagla Yanas

Unknown said...

Hmmmm…. The most widely innovative information at your site has impressed lots of the people including me and my friends.
Uliea Tips

Zara said...

This is really pretty cool place I like it because it has everything I want more on this blog soon.
Click Wocnadop Tastop Linke

Anonymous said...

I love all details that you give in your articles.
Bulk Mail Marketing

Avocet Steel said...

I absolutely feel delighted once I realize articles appropriate to my work and my subject.
ppi

Avocet Steel said...

I absolutely feel delighted once I realize articles appropriate to my work and my subject.
ppi

Unknown said...

I am really appreciating very much by seeing your interesting posts.
accident compensation

Unknown said...

I even have been gifted for hours and I haven't suffered such awesome stuff. ppi

Unknown said...

Your contents are too straightforward to browse and easy to understand. payday loans online

Unknown said...

Hi to everybody, here everyone is sharing such knowledge, so it’s fastidious to see this site, and I used to visit this blog daily. android phone review

Anonymous said...

I would never want to miss out any opportunity to read out your contents.
ppi compensation claim

Peter watson said...


As a matter of fact these informative and great blogs have amazed me.
More about Sky Ico

Unknown said...

I am really thankful to all your squad for sharing specified inspirational substance.
Advice by Congressional Users Guide

Anonymous said...

This blog has very distinct features. Thanks
insure new car

Cool boy said...

Keep it up!! You have done the nice job having provided the latest information.good infographics

Micheal Hussey said...

I was getting bore since morning but as soon as I got this link & reached at this blog, I turned into fresh and also joyful too.
infographics design

Unknown said...

Your website is for sure worth bookmarking.
good infographics

Unknown said...

As a matter of fact these informative and great blogs have amazed me.
infographic design

Unknown said...

congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!! social media infographics

Unknown said...

This blog Info is fabulous; I must wanna see best more from your writers.
payday loans texas

Unknown said...

Keep the balls rolling!! Nice posts you have given for us.
whole life insurance quote

Unknown said...

Thanks meant for sharing this type of satisfying opinion, written piece is fastidious, that’s why I’ve read it completely. good infographics

Unknown said...

I'm certainly very happy to read this blog site posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing such information.
blood sugar levels chart

Anonymous said...

I wanna thanks to a great extent for providing such informative and qualitative material therefore often.
whole life insurance prices

2009 DREAM said...

The quality of your blogs and conjointly the articles and price appreciating.cheap auto insurance

Anonymous said...

Nice answers in replace of the question with real point of view and explaining about that. car insurance

Unknown said...

Hey buddies, such a marvelous blog you have made I’m surprised to read such informative stuff.
online tutoring companies

Unknown said...

It’s my first time to commenting anyplace, when I got this post I thought I might also make comment due to the present wise post.
language tutor online

Unknown said...

Thanks you have provided the nice blogs for us, I am glad about you.
New York accident attorney

Unknown said...

Hey to everyone, it’s my first visit of the blog site; this blog includes awesome and actually best info for the visitors.
low rate payday loans

Unknown said...

I continuously continue coming to your website once more simply in case you have posted new contents.
rar password remover

Micheal Hussey said...

Thanks for this post; it’s really amazing to read.
talk talk contact number

Unknown said...

Outstanding blog, in my opinion site owners should acquire a great deal out of this blog its very user welcoming.
payday loans

Anonymous said...

The superb highly informative blog I’m about to share this with all my contacts.Generic Anchors

Anonymous said...

The stuff written in the blogs have allured me!!! free tutor online

Unknown said...

I went over this website and I conceive you've got a large number of splendid information,
comment pirater un compte facebook

Anonymous said...

The information in this blog is extremely useful for the people. restaurants in schaumburg il

Anonymous said...

I suppose I've selected an unbelievable and interesting blog. Winnipeg personal trainer

Unknown said...

Really amazing blog, I’d love to discover some extra information. pirater un compte facebook

Unknown said...

It’s amazing in support of me to truly have a blog site, which will be valuable meant for my knowledge. Thanks admin. hacker un compte facebook

Unknown said...

I would be flattened if all websites gave articles like that. vietnam travel

Gexton said...

Your blogs are truly awesome I have no words to praise for your blogs.
mango exporter pakistan

Anonymous said...

Now this is in actual fact cooperative. It’s very openhanded of you to share this with us.bubblegum casting

Anonymous said...

This is really quite informative blog such qualitative info I have never seen anywhere.

queens central bookingcentral booking ny

Unknown said...

The writer understand better the mind of people what they want to learn through their writing therefore this article is outstanding. Thanks!!!
NY criminal lawyer

only one said...

It’s never too late to develop your data and your contents really excite me a lot.

ftp filezilla download

Unknown said...

I admired your helpful words. Top class contribution. I really hope you’ll write more. I'll continue looking for.
vietnam holiday

Unknown said...

Having such type of incredible blogs provoking the people to come and visit this site and comment. Thanks for all
vietnam holiday

Unknown said...

I went over this website and I conceive you've got a large number of splendid information,
sewing kit

Unknown said...

It’s amazing in support of me to truly have a web site that is valuable meant for my knowledge.exposed skin care coupon

Unknown said...

Congrats you individuals are doing with this blog site.vietnam travel

Unknown said...

I believe this is actually the most useful blog I've been through this entire day.vietnam holiday

Unknown said...

I am confident you've got a great enthusiast following there.vietnam tour

Unknown said...

Your blogs and every other content are thus interesting and helpful it makes me return back again.

best home security company

Unknown said...

Nobody can reject the info you have given in the blogs, this is actually a great work.vietnam travel

Unknown said...

I have spent a lot of the time in different blogs but this is really a unique blog for me.vietnam holiday

Unknown said...

These are truly amongst the wonderful informative blogs.vietnam tour

Unknown said...

This is really an excellent blog as well as its content.vietnam holiday

nice name said...

I guess this blog is perfectly incomparable..

ny central booking

Anonymous said...

The stuff you are penning blows out my mind.

central booking queens

Unknown said...

We are dealing in superior quality of methylone, our research center takes very step to produce the best quality methylone.for more detail visit our site

http://methyloneshoppe.com/

Alex Richard said...

Thanks for such an interesting blog here! it’s really amazing to read.

Pinnacle Peptides

Anonymous said...

Cool website buddy I am gona suggest this to all my list of contacts. HoneyMoon in Morocco

Anonymous said...

I’m glad to find so many useful and informative data on your website. best electric shavor reviews

Angel Rio said...

Nice written!! I have been a big fan of your blogs. thanksonline payday loans in tn

Unknown said...

Thank you for that information you article
Signature:
Visit to play games friv school than play games2girls and play game kids ! have fun!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing the information. It is very useful for my future. keep sharing
Signature:
facebook entrar iniciar sesion gratis - Sitio Oficial iniciado sesión en Facebook lengua española. facebook entrar rápido, facebook iniciar sesion en tu cuenta de entrar facebook

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading.
Signature:
download baixar facebook movel, Facebook movel, baixar facebook movel. Facebook chat, baixar whatsapp gratis, fazer o download baixar whatsapp para Android, iPhone. Últimas Facebook

Unknown said...

But advertisers must choose products that must use it, experience it descargar whatsapp plus gratis fast , use app baixar whatsapp plus very comfortable , play descargar mobogenie games hot descargar whatsapp gratis , baixar whatsapp gratis , descargar mobogenie gratis

Unknown said...

Its really good information, i like your blog post. Thanks for sharing
Signature:
The place to play all unblocked games 77 online. Here you can find every blocked games such as: unblockedgames , unblocked games happy , unblocked games 77 ,

bibikafu said...

Thanks for your great article friend, i get new information, new ideas to do somethings, i hope you will share again, i keep waiting for next post, thanks.
Kizi 3
Friv 4

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing. I hope it will be helpful for too many people that are searching for this topic.
Signature:
i like play happy wheels 2 online and play happy wheels games full and agario , agar , fireboy watergirl

Unknown said...



This is the game is played so great. Invite you to experience it interesting things there.
strike force heroes 4 | red ball | slitherio
strike force heroes 4 | fireboy and watergirl 2
duck life | io games | tank trouble 2
gmail sign in | gmail login
sign in to hotmail | log in to hotmail




Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing the information. It is very useful for my future. keep sharing. Can you play more games at: Friv100 | Kizi

trump Ivanka said...

Please visit our website to relieve stress
Kizi 5
Games2Win

al3ab banat01 said...

You go to our Web page you can play online games for free.
Our Web page selection is the biggest collection so you can play entirely for free
العاب
friv
العاب طبخ al3ab-banat01
gamesbanatcoat.blogspot.com العاب بنات

Unknown said...

I’m glad I found your article. I would never have made sense of this topic on my own. I’ve
read a few other articles on this subject, but I was puzzled right
up until I read yours. I has some good article to share with you.. Check List Here cara mengobati hisprung

Unknown said...

biaya operasi ablasio retina
cara mengobati saraf mata putus
cara pemesanan ace maxs

Unknown said...

cccccccccccccThis is the game so players feel very fierce , adventurous . You try to join and play this game , you will feel great like.
| tank trouble | learn to fly
gun mayhem | can your pet
| happ wheels

Unknown said...


Your article made me very impressed. I enjoyed it, I would expect at your website, or more articles
subway surfers game , subway surfer , subway surfers

iphongthuy.net said...

iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet

M.yahya said...

Exactly. you're very kind of us about comment!.
https://www.dobhran.com/hapcheta

M.yahya said...

Exactly. you're very kind of us about comment!.
https://www.dobhran.com/hapcheta/otslabvane

M.yahya said...

Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging.
https://bobharle.com

M.yahya said...

Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging.
roku.com/link

M.yahya said...

Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family.
click here to buy 50 real instagram likes cheap

M.yahya said...

Thanks for sharing this useful info..
Pokemon Masters hack Gems

M.yahya said...

I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing.
where can i buy exposed skin care

M.yahya said...

Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post.
detoxic cena

M.yahya said...

Please share more like that.
hapcheta za stavi

M.yahya said...

You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant!
kosopad

For Index said...

roku.com/link | roku com link | roku link support | roku activation code

Unknown said...

Roku.com/link - Steps to interface your Player to your TV. www.roku.com/link | Roku.com/link | Roku streaming device support Roku activate device is the easiest method to stream stimulation to your TV. visit for roku

get the best and be the best said...


Uber For Freight
uber freight vehicle requirements
uber freight tracking
uber freight plus
Uber For Shipping
Uber For Freight Clone
Periscope Clone
Bigo Clone
Live Streaming Clone
best live streaming clone script
Bigo live / Periscope live clone app
live streaming script
live streaming clone script
Periscope clone script
Periscope live clone app
Tiktok Clone App
Dubsmash Clone App
Musically clone App

Kelly Cain said...

Interpages

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogging Site

Guest Blogging Website

Guest Posting Site

Unknown said...

Vents About is a hub of information. We are providing you with valuable nonprofit information about the world. We are here to bring and elaborate on all the innovative ideas about Health, Technology, Business, Finance, Computer, and many more. Our goal is to spread the knowledge all around the world and everyone should know about technology.

Barbara Pantuso said...

thinhankitchentofu
debwan
minecraftcommand
gtarcade
detroitmottepfoundation

Helen Henson said...

Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Figure Out a Suitable Wallpaper to Furnish your Home

Barbara Pantuso said...

Awesome Post.
How to Make Money Online through Affiliate Marketing

Helen Henson said...

Marvellous‍ post.
Why and How to Preserve your Wedding Dress

Agrithing said...

Agrithing is the free agriculture Classified ad posting site. You can look the price of stone crusher for sale in pakistan at this site.

Genia said...

icse board news Selina math class 10 must be used by the students in the previous year as most of the concepts are continued in Class 10 as well. The important concepts are discussed in the solutions in a simple format to build a strong foundation of basic concepts among students.

Helen Henson said...

Great Post. Really nice. Thanks for sharing
How to Protect Your ID as a Person from Getting Stolen?


Emma Ludwig said...

I love this post. Thanks for sharing.
How Automation Software is Helpful in Marketing for Business?
How to Earn Online by Using Your Smartphone?
Tricks to Earn Money Online Through Blogging and Watching Sports?

Emma Ludwig said...

rapidapi
uufscc
esplor
myblogu
keepcalms

Agricomplex said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Agricomplex said...

Agricomplex is the best corn silage supplier in Pakistan where you can find the best price for corn silage. Agricomplex also exports and import agricultural machinery.

cloneapps said...

Goappx

gr exporter said...

Mango is the best crop produced by the Pakistani farmers with better taste and high quality as similar to the mandarin orange for export to the Russia. gr-exporter international is found to be the best in export.

Agricomplex said...

Agricomplex Pakistan is one of the largest corn silage manufacturers in Lahore. They are working as a corn silage supplier and expert in agriculture machinery for the previous 14 years.

Fashion Wolf said...

How Formal is Cocktail Attire and When Should You Wear It?
An Easy Guide of Business Casual for Men Attire in 2021
Top 50+ Best Forearm Tattoo Ideas in 2021
Best Short Haircuts and Hairstyles for Men in 2021
Latest Stylish Shorts ideas For Men in 2021
Latest Summer Shorts ideas For Men in 2021

Lyallpur Organics said...

Are you looking to buy cooking spices online? Here some of the companies are online and providing natural organic spices.

Unknown said...


Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates Feel free to visit my website;
일본야동
일본야동
국산야동
일본야동
한국야동

Unknown said...

Excellent Post as always and you have a great post and i like it thank you for sharing.Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동
일본야동
국산야동
일본야동
한국야동

Unknown said...

Great post ! I am pretty much pleased with your good post.You put really very helpful information. Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동

Unknown said...

I am actually happy to read this website posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing these kinds Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동
일본야동
일본야동
일본야동
일본야동

Unknown said...

I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You Feel free to visit my website;한국야동
한국야동
한국야동
한국야동
한국야동

eddielydon said...

Thank you very much for this great post. Fire Force Jacket

Careful USA said...


USA pone Video
outsourcingall.com
USA SEX WEB UNBLOCKED GAMES
bd sex video rizik.com.bd
bd sex video velkinews.com
india sex video Spa in dhaka
bd sex video Call girl Service

Jay Keygreer said...

Cracked Window Repair Company
Termite Exterminators Liberal KS
Investor Friendly Contractors in KC MO
Residential Contractors For Hire Near Me
Home Sellers

Abcya said...

This is an awesome article. I am practically satisfied with your great work. You provide informative data. Zombie Mission 6 free games

chrispine said...

Joining the ranks of the Akatsuki in style with this amazing Naruto Akatsuki Puffer Jacket

contentwriter said...

We are really grateful for your efforts and explanations. Working with you has been enjoyable. You may do better than you did previously. This website's content was really beneficial to me.Custom Weed Boxes

Mega Personal App said...

We appreciate all of your work and details. Your cooperation has made my job joyful. You might perform better than before. The information on this page was really helpful to me.Mega Personal App

tech said...

Thanks for sharing this comment. fansly

devid said...

Good post! Keep up the great writing. Are you looking to view private accounts? If yes, then you have come to the right spot. The private Instagram Profile Viewer tool lets you effortlessly access a private account without the hassle of sending a request. Check out the article for more info and don't forget to share it with your friends.

pg slot said...

pg ยอดเยี่ยมเกมออนไลน์สล็อตบนมือถือแบบใหม่ปัจจุบันของโลกสมัครเล่น PG SLOT วันนี้ไม่มีเบื่อไม่ซ้ำซากในแบบการเล่นเดิมๆอีกต่อไปเป็นเกมสล็อตที่แจ๊คพอตแตกหลายครั้งที่สุดลองเลย

Digg This!