Yasmin in the rain
D | Wednesday, August 31, 2005

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So I have been really confused by this commercial for a new birth control pill, Yasmin. Has anyone else seen this commercial? A girl and her boyfriend walking together under and umbrella in a rain storm. He sees another girl without an umbrella and selflessly gives their umbrella to her. Yes, you read that right, he gives up his and his girlfriend's umbrella to another woman. The girlfriend seems OK with the fact that her boyfriend gave their umbrella to some random woman. The couple then frolic happily in the rain (possibly enjoying the bliss that comes from a functional birth control pill...?).

I just don't know what this ad is trying to tell me (probably nothing since I am not the intended audience). Are more men supposed to take away things from their girlfriends and give them to less fortunate and less meteorologicaly aware females? Or are we just supposed to recognize that he is a gentleman, and like this new birth control, a rare and special find? Does this ad make women want to try this product in hopes of finding a man who will forfeit your umbrella? What? I have to say, I've been with a lot of girlfriends in the rain, and not one of them would be happy if I gave away our umbrella to another girl.

"Hey honey, why don't we get wet for the benefit of a total stranger?"
"Wow, you're such a great guy. OK. I love getting rained on in my brand new really expensive summer dress."

Can someone explain this to me?

D | 8/31/2005 12:24:00 PM |   Post your comment

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Comments:

Maybe "Yasmin" makes girls willing to "get wet for the benefit of a total stranger." If so, you should start a campaign to get the hot women of the world to use it.
Brad | August 31, 2005 1:42 PM | permalink
 

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I thought of it as "hey, we have an effective birth control pill so lets use an umbrella as a metaphor for a condom." So now, they don't need the "umbrella" so he gives it to some other girl for "protection from the rain." One can only guess what the rain symbolizes...
Ruvym | August 31, 2005 11:17 PM | permalink
 

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B,
Not a bad idea...

R,
See I totally thought that too. With the sybolism of the rain and the umbrella, but I thought to myself, "There is no way that is what is going on here..." Maybe? Who knows.
D | August 31, 2005 11:41 PM | permalink
 

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Oh no, that's exactly what's going on. The sorry state of American commericals these days. "If erection lasts for more than four hours, please contact your doctor immediately as this may be the sign of a problem."
Ruvym | September 01, 2005 12:58 PM | permalink
 

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I agree with Ruvym as to the symbolism of the umbrella/rain thing. But I have to agree with Derek that the "metaphor/analogy" really breaks down under any real scrutiny. I imagine few people involved in Yasmin's marketing department expected anyone to think that deep about the commercial.
Alex | September 01, 2005 8:59 PM | permalink
 

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Yes. Good commercial. I liked it. I also liked those Valtrex commercials. You know, the ones with the really good looking couples? They go hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, biking, and always end up in each others' arms, smiling at the end. Their lives look so good... If I didn't know that herpes is a _bad_ thing, I'd totally want it.

If my life could be like their lives on TV, then sign me up for some herpes! Hells yeah!
Ari-Jo-Knachi | September 02, 2005 1:17 PM | permalink
 

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