Wednesday, May 5, 2010

God Wants You to Buy This Pin

Advertising placard with a silver and gold looking abstract pin and the headline, God could not be everywhere. Therefore He made mothers

Why does this poster offend me?

First, let me be clear -- I have no problem with the idea expressed in the headline.

What I do have a problem with is a seller of over-priced baubles exploiting people's religious beliefs for profit, especially when mixed in with the possible guilt and obligation they may feel toward their mothers.

I also want to point out that Googling this sentence instantly reveals that it may or may not be a Hebrew proverb... it might have been Rudyard Kipling instead. At this point, there's probably no way to tell what the source of the quote is for sure (none of the Kipling references I saw mentioned a specific text). But citing Kipling wouldn't have sounded as good on the sign, particularly to the intended religious audience.

As seen at Buchkosky Jeweler, Rosedale Mall, Roseville, Minn.

1 comment:

Ms Sparrow said...

It seems like the maudlin sentiments of Mother's Day all fall into the category of assuaging guilt and/or obligation. The nicest gift I get for Mother's Day is having them come for dinner!