Pregnant nun ice cream advert banned for 'mockery'

**Maggy** · 15-09-2010, 08:09

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11300552

Quote:

An ice cream company banned from using an advert displaying a pregnant nun has vowed to position similar posters in London in time for the Pope's visit.
Antonio Federici's advert showed a pregnant nun eating ice cream in a church, together with the strap line "immaculately conceived".
The Advertising Standards Authority has ordered it to be discontinued, saying it mocked Roman Catholic beliefs.
Antonio Federici says it will now put up new posters near Westminster Abbey.
Pope Benedict XVI will visit Westminster Abbey on Friday, before holding Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.
Antonio Federici, a UK-based company, has yet to reveal what image will be portrayed in the new advert, saying only that it would be "a continuation of the theme"

Seems an odd way for a company to behave.Will the campaign pay off for them or will they alienate customers?

Graham M · 15-09-2010, 08:37

Well I'm Roman Catholic (technically

) and it doesn't offend me

PeteLockwood · 15-09-2010, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham M

Well I'm Roman Catholic (technically

) and it doesn't offend me

same as, shame people cant accept a bit of light hearted humour

**Hugh** · 15-09-2010, 09:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham M

Well I'm Roman Catholic (technically

) and it doesn't offend me

What he said....

<cynical mode on>
Sounds like a stunt to me, getting lots of free publicity by being "provocative"
<cynical mode off>

Gary L · 15-09-2010, 10:01

Is it offensive because the nun looks like she's having a baby, or the fact that a nun must have had sex?

Graham M · 15-09-2010, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

Is it offensive because the nun looks like she's having a baby, or the fact that a nun must have had sex?

Well the advert says "Immaculately Conceived" - the only other Immaculate Conception, according to the bible was Jesus, so it's just a play on words, nothing more.

Gary L · 15-09-2010, 10:09

I think if you were to ask a random 1,000 people. it won't be about the 'play of words' it will be the image of her being pregnant.

PeteLockwood · 15-09-2010, 10:13

there is nothing malicious about this it is merely humour people need to grow up i think

Lord Nikon · 15-09-2010, 10:17

A Continuation of the theme?

A very surprised looking choirboy as an advert for

Perhaps?

**Hugh** · 15-09-2010, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

I think if you were to ask a random 1,000 people. it won't be about the 'play of words' it will be the image of her being pregnant.

I would disagree - the whole point of the ad is the phrase "immaculate conception" and that phrase's link to the religious symbol of the nun.

Perhaps, not being of a religious bent, Gary, you are not familiar with the concept of Immaculate Conception?

PeteLockwood · 15-09-2010, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord nikon

a continuation of the theme?

A very surprised looking choirboy as an advert for

perhaps?

hahaha

TheNorm · 15-09-2010, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

...not familiar with the concept of Immaculate Conception?

I must confess, I always thought this referred to the "impregnation" of Mary by an angel, resulting in Jesus nine months later. However, I now know this is wrong... but I don't know what is right. Was Mary's mother also approached by an angel?

LondonRoad · 15-09-2010, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNorm

I must confess, I always thought this referred to the "impregnation" of Mary by an angel, resulting in Jesus nine months later. However, I now know this is wrong... but I don't know what is right. Was Mary's mother also approached by an angel?

Indeed. Twas the Angel Haagen-Dazs.

Gary L · 15-09-2010, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

I would disagree - the whole point of the ad is the phrase "immaculate conception" and that phrase's link to the religious symbol of the nun.

That may be what the original complaints are.

Quote:

Perhaps, not being of a religious bent, Gary, you are not familiar with the concept of Immaculate Conception?

I as many others may just see it as a funny advert. if we were asked what do we find offensive about it. if at all, we may just say is it because of the pregnant lump on a nun?

**Hugh** · 15-09-2010, 12:29

Gary, you can speak for yourself, but not for "many others".