Sisekelo Rants : Advertisements
Those who know me, know that I love adverts. I’m always looking for something to catch my eye, ear and curiosity. This ad below did just that.
Allow me to rant.
Some context: The above advert was created for Allan Gray, a prestigious long term financial services brand focusing on wealth management amongst other activities. (Basically they are a big deal)
1. Black Tax (BT)+young professionals
As a young black professional, I can understand the idea of being ambitious and hungry to succeed. To go get what you want and get your fair dollar for the work you’ve put in. But I also understand that that for every dollar there is a penny that needs to return to the initial investors. Some might call it black tax.
This ad attacks that head on. The young boy is forced to give share of his earnings from a very young age. Rightly so, he doesn’t seem to understand why. He accepts the confusion but doesn’t understand it’s significance till later on.
Similarly, because black tax never discussed, but always expected, it usually brings about a smudge of confusion. However, Allan Gray (with The Chocolate tribe) presents BT from a positive perspective if used in a wise manner.
Plus one!
2. Present black father
I know more people who don’t have fathers, than those who do. Those who do, only a select few are active in their lives. Pushing it further, a present black father engaging his offspring on finance…..a genuine flying unicorn.
Seeing such stories, is not only inspiring but, is necessary for it shows that it is possible & shouldn’t be confined to the walls of YouTube but should exist in the very living rooms we are watching these ads.
3. The story makes sense
I’ve seen great ads that are exciting but do not align well with the brand they are meant to be elevating. In this case, the ad discusses long term planning, family & wealth. All attributes I would place along side the Allan Gray brand.
The ending ( True rewards take time), puts a bow on an already sucre flavoured red velvet.
In conclusion, I believe this ad speaks to the experiences of young black professionals regardless of era. Because of this timelessness, it is an ad I have added to my collection.
