Bombardment of death ads offensive
David from Whangarei (Mr Telly, Feb 8-14), I’m sorry you are offended by people writing in complaining about the number of life insurance ads on TV. You really miss the point. Being bombarded constantly by ads about death is offensive. We know we are all going to die one day and some sooner than later. Those people writing in are not targeting you, they are trying to get ad agencies to at least listen and space out ads. I find the ads offensive as my husband has cancer and we were planning his funeral. I don’t need to be constantly reminded I might be planning a funeral in the not too distant future. Trivago ads are annoying as well.
Christine Frayling (Tauranga)
I am ‘absolutely disgusted’ with David’s letter. I do not think us oldies should have these life insurance ads thrust upon us just because we watch afternoon telly. (I actually record just so I can fast-forward those ads.) I’m sure we all acknowledge our mortality but we do not need to be reminded of it every five or six minutes. Why are us ‘oldies’ being disrespectful to people who have gone before by complaining about insurance ads? That makes no sense (nonsense).
Larraine Berry (Christchurch)
David (Whangarei), whilst I have complained about the advertisements for funeral insurance, I have to admit that after reading your incredible letter, I wholeheartedly have to agree with what you have written, and have now totally backpedalled on this subject. I have read your letter several times and feel terribly guilty and self centred, and very humbled. Each time I now see these advertisements I no longer cringe and I think of this letter you wrote. You have shaken me into reality. Thank you.
Pat (Auckland)
Well, David of Whangarei, you have missed the whole point of what people are complaining about. Most of us have people who have died who are close to us and I personally had a daughter die who left behind a young family. Not the issue. Most of us have funeral cover. Not the issue. Let me remind you we don’t want this on our screen in our faces every night and morning telling us we’re going to pop our clogs etc. We want to have fun and get on with our life the best we can. Shame on you I say if you enjoy watching these pathetic ads. Most people like me, and there are a lot out there, mute them or change channels.
Kathy (Hibiscus Coast)