I’m really not sure how I feel about this ad promoting ‘Nature Rx’, in the style of the ubiquitous drug company schlock you see everywhere from Roku channel to pop ups when gaming (so I’ve heard…). On the one hand, it’s pretty hilarious; and promoting nature visitation is good for our collective community of businesses and orgs, and really for everyone who breathes air and drinks water. It’s good for our landscapes and waterways too, by giving people a reason to give a damn.
But it could be sooooo much better. So much more inclusive. So much more inspiring to so many more people. Humor has such a power to get past even the most steadfastly guarded self-perceptions (like ‘my people don’t do that outdoors thing), and affect thinking, especially with young people.
Instead, This is representative of the classic ‘preaching to the converted’ that our industry needs to break out of. That’s why it’s a disappointment to me. Give it a look and let me know what you think.
Now compare that to this US Forest Service PSA, from a series called ‘It’s All Yours’; 30-60 second vid bites that get it all done with no dialogue, and no snark. Which one do you think will get more attention?
It's All Yours – Go. Play. – Southern California National Forests from National Forest Foundation on Vimeo.
I hope they both go viral, and that the makers of the Rx version do another with some authentic diversity on display; young girls, older people of color, differently abled folk, veterans all enjoying the great natural landscapes that are our American inheritance.
Cheers,
KH
