Snickers Sticks Another Feather in Its Homophobic Cap

Posted by Ken Wheaton on 07.17.08 @ 12:56 PM

Two years ago, Snickers was slammed with charges of homophobia for a Super Bowl ad in which two men react with disgust after kissing one another. You'd think the brand would have learned something from that experience. Apparently not, judging by the following spot featuring Mr. T shooting a speed-walker with Snickers bars and yelling at him to "Get some nuts." As Mark Blankenship writes: "Um ... can Snickers please stop hating gay people? We like nougat, too."

4 Comments

By keitholiver09 | Tempe, AZ July 18, 2008 12:31:04 pm:

How is this Snickers ad homophobic?? Is speed walking a gay thing? Don't think so...This commercial is crude and definitely leaves an impression on the viewer. Females won't like it but the guys will. Get over it, you're reading way too much into this commercial.

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By BCanseco | chicago, IL July 18, 2008 03:04:57 pm:

I think this commercial makes fun of men across the board. I mean, does anyone really associate race-walking with gay men. I've never known a gay man and thought "i bet he race-walks when no one's looking, too!"

Also, what does it mean to "run like a man"? Is there a certain way a "real man" is supposed to run?

Besides, barring pre-existing injuries/physical impairments race-walking is for those afraid to be called "slow runners".

i can see where the spot might be considered homophobic, but it's more about ripping a sport/activity.

Also, "Get some nuts" is a tagline you put in your spec portfolio when you're 19 and every recruiters who see it tells, "if you really want a job in this industry, you'll fix this."

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By milowent | Beverly Hills, CA July 23, 2008 03:29:54 pm:

what 'ludes are you guys taking? race-walking clearly implies "gay gay gay," just ask some high school boys for godsakes. rationalize all you want, but we get it.

now i must admit i am crass and enjoyed the video.

i hope in the next video, mr. t. assaults some mental patients -- "get some nuts!"

then he attacks the Westboro Baptist Church. "get some nuts!"

then he attacks a bunch of muslims wearing their rachael ray gear - "get some nuts!"

then he attacks some white-bred midwestern kids selling lemonade and says "get some nuts!" WTF, right? then the townspeople of said midwestern town rise up and kill mr. t. they are carrying burning crosses and wearing KKK outfits. tag line: "OK, we are a little nuts!" then adolf hitler comes onto the screen eating a snickers bar. end of campaign.

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By Stefano | Milan August 8, 2008 04:34:45 pm:

The Human Rights Campaign has made a stupid move and this is why: there is no correlation between speedwalking (which is genuinely ridiculous, we can agree on that) and homosexuality. By implying that correlation the HRC is falling for the very same stereotypes it's mean to fight, and effectively stating that, well, gays are faggots. Good job!

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