A Mindful Reaction to the Criticism of Kobe Bryant’s Call of Duty Commercial

Daniel Buerge
5 Min Read
41727, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - Friday June 18, 2010. The Los Angeles Lakers appear on 'Jimmy Kimmel' to show off their NBA championship trophy. Photograph: Anthony, PacificCoastNews.com


Written by: Fernando Rea

There has been some uproar in the media lately about the Call of Duty:Black Ops commercial which Kobe Bryant appears in firing an automatic weapon in a urban, warlike setting. Jimmy Kimmel and a few regular folks appear in the ad as well with guns and other weapons in hand. To the well-sensed observer the ad is just a visually creative and fun way to grab the attention of viewers for the purpose of selling a video game. However, a few in the media, such as Tim Keown and Skip Bayless, have decided that this ad is dangerous and irresponsible because it glorifies gun use and military combat which both result in tragedy regularly.

In Tim Koewn’s article he evens writes about speaking with a few that have been affected by violence and tragedy that guns bring. Death and violence by guns on American streets or on a battlefield in war is something that affects many people’s lives and needs to be addressed and discussed in its own forum.

How are we connecting the dots from the horrible incidents that happen in the streets which cause carnage and tragedy to an advertisement for a video game? They say it’s insensitive and celebrities shouldn’t take part it in because of their notoriety and influence. If that’s the case, so would ads for fatty foods at fast food chains to those that have died from eating disorders and weight problems.

Celebrities that advertise Beer and Sprits are uncaring to those that died from the hands of alcoholism or a drunk driver. Why isn’t someone taking shots at the Most Interesting Man in the World?

Next: The Constant Search for Attention

Follow:
Daniel is the former Managing Editor of LakersNation. He has also written for SLAM, ESPN and other various publications. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielbuergeLA