Fiat 500S: The Funniest Commercial That Dodged Stereotypical Backlash
- Updated: 03/10/2024
- Published: 13/09/2024
- 6 minutes read
Fiat 500S: The Funniest Commercial That Dodged Stereotypical Backlash
- Updated: 03/10/2024
- Published: 13/09/2024
- 6 minutes read
Introduction
When it comes to humor in advertising, Fiat’s ad for the 500S has made waves, not just for its comedic brilliance but for its deft handling of stereotypes. Aired in 2016, this ad created by Leo Burnett is arguably one of the funniest meaning ads ever. When we talk about car ads, the Fiat 500S is king since it managed to get on top of the fence-conflicting stereotypes without being backlashed but praised viral. In this blog post, we will take a look at how the Fiat 500S ad became one of the most hilarious and insightful ads ever that is still going viral.
The Engineer’s Unexpected Test
The advertising begins in a clean, modern examination laboratory where the Fiat 500S is being analyzed. With a serious expression, an engineer dressed in a typical laboratory coat walks toward the vehicle.
However, what follows goes against all expectations, rather than subjecting it to some scientific, thorough examination, this engineer hits the car in a way that’s exaggeratedly feminine delicate, and almost dainty. The act is intentionally fragile and overdone to produce instant irony. Through this moment, it catches off balance visionaries start to look at it from different perspectives, therefore using lightheartedness to kill gender stereotypes through mockery. Such subtleness yet effectiveness in humor prevails within here.
The advertisement plays around with stereotypes without necessarily promoting them, using absurdity to make people laugh while indirectly implying how ridiculous these stereotypes are. It thus attracts the attention of viewers right from its beginning as they wait to see what will happen next.
Flipping the Script
Just when the ad seems to settle into predictability, it flips the script. The camera switches to a pretty lady talking intensely in the Fiat 500S. After a lot of shout and fury, she gets out of the car and closes its door with great effort, expressing frustration. However, this ad adds humor even more rather than allowing the situation to calm down.
She is hitting the car in the same way as the engineer had done earlier This part is not just for laughs, it is a strong comment on the ridiculousness of gender stereotypes.
The humor works on many levels. At first sight, it merely elicits a chuckling response due to unexpected gesticulation repetition. However, on second look, it shows how these gendered behaviors are learned things and hence critique them. An exaggerated delicate tap actually serves as a means for undermining prejudice by showing how such forms of behavior could be seen as ludicrous but socially constructed as well. By combining humor with subtle critique, this scene gives off a thought-provoking punch line while still maintaining its entertainment value.
The Final Punch
But just when the audience might think there’s nothing left to see, with this ad coming to its conclusion, the woman makes an unexpected turn. Right after what seemed to be the culmination of her frustration she’s already walked away from the car then stopped, turned back, and delivered one last punch to the Fiat 500S-this time with her handbag.
The motion is a parody of the exaggerated, light tap the engineer gave at the start of the commercial, making a brilliant echo that ties the narrative together. From a marketing perspective, this handbag punch at the end is pure genius. This image is worth remembering because of the unexpected turn foreshadowed in the previous scene. This is crucial in automotive ads because building a lasting impression is the thin line between a potential customer remembering one’s brand or not.
In this ad, fun goes beyond mere amusement. It reaches into the essence of brand relationships. People can easily sympathize with her anger and form an emotional union with the brand. So, the funny moment is more than one shared by the viewer. For instance, it identifies the vehicle as part of the enjoyable life that one can relate well with rather than just an asset like the Fiat 500S.
Ad That Went Viral
Why is this ad still going viral and has become one of the funniest ads ever? It’s not just the humor, though it’s some of the sharpest you’ll see. It’s also the way Fiat skillfully avoids any backlash. By laughing with their audience, they sidestep the pitfalls of reinforcing stereotypes. They’re not just selling a car, they’re creating a moment of shared amusement that feels both fresh and smart. And the viewers reacted positively, both genders actually. What’s even more surprising is that 8 years after its release, this ad continues to make waves on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, still going viral, continuing to go viral and generating buzz in the comments.
This is where Fiat hits the mark perfectly. They give you a reason to laugh, a reason to think, and a reason to remember the 500S. It’s an ad that doesn’t just make you chuckle, it makes you appreciate the cleverness of its approach.
Conclusion
Fiat’s 500S ad is, by far, better than any other example of how humor is used to tackle stereotypes without losing the edge. By smartly converting a stereotype into a source of comedy, Fiat actually comes up with an ad that does not just offer laughter but, on the other hand, relief and fresh insight into those involved. It reminds us that if greatness is what advertising is all about, then it’s not selling-it’s a connection made with a wink and a smile.
So, the next time you see an ad for the Fiat 500S, remember this: it is not all about laughter. It is also a brilliant idea by Fiat to make humor an irresistible arm for undermining stereotypes and creating unforgettable advertising.