The best ad

I received a no-reply email fromCallie Scheweitzer. She asked, what is the best ad you’ve ever seen? What made it memorable?

I’m sure you haven’t seen that ad. First of all, it was a few years ago. Second, it was in Russia.

I didn’t even remember the whole ad, but only the words. So, I found a video on youtube. 

And here is a story.

A bicyclist chases the leopard, catches up and takes a can of soda out of its mouth. 

A group of bicyclists is watching what is happening. One says, “That’s why I don’t like cats”. Another answers, “You just don’t know how to cook them”.

As I said, I memorized only the dialog. To me it’s funny. I even quote it from time to time.  

My interpretation of this ad has nothing to do with the video clip. But my opinion is this: people don’t like something unknown. They may be afraid to try something new

It can be anything: using a computer, writing a resume, changing jobs, starting a new relationship or a new project, cooking unknown dishes, etc.

I’m not perfect myself. I’m afraid to cook on the grill. Silly, isn’t?

And here comes the point about our priorities and interests. 

The auto mechanic doesn’t need high-speed typing skills, as long as he can fix cars.

The full-time employee doesn’t need a new resume, as long as he/she has a job.

I don’t need to stress myself out near a grill, as long as I have an electric stove in my house.

So, I think, it’s ok not to like unknown things, to be different, and to have our own priorities. 

But it’s even better to be curious, willing to learn, and try new things.