Toyota Trundling Ad Irresponsible
Over the holidays I caught a Toyota ad on TV that disturbed me. In the spot, three people push a very large boulder down a steep hill, destroying a truck below—ostensibly so they have a reason to go out and buy a brand new truck.
Ignoring the ad’s obvious wastefulness (nothing new there), I find it deeply disturbing to see such an inherently dangerous activity promoted. In case Toyota hasn’t heard, in August climber Pete Absolon died in Wyoming’s Wind River Range after being struck by a small boulder pushed off the cliff above. (If you haven’t yet, read “Dropped” in January’s Outside for a full account of that tragedy.)
Yes, I know the Toyota bit is "just" an ad, complete with a “do not attempt” footnote, but it’s still extremely irresponsible and troubling. While no one should be getting their outdoor education from TV advertisements, I can’t see this spot without thinking of the potentially deadly and tragic consequences of another person making the same mistake. I hope Toyota gets some sense and pulls the ad, lest anyone else think this is a good idea and another person gets hurt.
You can see the ad—"Toyotathon Phenomenon Commercial (Rock Drop)"—on YouTube.


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