Video: The sadly obligatory J.C. Penney “doghouse” ad
posted at 4:10 pm on December 12, 2008 by Allahpundit
Stupid and ultimately even insulting for the same reason those Kay Jewelers ads are, but people keep e-mailing it with assurances that it’s hilarious, so here you go. Five minutes of tedium for one funny line (“Wow! I’m married to you!”). For once, MSNBC’s crankiness is justified.
Blowback
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I think the Kay jeweler ads are ok. I didn’t realize that they were offensive to someone at the NRO. “Every kiss begins with Kay” is an effective slogan, imho.
Y-not on December 12, 2008 at 4:16 PM
LMFAO The RAM guy folding a G-String! PRICELESS!!!
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Since you and I have both been forwarded this video several times, it would seem to me that it is MSNBC and not JCPenney who is out of touch.
sweetlipsbutterhoney on December 12, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Wow… I thought it was kinda funny….
But I used another tactic to get out of MY Dog House…
It was called a Divorce Lawyer…. LOL
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 4:19 PM
This has hit my Inbox numerous times over the past week too, AP. My response has always been: “Explain to me why these men would want to get out and return to their shrewish, demand, and irrational mates.”
No answers. Evah.
ScottMcC on December 12, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Yay, guy bashing in a jewelry ad! I’ve never seen THAT before!
It’s so fresh, and original.
apollyonbob on December 12, 2008 at 4:21 PM
WEAK (and not that funny)!
sayabule1 on December 12, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Obligatory eye roll in five seconds
4
3
2
1
obligatory eye roll engaged
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Send Blagojevich to the Dog House! His wife didn’t get the high-paying job she wanted!
Steve Z on December 12, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Gawd. My crass-o-meter just overloaded.
Splashman on December 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM
although that bodysock on the red-head made it all worth while…thanks.
sayabule1 on December 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Although I admit, the “Wow! I’m married to you!” line did actually make me laugh. Also the guy’s reaction to the (obviously foul) cookies while the wife is opening the gift.
apollyonbob on December 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Hmm men can’t appreciate it…
It is ok. I won’t throw anyone in the dog house for no jewlery. And no, no folding of the thongs.
Take my ammo and see what happens!
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM
I do not patronize businesses (and there are many) who portray men (especially white men) as weak, oafish, stupid, etc. How funny would this ad be if the person in the dog house were female, or a minority?
Dukehoopsfan on December 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM
I find the Kay ad with the deaf girl and the “boyfriend” to be difficult to get my head around. They are dating, he doesn’t know sign language, but he bought her diamond jewlery. What stage is this relationship at anyway?!
I must admit the one with the snicky wife and the husband at the tree stand kind of gets me (sometimes)…
Nat Hound on December 12, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Five minutes. Five freaking pathetic minutes that I’ll never get back.
amerpundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:24 PM
I don’t know what the answer is, but it isn’t those Journey diamond pendants. They’re too common in terms of availability at jewelry retailers, but I’ve never seen anyone actually wear one. But then I find diamonds boring and colorless. I prefer my birthstone, the emerald.
MsGail61 on December 12, 2008 at 4:25 PM
To be fair, the one man was black and I think another Hispanic. Doesn’t make the ad any less crappier, of course.
amerpundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:26 PM
My wife is happy getting a card and a gift card from Starbucks or Borders. We try not to buy into this crud too much. I buy her jewelry sometimes, but more because I want her to wear it.
Metro on December 12, 2008 at 4:26 PM
I wrote it on Dr. Helen’s blog when this thing first was makign the rounds, the parallels to shawshank are to me interesting. Mentor type telling the new inmate about how it is. Here’s the thing, Andy was innocent, and he got sent to shawshank which wasn’t fun, so if the ad is trying to abstractly suggest that the doghouse is cruel and unjust punishment, then I am all onboard.
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Wow, can you shop ANYWHERE????
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 4:28 PM
It gets classier:
MSNBC has it right:
amerpundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:28 PM
I’m Outraged!
ninjapirate on December 12, 2008 at 4:29 PM
A vacuum cleaner? Dummy, you shoulda saved yourself some money and gotten her a broom. Then save the dustpan for next year.
Tony737 on December 12, 2008 at 4:30 PM
“Every Obfuscation Begins With O”
marklmail on December 12, 2008 at 4:31 PM
This is right up there with the ad that went something like:
“That’s ok, her next husband will get her the *item*”
Is guilt the best reason to get expensive gifts?
rihar on December 12, 2008 at 4:33 PM
i thought it was pretty funny too.
Allah, are you married?
Maybe only married guys get it…
ulyses on December 12, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Romeo13 –
I can shop lots of places. I just choose to avoid supporting those who engage in the business of denigrating men!!!!!!!
Dukehoopsfan on December 12, 2008 at 4:34 PM
“Ennuipundit”
that’s a great nom de blog.
Mike D. on December 12, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Hehe…Men are stupid…and Dogs…and Pigs…and they should just buy stuff…n shut up…Hehehehe. Thanks for reminding me yet again the joys of Bachelorhood. Phew!
ronsfi on December 12, 2008 at 4:34 PM
While I don’t see any reason to watch the ad, as a married woman I ma sick and tired of the man bashing ads period. I never expect my husband to by me jewelry, except for my wedding ring of course. I appreciate advertising that celebrates manliness, anddoes not run down the male of the species. Have had enough of the metros and the hen pecked, Where is John Wayne when you need him?
trainwife1962 on December 12, 2008 at 4:35 PM
This is from the same Bryan Buckley that brought us the chimps in the board room ads for Career.com?
amerpundit on December 12, 2008 at 4:36 PM
At least it’s a doghouse, not a giant litter box. (On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind seeing Blago and his buddies buried under a pile of heavily used cat litter.)
PA Cat on December 12, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I have a strange feeling this is really about Republicans.
The lady judge is from the Civilian National Security Force.
Bwaaaa.
Hope and change. Hope and change. Hope and change.
faraway on December 12, 2008 at 4:37 PM
It would be just as funny (which is to say not at all), but any TV station that showed it would risk riots, mass boycotts and losing their license.
Free speech for thee but not for me.
Dark-Star on December 12, 2008 at 4:37 PM
I thought is was funny.
The actual message ended when his wife made him go into the doghouse.
Helloyawl on December 12, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Bingo Dark-Star!
Dukehoopsfan on December 12, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Missed me point… as a white male myself… I was wondering which stores did NOT use that meme… cause I’m running out….
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 4:40 PM
I don’t get the men and the conservatives that are huffing and puffing with offense about this. It’s a pretty accurate satire on the current state of male-female relations in the US.
I especially like the main website’s audio that has an Orwellian woman announcing gulag-like instructions to men over a low-fi, echo-y public address system. It’s simply a more open version of the brow-beating of and contempt for men that is assumed and taken for granted in our culture. Pretty funny satire in my opinion.
Django on December 12, 2008 at 4:42 PM
It’s funny considering almost every gift I have gotten from a women is a veiled attempted at my redefinition. Where is my 18v cordless hammer drill? Where are the chromed aluminum mags? I never get those, no I get a shirt from Abercrombie and finch, and what is with that store, it’s like dieters dance party every time I walk by the place in the mall. If I get one more sweater can I send the offending female to the…litter box?
DFCtomm on December 12, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Because marriage is supposed to be for life – good and bad.
The real question is why didn’t the men take their shoes and kick them back to the kitchen.
P.S. don’t let my wife know I wrote that.
Corsair on December 12, 2008 at 4:44 PM
How about no one gets offended and we just laugh at ourselves? Too difficult?
Geez…
CliffHanger on December 12, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Now don’t be…. catty….
/smiles…
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 4:47 PM
1. “Every Kiss” begins with E
2. That’s a top of the line Dyson – she should be so pleased she does her imitation of it.
3. There is no 3.
4. I always knew my ever-indulgent wife was special – she loved the Bissel Spot-Bot I got her for a past Christmas – but until I went to http://www.howmanyofme.com I didn’t know she was unique (according to the 1990 Census)
KCSteve on December 12, 2008 at 4:47 PM
except for Mom whose attempts at redefinition should always be tolerated, ignored, but tolerated.
DFCtomm on December 12, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Walter E Williams buys his wife batteries for christmas.
Why do women need yet another expensive piece of jewelry?
lorien1973 on December 12, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Ask your woman for kitchen appliances, cookware, or anything “green.”
Scare her straight.
/
Christien on December 12, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Gifts for Her or you? :)
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 4:50 PM
AP – Get a life. While I won’t waste time on this video, I think at least one Kay ad is touching — where the guy takes his date to all the places of their memories together and then takes her to one she doesn’t remember (’cause they haven’t been their yet). When she says, “I don’t remember this place,” he says, “You will” and proposes. We could use more ads like that instead of raunchy, in your face junk.
Christian Conservative on December 12, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Hmmm, ok you sure you wanna go there?
I want a Kitchen Aid Mixer.. stainless steel. New Cabinets for my Kitchen with sliders drawers and a awesome double drawer/cabinet for a cupboard.
Or cookware I will take this!
http://www.metrokitchen.com/product/AC-700492
I never said I was cheap. ;)
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Sorry Romeo13, it’s been a long week and I apparently am in need of medication. :)
Dukehoopsfan on December 12, 2008 at 4:58 PM
This one rates up there with the ads that make “Dad” look like a complete push over moron. The family is so much smarter than father and by the end of the commercial he is put back in his place as the guy who brings his paycheck home, gives the kids what they want on demand and to keep his mouth shut.
portlandon on December 12, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Just kids this Holiday… I recently kicked the last Juliet out of the door… she had done the Opposite of the Taming of the Shrew… became MORE Shrewish as time went on… LOL
Nice thing about owning a Four Bedroom doghouse in Suburbia… what they gonna do, send me to my own house?
She actualy had the gall to try to kick me out of my OWN bed, in my OWN house once…. needless to say that didn’t fly….
Heck… she even made me keep the dog I bought her a couple years ago, when she asked for one… (said she didn’t have room for him… LOL).
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Oh Waahhhh, boys! It’s just a matter of seeing your mate as separate from yourself.
All the dog-house gifts exemplified the problem stated–each individual guy obviously got something he’d want rather than want she’d want.
I got the old man a gourmet meat gift certificate–prime rib, filet mignon, etc. (Actually I’d want that but I happen to know he’d appreciate it.) Also, I didn’t consider getting him something that would be perceived as pointing to a short-coming. That’s because he doesn’t have any! :-D
baldilocks on December 12, 2008 at 5:03 PM
rather than what she’d want.
baldilocks on December 12, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Hmm well, what ages are the kids.. B or G? I can hook you up with some ideas.
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I don’t see where this has been discussed yet, but if you want to see a funny commercial, check out the latest from the guys at Arbys. I doubt that a woman wrote this one.
http://www.arbys.com/features/
heddly_lamar on December 12, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Dual-Bag
HEH
thomasaur on December 12, 2008 at 5:05 PM
I agree, really. I mean kiss stars with a “k”. It’s a pun to sell a product.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Thank you!
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Exactly. That’s why it angers women. It shows a lack of thought put into the gift, not that it’s the wrong gift.
If the woman was really into cleaning and actually enjoyed it, a new vacuum could be a good fit.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:08 PM
The sole TRULY INNOVATIVE jewelry ad is here:
http://www.majhost.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=494911
SlimyBill on December 12, 2008 at 5:08 PM
All I want for Christmas is two minutes in a jail cell with the person or persons whom broke into my home and stole my guns. And my jewelry. Just two minutes.
HornetSting on December 12, 2008 at 5:08 PM
One of each, 17 year old twins… but I’ve already got it coverd… it was more a rhetorical question…
Kinda like I won’t drink Pepsi products right now after Pepsi was one of the major funders of the Anti American Anti Conservative MTV awards last year…
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Funny but too long.
El Coqui on December 12, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Bummer HS, sorry just doen’t convey my shared pain.
thomasaur on December 12, 2008 at 5:12 PM
what a bummer, I hope you can get all of it back.
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Right we should have an ad where she buys the guy a tie and he orders her to the kitchen where she polishes aluminum wheels and eats from a dog bowl. You wouldn’t mind that at all. Would you?
ronsfi on December 12, 2008 at 5:12 PM
I loved it. I am worthless, stupid, and sorry. I shall excuse myself now… laughing my tail off.
Cardiganfox on December 12, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Whoa Good Luck!
upinak on December 12, 2008 at 5:13 PM
If this were simply a funny Youtube video, I’d chuckle once or twice and roll my eyes a few times.
This, on the other hand, is a company trying to get business by portraying men as clueless dolts. They’re free to do it, of course, and I’m free to contend that whichever dolt or dolts at JCPenney approved this are indeed clueless.
Splashman on December 12, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Thanks. It’s time to build the compound, I guess.
HornetSting on December 12, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Are you frickin’ kidding me? That is so entirely sexist and humiliating and bigoted that I can hardly believe you typed those words! Go dip your keyboard in acetone and banish yourself to the doghouse. ;)
Splashman on December 12, 2008 at 5:16 PM
I’ll never understand why our society conditions men to be afraid of women.
Labamigo on December 12, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Hush! I am actually hoping for a vacuum for Christmas! I want a backpack vacuum, like the professional cleaners use.
I have enough shiny rocks, thanks.
angelat0763 on December 12, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Wait a cotton picking (I can still say that, right?) second. The Taming of the Shrew is the story of how Petruchio tames Kate (the Shrew) The opposite of taming of the shrew is that the shrew tamed the man, which seems to be what Romeo is describing happened, but not what had been.
Second, Christian conservative, I haven’t commented here much in the alst year, paying gig kept me busy and all, are you seriously sniping at AP? His life is providing us all stuff to snark about. Now, perhaps an upgrade would suit him, I can’t say, but I’d prefer he retain the life he has, thank you very little.
Finally, baldilocks makes a valid and useful point. If we adopt the standard that when wed, man and woman become one flesh, even if it is a great mystery and further cling to the admonishment that men should lay down our lives for our wives, as Christ did for the church, then we have no other recourse but to be thoughtful and sensitive in our gift giving, as I am sure all the wise and enlightened readers here are already with regards to his or her spouse. Remember: let he who is without sin chuck the first hand grenade.
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 5:19 PM
There is a reason that women get “what they want” for Christmas. You go through childbirth, a monthly, a GYNO appointment, or a Brazalian Bikini Wax and THEN you get your aluminum wheels polished, buddy.
HornetSting on December 12, 2008 at 5:19 PM
LOL… Nah… just come over to my “Doghouse”… steaks on the grill… borboun and cigars on the back deck… LOL…
Sometimes, its realllllllyyyyyy good being the Alpha Dog!
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 5:20 PM
The last so called woman who treated me with contempt for being a man found herself out on the street. She was replaced by a woman who thanks her lucky stars that she has found such a level headed, conservative man.
Keep looking guys- They are out there, when you least expect it too!
gdonovan on December 12, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Esthier hits on an old pet peeve of mine. I always bristle when I hear the assurance that a lousy gift is okay because it’s the thought that counts. In which instance I reply, well then I find both the gift and the thought inadequate.
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Yeah, that and what I said are exactly the same.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I feel like a doublebag for liking it. Can I be cured?
unclesmrgol on December 12, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Since you and I have both been forwarded this video several times, it would seem to me that it is MSNBC and not JCPenney who is out of touch.
Exactly. This thing is friggin’ hillarious, and I laughed my ass off. And do you know why? Because I’m not taking it as a slam on me or my kind. Any man who whines about this has probably already been emasculated. I mean, for goodness’ sake, we’re talking a vacuum cleaner as an anniversary present; a thighmaster for Christmas. You can’t do a more obvious caricature than that.
mcg on December 12, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Hope ya don’t have kids then… Ties for years… Books ya won’t read… movies that you won’t watch… LOL…
Romeo13 on December 12, 2008 at 5:26 PM
This is an inaccurate depiction how? :-)
Seriously, this is one of those “relation” things that shouldn’t be a guessing game between spouses. To believe JC Penny, it’s much more better to purchase the same damned necklace everyone else has- as opposed to thinking outside big box retailing. Vacuums and thighmasters aren’t exactly the best choice but show far more originality than just giving another bauble.
P.S. Just a reminder that this is the season to celebrate the birth of CHRIST not the season to get out of whack over lame gifts or maxing out the credit cards. Just saying- Let’s keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS and the retailers be damned.
highhopes on December 12, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Well that was interesting. Apparently getting tossed into the pokey is okay as long as you’re a guy. Great. Message received. Thanks, J.C. Penny, from whom I will never buy anything again.
Look, I love a good satiric ad, but… why’s it got to be me again? And really, I never have gotten my wife a dual-bag vacuum cleaner.
scotaku on December 12, 2008 at 5:27 PM
You’re right. We deserve to be treated like shit. My bad.
Every time I hear a Woman complain about childbirth as though it’s roughly equivalent to being burned alive, I know for a fact they had a Epidural.
You want suffering? Imagine having to listen to your incessant whining and complaining… Gyno! Bikini Wax! gudgawd shoot me!
ronsfi on December 12, 2008 at 5:28 PM
I wasn’t going that far. Only, that a bad gift is made worse when it shows a completely lack of thought involved.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:29 PM
It could have been “hillarious” in half the time. A cute premise that went on too long. That being said, how about a follow-up for Father’s day when “Dad” gets really lame and predictable gifts instead of anything that is thoughtful or meaningful?
highhopes on December 12, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Not sure how long they will let this one stay up:
My doghouse submission
Nugai on December 12, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Romeo, Until they reach the age of accountability, they shan’t be held accountable, once they know what kinds of books, ties and movies pops likes, and they get me anything out of that purview not in jest, well, then as a man you buck up and accept it. It’s the adults who feel compelled to gift and have no idea what to give you. why give the gift, because it’s polite. Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot? No, it’s polite to know someone well enough to get them something good, rather than an obligatory gift.
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Feel free to be without women. Comments like that will ensure it’s true.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Well, my husband laughed at it.
I think they are making fun of stereotypes in general. The guys have to eat quiche and drink chi latte for every meal.
That’s funny.
Aggie85 on December 12, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Pussy.
Kasper Hauser on December 12, 2008 at 5:31 PM
fair enough Esthier, I merely took the baton and ran with it.
Ennuipundit on December 12, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Not at all a problem.
Esthier on December 12, 2008 at 5:33 PM
I thought it was well done…why does the inquisitor look like a cross between Pelosi and the women rights attorney media whore (that I can’t remember her name).
right2bright on December 12, 2008 at 5:33 PM
If you think she’s really happy with such “generosity”, you might oughta wonder what her personal trainer or tennis instructor are “giving” her.
TXUS on December 12, 2008 at 5:34 PM
No you pretty much focused on yourself and your wants (typical) both implying the the inadequacy of the gift justified such treatment and missing the point of the objection in the first place, thereby providing an excellent example of the problem.
ronsfi on December 12, 2008 at 5:35 PM
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