Posted on Nov 29, 2014
Wounded veteran portrayal on commercials recently
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I'm all for raising money for our wounded and fallen, but these commercials recently have really been pushing the envelope. They are comparable to the "sad dog" or "starving children" commercials. I felt like this put these men and woman in an awkward position.
Are programs like Wounded Warrior Project going a little too far with these ads? Opinions from those that benefit from the program are encouraged.
Are programs like Wounded Warrior Project going a little too far with these ads? Opinions from those that benefit from the program are encouraged.
Posted in these groups: 
Wounded Warriors
Social Media
Wounded Warriors Social Media
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 6
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There are some sad stories of our brothers and sisters who have fallen on hard times for whatever reason. I would hope that they would want to be portrayed with pride and dignity, not with the self pity like some of these commercials are doing, even though that maybe closer to the truth in some cases. All SM once stood and continue to stand proud and that type of advertising, IMHO, ruins it.
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1LT William Clardy
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, I am one of those who think that subsisting on handouts is corrosive to a man's soul. I am also not a huge fan of the Wounded Warrior project, due to suspicions that it has started to devolve into Just Another "Non-Profit".
That said, I can't say that I've seen any WWP commercials which portray the (at least nominal) beneficiaries as sad victims. My impression has been that they, and their family members, come across as valiant folks grateful for assistance in coping with a life none of them deserve. Maybe it's just me being sappy, but I respect anybody who refuses to surrender to a burden that frequently is overwhelming.
In the WWP commercial that I've seen countless Sundays, I see nothing to be ashamed of in a loving wife staying with and caring for her blind husband, or a pre-teen daughter who still sees him as her hero despite his wounds.
In the WWP commercial that SSG V. Michelle Woods linked to, I see a soldier relearning to walk and getting emotional when expressing his gratitude. Would you rather he present himself more stoically while describing how grateful he is for some help? How stoic were you the last time somebody saved your life?
That said, I can't say that I've seen any WWP commercials which portray the (at least nominal) beneficiaries as sad victims. My impression has been that they, and their family members, come across as valiant folks grateful for assistance in coping with a life none of them deserve. Maybe it's just me being sappy, but I respect anybody who refuses to surrender to a burden that frequently is overwhelming.
In the WWP commercial that I've seen countless Sundays, I see nothing to be ashamed of in a loving wife staying with and caring for her blind husband, or a pre-teen daughter who still sees him as her hero despite his wounds.
In the WWP commercial that SSG V. Michelle Woods linked to, I see a soldier relearning to walk and getting emotional when expressing his gratitude. Would you rather he present himself more stoically while describing how grateful he is for some help? How stoic were you the last time somebody saved your life?
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Wounded Warrior Project has been on a downward slide as far as credibility goes for a while now.
So, is this really a surprise?
So, is this really a surprise?
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
Not at all. Its sad that at some point even the well intended charities take this route though.
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CW2 Joseph Evans
It is hard for some of them. You need money to provide for these charities. Portraying successful, proud veterans doesn't yank the heartstrings or play on the guilt needed to open wallets. The consideration that WWP really doesn't have a lot of long term success stories doesn't help either.
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As a Viet Nam era and some post Viet Nam service (1971-1977 USMC), I don't recall any civilian charity groups wanting to help the vets from Viet Nam and other conflicts (Grenada, Panama, Gulf War and others up to 9/11). Can't understand why public would not fully support VETS from ALL WARS/CONFLICTS we were willing to serve in.
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