American Morning
Erectile dysfunction ads too hot for TV?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/05/07/costello.ed.ads.art.jpg caption= "Rep. Jim Moran wants to limit the time of day ads for erectile dysfunction medicine can air on TV."]
From CNN's Bob Ruff
You’ve all seen them. Those ubiquitous TV ads where a simple little pill transforms a man suffering from erectile dysfunction, or ED, into a virile tiger who puts a smile on the face of his now beaming wife.
Well, Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) has seen them too, and you’d be hard pressed to see a smile on his face when he talks about the ads.
“A number of people,” he says, “have come up, including colleagues, and said I’m fed up. I don’t want my three or four-year old grandkid asking me what erectile dysfunction is all about. And I don’t blame them.”
Enter H.R. 2175. That’s a bill that Rep. Moran introduced last month that would prohibit any ED ads from airing on broadcast radio and TV between 6AM and 10PM. The bill advises the Federal Communications Commission to treat these ads as “indecent” and instruct stations to restrict their broadcast to late night and overnight hours.
So, could it be adios to all of those “Viva Viagra” commercials that play on network television on weekends and during the evening? Could the same be said for the Cialis couple sitting in outdoor tubs looking out at the sunset? And could Levitra also be shunned to the overnight hours?
CNN asked Pfzier, which makes Viagra, the first pill available by prescription to treat ED, what they thought of Rep. Moran’s bill.
"Pfizer is committed to responsible advertising... In line with our policies and the policies of the industry, Viagra advertising is aired in shows most likely to reach men suffering from erectile dysfunction. ED can be a signal for other serious medical issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease."
We asked several people on the streets of Atlanta for their opinions.
Nikia Clark, a mother of a 2-year-old, thinks "it’s a great idea.” She’s concerned that as her child gets older, she doesn’t want him “seeing those kinds of commercials... on regular network shows.”
Janice Habersham agrees. She says while the “ads are tastefully done” they shouldn’t be aired at “the time when children are watching TV.”
On the other hand, Bruce Jackson says ED ads “should be run 24 hours a day.” And Louis Tesser says banning the ads “is clearly unconstitutional... it’s a viewpoint. It’s something that people are interested in, and you can’t change that.”
Rep. Moran does have some perspective on the issue. “While it’s not as important as the economy, or what’s happening militarily around the world, it is an intrusion into the quality of life that we like to experience.” He says that his bill is “a shot across the bow” of the drug companies. “You know enough is enough. This is inappropriate.”
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How about birth control ads where it states the product has to be inserted by a doctor. How is having to explain where the docter inserts something any easier to explain as what ED is? Explaining how Summer's Eve keeps someone fresh "down there"?
If they want to ban ED pills, they should ban tampons, douches, birth control, lubricants, condoms, and any other sexually related personal products.
I'd like to see *all* ads for prescription drugs pulled.
Sky-high drug costs contribute hugely to the overall high cost of health care. The drug companies say that research drives those costs, but clearly *millions* of dollars are spent on advertising drugs that only doctors are qualified to evaluate and prescribe.
Get rid of *all* drug ads and bring the costs down.
To P.J.
yep there is a real problem in this world and it's society – and until all the little things that continually add to the bigger problem are taken care of it will continue in a vicious circle. You should grow up and wake up.
ED is an actual medical condition. I can understand people wanting to get commercials for things such a "male enhancement" off air, but this is something completely legitimate that can be treated in order make couple's lives much more fulfilling. The ads have less sexual content in them than fast food chain commercials, which don't even promote sex.
I'm sure children ask what tampon commercials are all about, but this is not something women can't help and this is the easiest way to educated them on trying to find a product they feel most comfortable with.
God forbid you would actually have to explain reality to your son or grandchild.
If you're going to ban these ads, then you should also ban the ads for "feminine products", especially those showing the line drawings of where to put the tampons. Explaining what a dousche is can be just as embarrasing as explaining what ED is.
I think they should definitely be eliminated for normal TV. But then again, I believe ALL prescription drugs advertising should be kept off the TV unless they want to purchase an infomercial on one of those infomercial channels.
And as a side note...what is with the bathtubs outdoor thing? What moron would have two bathtubs sitting in a field and then decide, hey, here's a place I want to get romantic in? I've actually had my kids ask me why those people's bathroom is outside and don't they get embarrassed having the neighbors watch them taking a bath. Bizarre.
These ads are a great opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about sex, and explain that it is something that people should only start to do when their hair is grey (or gone).
Why are kids sitting around watching TV? You wonder why we have an obesity epidemic and low test scores, perhaps all TV should be banned before 9pm. If you're going to bat for the welfare of the kids, then do something about that flickering box of stupidity.
Thank you! These ads are embarrassing and irritating. PLEAAAASSSEEE get them off the air!!! If someone wants this product, they'll find it!
This is rediculous. Ban it because you can't explain it to your grandkids? Make millions of men miss out on information because someone can't tell their grandchild what a penis is? What's next- go after tampons because you can't tell them what a vagina is? Get over it.
Finally! I grew up watching the nightly news at dinner with my family. Now, that time slot is polluted with commericals about erections. Let me tell you, many young men feel they need to have something like that to have success with women and that is wrong. Right next to those ads are more telling me to take drugs when I am unhappy. Then about constipation and menstruation. It is completely disgusting and I DO NOT BLAME THEM. Blame all the tv companies with greedy souless board of directors. Where did all the private companies go?????
This is just another intrusion of government into the free speech of its citizens. This government is slowly taking away our freedoms. Pay attention people.
Although I'm not a citizen of VA, I'm writing my congressmen to jump on board with this guy. Finally, someone acting on his common sense and sense of deciency to do something that effects the everyday citizen where they live. I hate all those commercials and info commercials and it will be a happy day to say "good bye" to Smiling Bob. And by the way, I know that many of the "target" audience watch golf but golf is usually shown on the weekend during the day....a time when many families with children of all ages are gathered together. Whether your child is 2 or 52, it's still embarrasing to watch the commercial in the presence of your child....or parents. If someone needs this medical information, that is what the doctor's office is for for goodness sakes!
This is ridiculous...we going to start banning tampon and yeast infection ads too....let parents parent their kids....WOW what a waste of time and tax money.
PC thugs turn the country into a nanny state yet? Who will be next to get offended?
I am sick and tire of these purists, morons, paying attention to these ads. These ads are fine, as long as they do not cross the line. Jim should focus on real problems, not on those close-minded, constituents.
They don't like those ads; then don't watch them!
Lets just all crawl under a rock. That way we never have to talk to our children about tough issues. I sure wish I could just not have to teach my girls about life. Let them grow up not knowing anything about the real world. They should not have to be subjected to images of violence and sex because if I just paint a happy go lucky world of peaches and cream, then it will be peaches and cream.....Right? What a joke. Turn the TV off and spend time with your kids if you don't like what is on. We could all pick 10 or 20 commercials we think are a bit too far, but who cares. They're usually great talking points to our children. Use them as a segway into discussion. Face it!! People have sex!! Oh my gosh!! You're parents had sex because you're here. And if your dad had ED. Maybe he needs the information the commercials are offering. It's not like they are showing pictures and showing them in the act. Another person wasting our tax payer money!!
All pharmaceutical ads should be restricted drastically. A simple law, stating that only those pharmaceuticals that have fewer than 3 side effects cannot be advertised because advertising a dangerous product is not good for public health. Do we see gun advertisements on TV. Drugs are the same. This would essentially eliminate 95% of them on TV.
Censorship is a slippery slope, be weary of Socialistic views. My 4 yr. old has seen these ads along with ALL the adds for feminine hygiene products. As a parent, I explain biological concepts with my 4 yr. old in an age appropriate manner and have no problem putting aside my own biases to help educate. I think there should be more eyebrow's raised to the sexual innuendo's in TV programming before you chase ADS.
European's would laugh at these issues.
what about ads for feminine products?!! I am uncomfortable seeing THOSE. And those Pepto Bismol ads!
Don't these freaking politicians have bigger things – like the economy and getting our TARP and auto loans repaid – to deal with???
Thank you, Rep. Moran! The first time I saw one of these commercials my jaw nearly dropped to the floor! Although I realize this is a reality, it should be between a man and his doctor. The rest of us could care less about erectile dysfunction and should not have to explain to a young child or grandchild what the commercial is about. I hope the bill passes.
BAD NEWS FOR POLITICIANS WHO ARE TOO OLD TO REMEMBER
Due to the high fat content of the SAD (Standard American Diet), younger and younger kids are getting higher doses of progesterone and testosterone...and these hormones are absorbed in high quantities in fat tissue.
For this reason, children are seeing so-called "secondary" sexual changes in their bodies at younger and younger ages, when compared to other populations. This means that they get erections early. Females too are not immune. They start seeing breast tissue increases much earlier than past generations, as well as axillary hair and smelly feet. Parents, if you're wondering if your kids are getting closer to puberty, just go into their bedroom and see if it stinks.
The politicians may not be aware that this is happening.
They still want to shield kids from inevitable bodily changes encouraged by fast food and fatty foods, but those changes are inevitable.
Very young children of course do not have these changes. But they also have a right to know what's going on. Age specific information is very helpful and reduces childhood anxiety. If you are squeamish, just give them a book to read.
If those ads help "generate" reasonable questions from children, then I can see them doing more good than bad....parents, get a grip. Teaching your kids about sex is a gift to them.
sanjosemike (retired doctor)
I think the bill is crap. This is a slippery slope on which government doesn't need to find itself. While I can't stand the ads, I don't think that ads for feminine hygeine products are any more or less palatable. How do you explain to your 3 year old what a tampon is? At that point, where do you stop? Are ads for HPV vaccines too risque? After all, it is an STD. How about those stupid Charmin adds with the bears? Herpes med ads... Trojan... oh... wait. Now we've found a way to avoid any and all information that has to do with any part of human anatomy between the waist and knees.
What does crack me up, though, is Pfizer's response.
“Pfizer is committed to responsible advertising… In line with our policies and the policies of the industry, Viagra advertising is aired in shows most likely to reach men suffering from erectile dysfunction. ED can be a signal for other serious medical issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Really. You're so concerned about the underlying causes of ED that you're promoting medications that only treat the symptoms? No... I don't think so. If you were that concerned, you'd be pushing the HBP, cholesterol, and diabetes meds 3-to-1 over the ED meds. Let me think, though. ED Meds cost 2-3 times as much. Hmmmm....
So, you care enough to help a guy achieve a stiffy, but not enough to prevent him from dying of a heart attack mid-coitous? Give me a friggin' break. This is PR spin on a subject that they don't want to touch. They couldn't even be bothered to put together a serious statement.
Pull the tampon and vagisil commercials as well during dinner time and the superbowl !
More to the point, why are drug companies even doing R & D on this issue or making these drugs when there are plentiful more worthy pursuits to address? The reason is because it affects men and their sexual prowess an therefore quite lucrative. Also, why is all right for drug companies to drive the demand for prescription drugs? I think all advertising for prescription drugs should be banned. This is a matter between you and your doctor.
Well lets look all the commercials for Birth Control, Condoms, STD' medication, Tampons, pads. Seriously. Its the same thing. You dont want your kids asking what ED is then your keeping them from learning about real world stuff. My kids watch Kid channels and they dont play it there. Maybe you shouldnt be having your kids watch your "adult" shows. Id rather my kids ask me what something is rather than somewhere else cause just like it has always been they are going to hear about it. Really its a medical condition.
I am glad somebody has finally spoken out about the ads. To me, they are disgusting. There is a time and place for everything. It embarrasses me to see these ads when my grandchildren and even my son is here. Enough is enough. Thanks Rep. Moran for trying to do something about these ads. We need more people like you instead of all these liberal people.
The usual tripe trying to make an issue out of nothing while he visits a hooker on the side. Maybe we should do away with adverts about tampons and yeast infections, or constipation, stool softeners, toilet paper (I am sick of those bears), diarrhea, yogurt to make you regular, and then lump in any show that deals with graphic violence or mentions heaven forbid, sex. Who want kids to be subjected to advertisement about drugs for mental illness either, and political adverts that are all negative. While we are at it, lets ban the news because that is all murders and mass killings thanks to republican gun laws.
I totally agree that these ads should not be on during family hours. The ad I find most disturbing is the Spongebob/Burger King commercial where the adult Burger King and cartoon ad characters sing about how much they like square butts while little girls dance around shaking their bottoms to the camera with square boxes in their pants. I also found the Skittles commercial with the man's nipples hooked up to a milking machine inappropriate for children. I could continue on, but I think I've made my point. These ads are disturbing and disgusting.
The ads are obscene, insipid, stupid, disgusting, and if I were ANY of the people who "acted" in the ads I would be embarrassed for life. PLEASE, get them off the frickin tv. And SERIOUSLY, is there any woman out there who wants to be around a FOUR HOUR ERECTION? lol
Any legislator who expends any bandwidth on abridging freedom of speech, at the same time we need them focused on the economy, terrorism, health care, etc., isn't earning the paycheck his constituency is paying him. I'm a former VA resident, and this is embarassing. The issue is not the point, it's a silly misdirection of his energy.
Hurray! I am SO sick of these ads and I don't think they are necessary to be shown on TV ad naseum.
Mommy, Daddy, why is that man protesting the government on TV? Guess we need to ban that as well. Wake up people, they keep chipping away little by little at your freedoms and like good sheep you follow. God forbid you are inconvienence and have to actually talk to your kids about things thare uncomfortable to you. I mean when it comes down to it, it is all really about YOU and how uncomfortable you feel about discussing the topic. If the kid does not ask the questions you won't have to answer, whew you dodged another bullet there. Pathetic!!!!
I've been saying that these ads are not appropriate since they started airing them, and always wished that there was someone I could call and say "I changed the channel because of that ad, and am no longer watching your program". We expect our children to be chaste and abstain from sex, when TV and movies and commercials bombard them with sex 24/7. A lot to ask, I'd say. I'm not a religious person, but I believe that morals are the foundation of who we are as a society, and these types of commercials (along with MANY other sexually oriented ones) only help to erode them further.
Yeah man, I don't want to hear about dudes that can't get it up....they should put on some topless ads of women and get more with the times like Telemundo and stuff...
I couldn't be happier to be resident of the fine commonwealth of Virginia. I can't honestly say that I find the ads offensive nor do I think they're ruining America's children but I am sick of seeing them CONSTANTLY and would be happy to see them gone or at least cut back some. Perhaps this can pave the way for less drug advertising in general and we can put diagnosing and prescribing back into the hands of trained professionals.
Is this america what a bunch of crap. While the ads are annoying they should not be banned. Its paret of life that is what makes me sick about this country lets hide everything that might be offensive or is about sex and drugs. Heaven forbid if were more open about this kind of stuff and let are kids understand things at an early age about life. But this is america were unless it fits your little box then it is evil. What a joke you people are saying we need to ban this ads.
I am also concerned about unsolicited and/or SPAM mail that clogs email system dealing with the subject.
I will agree that the commercials are a bit cheesy, but to ban them because someone doesn't want to tell their stupid kid what ED is is just stupid. It's the same excuse I hear about gay marriage people are scared to talk to their own children about everyday human issues and then we wonder why our kids are so out of touch. Do these same people have troubles explaining what all the tampon commercials are too? or maybe we should ban those as well. Sheltering your kids from common everyday issues is not going to help them, only confuse them further. You might as well just lock em in the closet until their 18 because banning everything isn't the way to raise your kids, educating them is.
Anyone who would pull an ED ad is an enemy of freedom and should go somewhere else where freedom has as little value to the rest of the society as it does to them.
Perhaps, Sharia law would appeal to them. Maybe, they should move to Afghanistan.
It's not like they're playing these ads during My Little Pony cartoons. If your kid is not mature enough to see an ad for these medications and ask what erectile dysfunction is if (s)he doesn't already know, then maybe you should be flipping the channel away from the news or the murder mystery show cause I don't think they'll be mature enough for that either.
yea – get rid of them – anyone who wants to fix that problem already know s where to go and how to do it – this is just the drug companies trying to brainwash a whole generation into thinking a drug will make them sexually satisfied and happily married – get it out of the main stream viewing – it never belonged there!
Yes! My dad, 67, and my daughter, 14, both have a passion for golf. It is great that they have mutual interests and can spend time together outdoors being active. In winter, they watch golf on tv, programs highly saturated with ED ads. My daughter has commented that its very embarrassing when the ads are played – it's sad that advertisements establish a barrier between the generations and the genders. There is no reason that grandparents spending time with grandchildren should be confronted with sexual topics when they're just spending time together enjoying their common interests.
I agree that the ads should be stopped or at least rephrase the term ED to where adults know what the topic is but not a child. I'm a foster parent and everyone of the kids I've fostered has been sexually abused and until you are sitting in a living room and having kids get up and leave the room because they are so embarrassed you shouldn't make the arguement that the drug makers should be able to show their commericals at all times. The makers of feminine products seem bit more cautious with there ads and there is a difference between the two. ED ads are basically about men being able to have sex whereas feminine ads are about hygiene. Thery aren't in the same catagory.
Wow – most of the comments on this issue make me sick. Many of you are perfectly comfortable watching violence and such on TV with your kids, but the opportunity to intelligently discuss sexuality with your children makes you "uncomfortable?"
No wonder America is light years behind the rest of the world, and we have so many young people having sex and making poor choices – because the parents of this country would rather hide their head in the sand than actually step up and be parents.
To the poster that said SEX is a healthy part of life. Yes I agree, but take a step back, what is a majority of our society based upon at this time? SEX and in a negative aspect. It;s truly sad that our children have to grow up in this environment, where girls believe that if they are not sexy and show their bodies then they are worthless. Look how many children are having SEX, take a look at television, for God sakes porn is out of control! Your grandkids may know alot about sex and I'd venture to guess that if you really sat down with them their perspective and what they thought it was all about probably isn't what you imagined. Trust me I see it in my son no matter how much I talk to him. It's to bad that as a society we can not make a decision to abolish all of this unhealthy stuff and make SEX about two people again and not about SEX! GET RID OF THE ADS
While I am personally not a fan of those commercials, and would relish the day that they no longer aired, one must to take into account the constitutional rammifications in all of this. If we start censoring ED ads then we potentially open the door censoring other things. One must to differentiate in this case between what is a matter of our own personal preference, and constitutionality. This could set a precedent, which in the end could come back to bite us in the ass.
ED is a naturally occurring medical condition and the medicines used to treat it are already in our mainstream vocabulary.
It is a sad day when America is offended by medical conditions or the tasteful advertising of the medicines used to treat it.
Shelter you kids all you like, I doubt ED ads are at the top of the list of things to worry about as a parent. In fact, as a good parent, when your kids ask – tell them it is a medical condition that affects men. You can be factual and still not "break" a child's innocence.
People, its a medical problem that can effect a person's lifestyle and marriage. The comercials are not obscene, they are informative and then have changed the dialogue making it more acceptible for patients to discuss this issue with their doctors. Is this this congressman's name Moran or moron. I doubt they put these commercials on during cartoons right? Commercials after 6 pm and anytime on cable channels seems appropriate.
Even the generic Muhdixaphloppin?
Just pull the plug from the TV.......you cannot stop the gradual slow descent into the toilet.
I agree. No child should ever be aware that they have a penis and that sometimes, they may have health issues with it. In fact, the entire machinery of the US government, the war in Afghanistan, and the addressing of the recession should be stopped immediately so that Congress can turn their attention to this problem which could destroy America.
Rick McDaniel:
Nail>Head
if they get rid of the ED ads, hopefully they'll also get rid of the tampon and feminine hygiene ads. nothing makes me cringe more than a woman talking about her period. ugh, makes me sick to think of it.
i think they should just ban all prescription drug commercials and replace them with PSAs encouraging people to go to the doctor if they think ANYTHING is wrong. even pfizer admits in this article that their goal isn't to sell viagra with ads, it's to save people from some of the rare causes. the fact that these ads focus on a cure for just one aspect of what could be a more dangerous disease is dangerous itself.
it would be like a commercial that says 'bruise easily? you need our new fast acting skin coloring cream to cover it up! (only available in prescription. easy bruising can be a sign of more serious condition such as cancer, but we want you to buy our cream instead, after all, who wants to know they have cancer?)
It is interesting that everyone is comparing Viagra commercials to Tampon commercials. It is not the same. Tampons have nothing to do with sex. Viagra does. If they keep the Viagra commercials, why not have more commercials for women's sexual concerns. It would be great to see contraceptive pill commercials, Plan B commercials, condom commercials or vibrator commercials. Let's make it equal for all.
Stop all ads! We might even be able to watch something!
Just don't mess with the Flomax commercials.
I think the real question that needs to be asked is why are Americans so freaked out about sex. Why is it so taboo to talk about. Then maybe we should ask why every other ad on TV is for a drug. Maybe if they drug us enough they can shut up the 33% of us that are not living in apathy.
I am glad someone is taking a stand on this issue but what about the other vulgar and innappropriate crap they show on every channel. Bring back the Andy Griffith days when kids could watch anything and parents would have no concerns about what their kids viewed.
YES!!!!! And PLEASE, for the love of G-d get rid of the stupid 'chubby Santa' ad with the line of women wiggling in anticipation. Is that really the way to celebrate the birth of Christ...all year long??????
This is absurd. It is just another case of censorship perpetrated by those that are scared to educate and talk to their children. More importantly let us look at the motives behind the gentleman from Virginias actions.
I agree that these ED ads and feminine product ads should not be on tv before 10:00 p.m. Kids are exposed to enough these days without having these ads bring up even more exposure and questions.
Good grief. With all our problems. Moran wants to push a bill to prevent the airing of types of advertisements he doesn't like? I don't like lots of ads. Shall we outlaw all of those I don't like, as well? Let's also ban ads for feminine sprays, tampons and anything else that might make someone uncomfortable. And those stupid ads asking people to donate money to prevent hunger in Africa, etc. And, by all means, let's outlaw all political ads. They bring up subjects I just don't want my children discussing. And not just ads. I don't want newscasts bring up these topics, either! Moran is known for being a quick-tempered dolt. This is the best he can do?
I agree with the Congressman. I'm a RN and it's annoying. Also, I'd like to see the people who advertise the pills that are suppose to by some miracle make an appendage supersonically enlarged, sued! Anyone dumb enough to believe that one is Mentally Retarded!
It's about time someone has stepped up on this. The last thing america needs to worry about is having a big enough erection. I'm a really getting angry that I have to change the channel every time I am watching a family show and one of these commercials "Pops up". Prime Time/ Day time is not the right time.. Air them at 3am when the kids are asleep.
Your sex life complications are not my fascination...Get these off TV.
Moran get a life. It is a medical condition. For years we've seen douche and sanitary napkin ads and you said nothing. If it gets guys willing to talk about it and seek help then you shouldn't be concerned. It's not like they are showing a penis and saying "This is you penis without Viagra and this is your penis with Viagra". I guess he hated Dole.
What about free speech, I think Rep. Jim Moran should try some of the products in question then he might have enough drive to get up and change the channel like like his constituents do when they see him on tv!
There are so many ads for so many medical problems, but the real worst are those that are shown around dinner time...and not just ED ads. Most are just unappetizing, worse yet, the volume is increased as well. Who wants to hear LOUD diarrhea meds while enjoying dinner????
Put those on AFTER 11PM!!!
Just change the channel. I cannot stand these commercials either or feminine hygiene products commercials. I just change the channel. Why another law. Isn't government big enough?
All drugs adds should be eliminated, How much of the cost of each pill goes into these adds for all drugs. We need to cut out health care costs and if someone needs a certain medication the doctor should precribe the proper medication for the treatment. We have become a pill popping society, I sure hope Phisfer can find a pill for the economy so everyone takes one and gets back to work making money and buying stuff again. Ban all drug adds not just the hard on pills most of the other countries in the world do not allow drug adds on TV.
Ban all advertisements from television/print/any media for products or services that require the consent of a licensed or registered professional. If you have to have a doctors prescription, or a licensed/registered person to use or apply the product why are the producers allowed to advertise these products and serves at all to mass markets. Even pesticides that require a license for application should be banned. I'm also tired of seeing farm fertilizer commercials and personal hygiene products. Stick with soap, food, and clothing commercials. And also get rid of the real-estate commercials and anything that has fine print that can't be read adequately while its displayed.
We need to ban everything that I don't like. The world would be better if only it were exactly the way I want it to be. It would certainly be easier for me, because I wouldn't have to think as much; answering all these pesky questions is really super duper hard. I mean, wasn't all this covered in the bible a really long time ago? And remember what happens to anyone who doesn't do everything in the bible – they go to the hot place.
How stupid is this? Most kids don't care about such things, and if they did ask the question, you can simply differ it or answer it forthrightly. Sex is part of life. Grow up already. That's all we need is more laws governing what we can and cannot see.
These ads need to go. In addition to everything else mentioned, doctors are supplying ED medication to sex offenders. And if you are one of the many women victimized by a sexual predator taking ED medication, the LAST THING you want to encounter are ads for Viagra every ten freaking minutes during prime time.
I'm ashamed he is a rep of my state. I'll help him out with his complicated situation though. "Daddy, what is 'ED'"? "I'll tell you when you are older." There. Problem solved.
I'm not sure what the big deal is. If a three-year-old sees an ad for erectile dysfunction and has the insight to ask what it's about, why not tell them. Parents shy away from the topic of sex with their children because they are usually uncomfortable and don't know how to relate to them about the issue, but it's apart of life. Maybe, if we when we exposed our kids to these type of things we could sit down with our children and actually have a constructive conversation on the human body and human sexuality; maybe then there wouldn't be middle school children and sometimes even younger having sex. People need to start realizing that trying to hide sex from children will not make it go away, look at the hundreds of other sexual ads that a person will see in a day. If you as a parent are not willing to sit down and talk about serious life topics in order to save yourself a little anxiety, then maybe you should have reconsidered the decision to have a child and teach them how to live in this world.
I agree – my young girls have asked what the purpose of those commercials are and they're on during programs that are deemed "family" programs. They should not be played until after 10PM. Shame on them!!
Hey Beth move to inside a bubble.
Don't forget to ban that even more horrible ad for "Extenz" which all they talk about is 'getting larger" and "performing better". We need to stop showing our children commercials of products that reach all people of all ages without depicting half naked women, sexual comments, alcohol and many more ads that use "sex" within their advertisement. There is much more to life than booze and sex!
This guy is a MORON. We'll never know how many divorces take place because a man is too scared or ashamed to seek help for ED. As a man who suffers from ED, it took a lot for me to finally admit I needed help and to seek out proper treatment.
We need more information on ED, not less.
If his constituents don't want to see the ads, then TURN THE TV OFF and tell their kids to read a book or go play. A novel solution, I would admit, but one we should see more of in American households.
What about ads for tampons? What about the Axe deodorant ads that imply sex? People should stop being silly about these ads. Ads for ED aren't obnoxious or lude. There's nothing wrong with them.
Why don't we just ban all commercials?
The Republic is saved!
People need to get a life. These ads are not salacious. Prehaps iof people were ntos o uptight about sex they could, I don know, TALK to their children about what sex and the sex organs.
Allelujuah. I'm not a prude but it's about time someone in power finally made a move to stop these ads. You can't keep your kids from hearing these ads and they're too young to need to know what they're about, and old enough to start asking questions. They already have an idea these ads have something to do with "mushy stuff." And do teenagers really need to be inundated with these ads? With all the unwanted pregnancies we have? Really? Really?
And while Congress is at it, how about re-invigorating decency standards in TV programming. I love "My Name is Earl" but it's full of bad language and sexual connotations, and, it's on at 7pm. We don't watch it any more because of the bad language and sexual references. These don't bother me, but I don't want my children hearing all this stuff. And "Earl" isn't the only prime time show with cursing and sexual content. In fact, you can probably count the number of shows that don't have cursing and sexual references in them on one hand. It's way out of control. WAY OUT OF CONTROL!!!
Same for the supposedly PG movies they hawk to children and tweens. Most of these contain at least a few curse words and material that's too grown up for little kids. The last Batman movie was the worst in that they promoted it to young children when it was obviously an adult movie. Enough already!!!!!
ED commercials are indecent yet tampon and vaginal itch ones are OK?
People should stop avoiding talking to their kids about life. ED is a disorder and should be explained. It's either get the information from you as a parent, or from their friend who makes it up as they go along. The more we try to ban sensitive situations, the more kids will become fascinated with what it's all about. If we just talk to our kids and tell them the truth, their curosity will wain. I dont want censure on what I watch or listen to.
If we ban ED ads, then lets ban Tampon ads, Feminine itch ads, KY warming touch ads, etc....GIVE ME A BREAK....
Do not ban these ads they helped me with my marriage. I am now back on track. Besides three four year olds would not understand. And I am sick and tired of the goverment telling me what I can and can not watch on TV because some mom is worried, turn your damn tv off!!! The goverment want to control everything.
I agree, to an extent. My eight year old cousin has been singing "viva Viagra" around his house and at school for three weeks now. i understand the jingle is meant to be catchy, but not to a child!
Talk about inappropriate and embarassing for his parents and teacher!
BAN all pharmaceutical ads. I'm so sick of being told to take this or that drug..... Come on why are they allowed to spend all that money on advertising and not on research and orphan drugs.
YES!
These ads are totally inappropriate when they are aired during daytime hours and during general programming (eg. sports broadcasts). The networks and advertisers should exercise better discretion, but money trumps integrity these days – so we need politicians to interfere. A sad state of affairs.
Great for Tivo sales though!
What will the aspirin makers think if ED pills droop in sales. Ooouu, what a headache!!!
I think this should mean that women's hygeine product ADs should be banned too from 6AM to 10PM
To hell with free speech and expression! To hell with the constitution! I am offended, damn it, and I demand that whatever offends me is banned!
Please, please get rid of these ads, I am sick of seeing them and I
am tired of my kids watching tv and these ads come on. My kids shouldn't be exposed to ads targeting older men and their sex lives!
Why don't we just ban all advertising. Oh and run the banks and the car companies. Hmmm, what else can we do to be come anything but a free-market?
This is just crazy. Tell your little Johnny that people have sex and ED sucks so they made a pill for it. Just like Mommy gives you to sit down in school. Oh and one for you at bed time too....
Give me a break.
I don't think there's any reason for all these commercials. If someone wants the drug, they should be going to the doctor and getting them, but they should not be showing our children that sex is the most important thing in the universe. They need to stop those enlargement ads too, they're ludicros! All we're doing is showing our kids how superficial this country has become.