If These Ads Ran Today, They’d Be Cancelled by Noon: Insights for a Brand Agencies in Edmonton

Cai-Parker Paré
Jul 1
3 min read

What a Modern Branding Agency in Edmonton Can Learn From the Cringey Campaigns of the Past

Somewhere in an ad agency boardroom in 1955, someone probably got a raise for saying, “Let’s make her feel ugly, and then sell her a soap bar.”

And unfortunately? That worked… back then.

But if that same campaign ran today? It wouldn’t just flop. It would be shredded by the internet by noon. Maybe even by breakfast, rightly so.

As a brand agency in Edmonton, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly the culture shifts. Staying relevant means doing more than avoiding mistakes. It means understanding why certain messages no longer fl, and how to create ones that truly connect.

The Offenders

"You mean a woman can open it?” (1950s bottle ad)

Woman with surprised expression opens a bottle with ease. Text highlights convenience. Red and yellow colors dominate. Alcoa Aluminum ad.

The not-so-subtle implication that opening a soda bottle was a man’s job—until now. This 1950s ad actually bragged that their twist-top could be opened “without a knife blade, a bottle opener, or even a husband!” Like, thanks?

Why it doesn’t fly today: Selling convenience by mocking someone's capabilities? We’re good, thanks. Today’s consumers expect brands to empower, not patronize. If your product pitch relies on belittling an entire group of people, maybe it’s not just the messaging that needs a twist.

“Show Her It’s a Man’s World” – With a Tie.

Man reclines in a chair wearing a tie while a woman serves him breakfast. Text reads "Van Heusen, man's world ties." Vintage ad style.

This 1950s ad for neckties literally showed a woman on her knees, serving breakfast.

Why it doesn’t fly today: Power dynamics aren’t quirky. They’re damaging. If your ad needs to put someone down to lift your product up, the product’s the problem.

“Most Doctors Smoke Camels”

Vintage Camel cigarette ad featuring a doctor holding a cigarette, a Camel pack, and text stating "More doctors smoke Camels." Bright colors.

Big Tobacco used “authority” to make a deadly product look trustworthy.

Why it doesn’t fly today: Consumers don’t just fact-check. They expect transparency. If your claims can’t hold up in daylight, they don’t belong in your marketing.

So, What Can Top Branding Agencies in Edmonton Learn From All This?

These ads were tone-deaf, but unfortunately, they were on-brand for the times. And that’s what makes them important.

Great branding reflects culture. Better branding helps shape it.

Today’s most-loved brands?

They get that marketing isn’t just a message. It’s a mirror.

3 Rules for Brands Who Don’t Want to Be “That Ad”

1. Know your cultural moment

Being “edgy” without understanding context? That’s just risk with no reward.

2. Representation > Stereotypes.

People want to see themselves in your brand. But only if it’s actually them, not a tired trope.

3. Intentionality is everything.

It’s not about being “safe”, it’s about being smart. Purposeful brands outlast performative ones every time.

A Thought to Leave You With:

Yes, these ads reflected the times they were in, but they also helped shape them. The words they used and the stories they told didn’t just mirror culture; they influenced it. Marketing is a powerful tool, and when it's used carelessly, it can reinforce harmful beliefs and ideals.

So, if we can look back and cringe, imagine the impact we could make by looking forward and choosing to do better.

Five people smiling sitting on a brown couch with a wooden background. Casual attire with mixed patterns; a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Let’s Make Better Ads Together

At Fox and Forth, we’re a brand agency in Edmonton that helps companies say something worth hearing. If you're ready to leave outdated messaging behind and build a brand that connects, inspires, and makes an impact, we’re here for it.

Let’s talk brand strategy.