Picking up a copy of USA Today this morning it was easy to be struck by the negativity of the content.- Nelson Mandela is a terrorist
- Jet fuel prices set to make air travel a luxury item
- Fed rate cut does nothing to change Wall St. sentiment
Basically, doom and gloom all around.
Then there was this Harley ad, which offered a contrary point of view.
It reminded us that America is a strong nation and it's bounced back from tough times before.
It took the long view and reminded us not to be fearful with the simple statement:
"We don't do fear"
Some might say this irresponsible, but I say it's brilliant to seize on the moment and offer a counter point that's so true to the brand and its ridership.
It's brave and gutsy, just like the brand.
I don't have the ad, but there's a taste of it on the Harley web site.

Posted by Ed Cotton
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Hey Ed - I saw that as well. I love the attitude and balls this shows; it's funny how most brands are constantly seeking their emotional hook when in most cases, it's this simple. Harley folks feed off escape and feedom, what a perfect expression. I'm not sure if it has evolved, I truly doubt it, but at one point, their entire creative strategy was 3-letters, "FTW". The last 2 stand for "the world".