Shock Ads

Shock Ads are defined as advertising, "in which marketers use nudity, sexual suggestiveness, or other startling images to get consumers' attention." (Belch&Belch: Advertising and Promotion 9th Edition).

We are living in a world in which we get in touch with advertisement nearly every moment we are awake. From TV ads, over radio campaigns, billboards or flyers. Where we go the advertisement will follow us (if it hasn't been there before).

This is the reason why most people develop a system of selective attention: We do not actively perceive every ad we come across. We simply ignore some ads to protect ourselves from information overload.

To get our attention advertisers have to be creative. 

Shock Ads are one method to get the attention of people. 

Here another advertisement of Benetton:

People may find this advertisement not appropriate and morally incorrect. However, I am sure that the advertisers achieved their goal of getting the attention of potential customers. Moreover, this advertisement may encourage people to critically evaluate norms and values of our society.