Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm Shouldn't Be There

Let's all sing along, "Like a good neighbor, State Farm ...."

I bet you finished that sentence without even thinking about it, right?

State Farm Insurance has promised you they would be your good neighbor for as long as I can remember. Their commercials evoked feelings of caring and support and always being there when the unexpected occurs.

That is, until recently, when their new campaign broke.  And, boy, what a departure they have made from their past.

State Farm's new ad campaign takes their brand down a completely different path. Or in my opinion, down a cold, dark alley.

Some choice lines of copy include:

"I told you you were too close, but nobody ever listens to me.  No, no, no, no, no. Who does that? Back their car into another car?  You know what? You make my head numb. I can't even .... uh!"

At this point in the commercial, her companion begins to sing, "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" in an off-key, half talking-half singing voice. And - presto - the State Farm agent magically appears, in between the two ... as if to act as a mediator.

As the agent promises to take care of the accident, the woman asks for a new boyfriend. Suddenly, her boyfriend is shirtless, with ripped muscles hanging out for all to see. When he asks the agent to return the favor for him, his girlfriend is magically transformed into a sexy woman, who is scantily clothed in a low neckline shirt and short shorts.

This is one of the few times in my life that I am actually speechless. State Farm has completely turned their brand on its head.  What a departure from the neighborly feel-good ads of the last decade!

Maybe they were trying to be funny.  But, that begs the question, why would any insurance company want to turn an auto accident into a joke?

I'm stumped.

You just watched the commercial - please share your thoughts on what you think State Farm Insurance was trying  to do with this ad...