There we are, my sons and I, sometime early in the first half of the "big game". We're all enjoying a great game, having laughs, eating grilled wings, but for some reason all the commercials have been sub-par, but we're not worried. Then a commercial airs that starts off innocent, even dare I say "jovial", before it takes a HARD turn left.

My twitter timeline ERUPTS into shock and disbelief. I look over at my oldest son who is literally sitting on the couch with his jaw "dropped". The ad you just witnessed was from Nationwide Insurance and its intent was to draw attention to common accidents around the home that could potentially harm and hurt children. But during an evening where many in America are gathered in their living rooms for what some may consider a "family event" meant for good times, it quickly turned into a "downer" of sorts. In a statement to NBC News, Nationwide Insurance said:

"Preventable injuries around the home are the leading cause of childhood deaths in America. Most people don't know that. Nationwide ran an ad during the Super Bowl that started a fierce conversation. The sole purpose of this message was to start a conversation, not sell insurance. We want to build awareness of an issue that is near and dear to all of us-the safety and well being of our children. We knew the ad would spur a variety of reactions. In fact, thousands of people visited MakeSafeHappen.com, a new website to help educate parents and caregivers with information and resources in an effort to make their homes safer and avoid a potential injury or death. Nationwide has been working with experts for more than 60 years to make homes safer. While some did not care for the ad, we hope it served to begin a dialogue to make safe happen for children everywhere."

That didn't stop the internet from going crazy with memes within MINUTES of the spots airing.

Courtesy of Twitter user: @Randy_Galloway
Courtesy of Twitter user: @Randy_Galloway
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What do you think? Did Nationwide go too far trying to prove a point or are they right to defend their stance?

 

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