Conie Nureen G Fabrigas

BSMA I-CMA
Prof. Protacio
Arts & Humanities

Bench: How long can you keep a Secret?

LGBTQ Inclusivity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw_gHMNs5iE

I have opted to analyze the television commercial by Bench titled, "How long
can you keep a secret?" The product being advertised is perfume. In terms of
the overall mood of the commercial, it was comedic in a way that people
could relate to, especially those who are part of the LGBTQ community.
After being comical, the video ends with a sweet and touching scene. The
commercial doesn’t have a specific soundtrack played, but only calm and
happy background music. It helped me interpret how the main character is
feeling in the commercial. In line with that, the performance of the characters
was superb, as they were able to make me feel that I was with them; that I
was part of the commercial. I giggled and laughed at every scene, especially
when he was spraying a feminine perfume on himself just so his "crush"
would notice him. He only got to do that after he had already gotten off the
car, because he was afraid that his father might find out that he was not
straight. As a matter of fact, this happens to many people who are part of the
LGBTQ community. Some Filipinos are still not in favor of them as the
country is a religious one.
The commercial was able to get my attention as the storyline is relatable. As disappointing as it may sound,
there are still some who lack the courage to speak up, afraid that the people may not accept them. To explain
who the commercial is intended for, evidently, it is intended for anyone. The commercial was able to explain
the importance of inclusivity. This is one thing that makes the commercial unique. Everyone must know
how to accept every individual, regardless of their gender.

I commend Bench as they were able to touch people’s hearts, probably especially those who are LGBTQ.

But is their purpose genuinely intended to show support for the LGBTQ community and spread awareness
about inclusivity, or is the commercial just entirely about gaining more profit? People would frequently
patrionize a product if the brand had won the people's hearts. These might prove that this commercial would
relate to John Storey’s third definition of popular culture, "commercial objects are produced by non-
discriminating consumers." We will not know if they are just taking advantage of the masses. But one thing’s
for sure, people run businesses to gain profit, and they will do anything to generate more.