Category Archives: Shoot the Messenger

Another billboard story coming from Los Angeles. In a year-long campaign Glendale, Cali. funeral parlor Forest Lawn has put up 80 billboards across the county. Says the LA Business Journal:

The campaign features three separate characters–a Latino man, an elderly woman and an old hippie-juxtaposed against inappropriate epitaphs. For example, the bearded hippie is misidentiffed as having “Served under Reagan.” Then comes the punch line: “Don’t have someone else’s funeral.”

William Martin, spokesman for Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries, said the non-profit is trying to get people to think creatively about their funeral.

“A hippie’s funeral should be different than one for the thtee-piece-suit [sic.] Reagan guy,” Martin said.

When my friend in LA sent me a photo of the above billboard that she passes on her commute to work I initially figured it was political commentary. Commentary on what, I wasn’t so sure. Then I noticed the Forest Lawn name in the upper right corner — and I was hardly less baffled. I’d love to see the others.  What’s the opposite of a Latino? And an elderly woman? What’s the ironic/inappropriate epitaph for her — “Taken too soon”? I’m totally for shaking it up and introducing a little levity to a heavy and taboo subject, but I can’t imagine how Forest Lawn pulled it off.

If any of you out there in the LA area have seen the other two ads, the Unhappy Mediator would love to hear what they say. You’ve got til August to find ’em.

[Thanks – again – Hilla]