Storage Co.'s Pro-Choice Billboard Causes Uproar

[Archaic]

(CBS) NEW YORK They're ads you may have seen around New York City. They're supposed to be promoting storage, but they have a political and comical edge to them.

But their latest ad doesn't have too many people laughing.

Its billboards have always been edgy, but has Manhattan Mini Storage gone over the edge?

The ad causing controversy depicts a coat hanger and takes a stance on abortion, along with the slogan: "Your closet space is shrinking as fast as her right to choose."

Needless to say, it didn't take long for the backlash to come.

"These billboards, we think they're absolutely disgusting," said Kiera McCaffrey of the Catholic League.

"Or one thing, it's strange enough that this company feels the need to advertise their pro-abortion stance on their billboards for mini-storage units, but the fact that they have to do it in so vile a way."


Outrage and support predictably follow the established battle lines in America's long standing fight over abortion rights.

"We like the creativity, and we think it's an eye opener as well as engaging people in dialogue," said Silvia Henriques of the National Latina Institute.

Manhattan Mini Storage often uses liberal messages in its billboards, reflecting the politics of a city in which three-quarters of voters picked John Kerry over George Bush in 2004. Some of the billboards that can be seen around the city include:

* The catch-phrase, "The Democrats Cleaned The House ... Now It's Your Turn," superimposed over an elephant carrying a suitcase.

* The catch-phrase "Your Closet's Scarier Than Bush's Agenda," appearing on a confidential document.

But does the image of a coat hanger cross the line? Manhattan Mini Storage declined to comment.

New Yorkers, much like the rest of the country, seem split on the issue.

"I think it's kind of edgy," one woman said. "It's witty. It's OK."

Others say it's about choice -- not over abortion, but where they spend their money.

"If their service is something that I need, then I'll use it," one person said. "What their politics are doesn't really bother me. That's why we're America."

Posters impression of the Catholic League spokeswoman below.

"No...wire...hangers!"

 

[Fig]

Stupid morale imperialists.

 

[Barb]

I've seen edgier ads for Kenneth Cole and Benetton.

 

[Archaic]

Seems rather ironic to me that a group which uses ads showing aborted foetuses would complain about an ad that only shows a wire coathanger.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

I will forever love the term "pro-abortion."

Frankly, I think the entire campaign is a little...too edgy for me, but whatever. They aren't promoting dangerous habits, they're just having fun with politics. Worse things will happen.

 

[darkpikachu02]

Naturally, it would have to be somebody from the Catholic League. They don't believe in abortion, they don't believe in birth control, but they forget about all of those sick, abusive, cover-up pedophile priests that they keep supporting when they pass the collection plate around during sunday church services. Don't they have anything better to do?
Ben