The Anti-Slogan

posted by Josh Goodman

In one episode of the Simpsons, Marge tells Homer, "It's very easy to criticize," to which he responds, "and fun, too!"

I can relate to Homer's perspective, as I've enjoyed making fun of state tourism slogans, most recently Washington's. However, in the interest of being remotely constructive, I decided to try my hand at the more difficult task of coming up with something better. I mulled and pondered and here's the best I could do: "No slogan needed."

Just picture the advertising campaign. You show footage of visitors enjoying wind-swept beaches, scenic woodlands, bustling night spots, historic sites, etc. and then the name of your state or locality appears on the screen followed by "No slogan needed."

It would tap into burgeoning resentment toward canned slogans and could work for any place in the world -- which might be a good thing or a bad thing. Plus, at the very least, it would appeal to folks with ironic sensibilities ("A slogan that says slogans are expendable? Neat!") as well as curmudgeonly magazine writers. And the price is right: You can use it for free.

Comments

[Kelly]

You better copyright that before someone else steals it!

[Alan Ehrenhalt]

You suggestion raises all sorts of possibilities. Wesleyan University, for example, has no motto -- the only school I know that doesn't. They could put a phrase on their crests that just says "no motto needed." But then maybe that would be a motto.

[dave]

Free!!!!???? you better remember this on next year's taxes as a loss if anyone picks it up. The state of Utah just spent $14 million for "Life Elevated". Oh boy, that one just sings Utah to me, and I like it here. Let me inflate my shoes now.

[John Hull]

I would like to claim "the Wide Open" for Washoe (home of Reno and Sparks, NV) between the mountains around Lake Tahoe and the desert. Lotsa golf too, including an Open.