Every now and then, billboards catch people’s attention, sometimes for the wrong reasons. They might be tackling a contentious issue or simply trying to grab drivers’ attention. A recent Harley-Davidson billboard has stirred up controversy across the nation due to its “offensive” language that rubbed some people the wrong way.
The ad had a straightforward message, encouraging people to ride a Harley and live a bolder life. The controversial tagline read: “Leave all the bulls**t in the wind behind you.” Crafted by Bayside Harley Davidson dealership in Portsmouth, the ad was intended to resonate with those considering purchasing a bike and hitting the open road. General Manager Shawn Robinson appreciated the tagline and wished people wouldn’t be so sensitive to the curse word used in the ad.
Robinson stated, “You do put everything behind you when you get on a bike. You let all the daily bs, the boss, the wife, the kids. I mean, it goes away, so it’s a true saying.” He was surprised that members of his local community took offense to the billboard. Positioned along I-264 East, the sign received numerous complaints through phone calls to the dealership and critical social media posts.
“The billboard company approved it, Harley Davidson approved it, we didn’t think it was an offensive term,” Robinson explained. However, many fathers in the area expressed their displeasure with
Every now and then, billboards catch people’s attention, sometimes for the wrong reasons. They might be tackling a contentious issue or simply trying to grab drivers’ attention. A recent Harley-Davidson billboard has stirred up controversy across the nation due to its “offensive” language that rubbed some people the wrong way.
The ad had a straightforward message, encouraging people to ride a Harley and live a bolder life. The controversial tagline read: “Leave all the bulls**t in the wind behind you.” Crafted by Bayside Harley Davidson dealership in Portsmouth, the ad was intended to resonate with those considering purchasing a bike and hitting the open road. General Manager Shawn Robinson appreciated the tagline and wished people wouldn’t be so sensitive to the curse word used in the ad.
Robinson stated, “You do put everything behind you when you get on a bike. You let all the daily bs, the boss, the wife, the kids. I mean, it goes away, so it’s a true saying.” He was surprised that members of his local community took offense to the billboard. Positioned along I-264 East, the sign received numerous complaints through phone calls to the dealership and critical social media posts.
“The billboard company approved it, Harley Davidson approved it, we didn’t think it was an offensive term,” Robinson explained. However, many fathers in the area expressed their displeasure with Harley Davidson for creating ads they believed had a negative impact on their children.
One concerned parent, Brian Robbins, wrote:
“Before you know it, there will be nothing but a bunch of idiots swearing around my kids with zero respect for innocence. My six-year-old (who reads everything she sees) will read this and be shocked. Think about the kids when using profanity. There are a time and place for it. But not on a public highway.”
Another local, Mark Bethel, agreed, “Yes, freedom of speech. However, the billboard companies have the ultimate say.” Portsmouth City Councilman Bill Moody confirmed that the billboard was within its rights since it was located on Bayside’s property.
Robinson acknowledged, “We certainly didn’t mean to offend anybody when we put it up, that certainly wasn’t our intent, but it was. Hopefully, just like all advertising, you know, we get a little play out of it somehow.” However, he wished locals would focus on the real issues facing the Portsmouth community rather than dwelling on the billboard’s language.
“The city of Portsmouth is economically challenged, and I don’t think we should be worried about the word BS on a street sign. We’ve got a casino to approve downtown.”
Opinions on the sign remain divided. While those siding with Robinson argue that it wasn’t inappropriate since it was designed to speak to bikers, parents of young children also make a valid point as it was posted along a public highway. This debate highlights the importance of balancing free speech with public decorum and the need to address pressing issues in the community, rather than fixating on a single billboard advertisement.
for creating ads they believed had a negative impact on their children.
One concerned parent, Brian Robbins, wrote:
“Before you know it, there will be nothing but a bunch of idiots swearing around my kids with zero respect for innocence. My six-year-old (who reads everything she sees) will read this and be shocked. Think about the kids when using profanity. There are a time and place for it. But not on a public highway.”
Another local, Mark Bethel, agreed, “Yes, freedom of speech. However, the billboard companies have the ultimate say.” Portsmouth City Councilman Bill Moody confirmed that the billboard was within its rights since it was located on Bayside’s property.
Robinson acknowledged, “We certainly didn’t mean to offend anybody when we put it up, that certainly wasn’t our intent, but it was. Hopefully, just like all advertising, you know, we get a little play out of it somehow.” However, he wished locals would focus on the real issues facing the Portsmouth community rather than dwelling on the billboard’s language.
“The city of Portsmouth is economically challenged, and I don’t think we should be worried about the word BS on a street sign. We’ve got a casino to approve downtown.”
Opinions on the sign remain divided. While those siding with Robinson argue that it wasn’t inappropriate since it was designed to speak to bikers, parents of young children also make a valid point as it was posted along a public highway. This debate highlights the importance of balancing free speech with public decorum and the need to address pressing issues in the community, rather than fixating on a single billboard advertisement.
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Source: AWM
