Billboards can often be controversial and people do not always like what they see or read. Recently, a Harley-Davidson billboard caused outrage across the nation because of its supposedly offensive language which many felt was unacceptable. Despite their motives for drawing attention from drivers to advertise their products, this particular advertisement did not sit well with people who found it distasteful.
The ad was straightforward; it invited viewers to embark on a daring journey, riding away in the wind with a Harley. It encouraged people to live life fearlessly and courageously!
The slogan was this:
“Leave all the bulls**t in the wind behind you.”
Bayside Harley Davidson dealership in Portsmouth drafted the ad, tailored to those eager to buy a bike and ride off into the sunset. Shawn Robinson, a leading manager of this renowned establishment, couldn’t help but rave about their tagline- even though some were offended by its use of an expletive!
“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.”
Robinson was taken aback as members of his local area vociferously complained about the billboard set along I-264 East. Residents flooded the dealership with phone calls to voice their outrage and posted scathing reviews on social media in droves.
“The billboard company approved it, Harley Davidson approved it, we didn’t think it was an offensive term,” Robinson stated.
All the same, many of the local men were indignant that Harley Davidson was producing advertisements that had a negative influence on their young boys and girls.
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.”
Mark Bethel added, “Yes, freedom of speech. However, the billboard companies have the ultimate say.”
Bill Moody, a Portsmouth City Councilman, affirmed that the billboard was free to do whatever it desired due to its position on Bayside’s premises.
Robinson stated, “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.”
As Robinson noted, it is time the citizens of Portsmouth put their energy into tackling the significant issues they face instead of focusing on a few words in a sign.
“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.”
The opinion of the sign is widely divided. Supporters of Robinson’s stance believe that because it was made to target bikers, the flagrant message does not apply in this instance. On the other hand, parents with young children are justifiably concerned about its presence along a public highway.
What are your thoughts on the sign? Is it a keeper, or would you prefer for it to be removed?
