Advertising Quote by Ronald Kessler
“If Madison Avenue advertising executives were to pick a song that would best represent America, the last one they would choose is 'The Star Spangled Banner.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Price of Politics, Ronald Kessler, 2003
The quote suggests that corporate advertisers see the national anthem as too solemn or controversial for commercial use, preferring more upbeat songs.
In simple terms: Advertisers avoid the anthem because it feels too serious for ads.
Key Takeaway
Choose music that aligns with brand tone.
Themes
advertising
national identity
culture
music
branding
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- marketing campaigns
- political events
- brand positioning
- media planning
Key Concepts
cultural symbolism
commercial strategy
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for national symbols with marketing goals?
- When is it appropriate to use solemn music in ads?
A Different Perspective
The anthem can still be used effectively in patriotic contexts despite commercial hesitancy.
![“[...] I'd wake up in the middle of the night to the Star-Spangled Banner and some old film of a flag blowing in the wind, telling you the day was over and it was long past time to go to bed. That was back when days used to end, before CNN and infomercials, before all our days bled right into each…” quote by Michael Montoure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc3/michael-montoure-25960_bygone_i-d-wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-t_1438470.jpg)
