While combing through the paper a few days ago, I came upon an ad for SF Ballet's 2001 Season. It showed a pose from The Prodigal Son, with the caption "Drinking. Debauchery. A Real Bible Story." Now, I understand the need for attracting younger audiences to the ballet, especially given that the average age of SFB's audience hovers around 60, give or take a few. However, an ad campaign like this, however well-intentioned, is not the way to go. I am not trying to speak for my whole generation, but, being fairly young myself, I found them an insult to my intelligence. It isn't the ads themselves that bother me, but the idea that the only way to attract young whippersnappers is to talk down to them. And, judging from what I hear, the marketing of ballet in this matter seems pretty widespread--Atlanta Ballet's pushing R&J by saying "two ballet dancers die, what more could you want?" springs to mind. Since when does young equal ignorant?
So, am I overreacting, or is this offensive to other people too?