Citibank - Identity Theft

I suppose by now we've all seen these cutesy commercials
featuring ordinary people, speaking in voices that are not their own.

The "identity theft victim" is usually shown sitting calmly, mouthing the words
as the hilarious voice of the "identity thief" describes a rampant shopping spree.

In each of these ads, the humor comes from the sharp contrast
between the voice-over (the voice of the evil thief) and the appearance of the "victim".
A beautiful black woman speaks in the voice of a dorky white teenage boy.
An old lady talks like a trucker, a redneck talks like a schoolgirl.
The voice is usually very animated, while the "victim" sits with a deadpan face, mouthing the words.
Hilarity ensues.

My problem is with the latest in this series of ads,
featuring "Darrel P.", a black man in an undershirt.

You know, sometimes you go over to someone's house and they have the TV on.
You'll stand around talking, maybe you get a drink from the fridge,
and then you are suddenly interrupted by this hideous noise coming from the TV.

"Good Christ," you both say.
"What is that awful sound and how do I make it stop?"
Turning toward the television, you see Darrel P. - Identity Theft Victim.

Darrel P. speaks in the whiny high-pitched voice of a stupid young girl.
I've never actually heard fingernails on a chalkboard, but I have heard it described.
This voice, it's like a mosquito that flew into your ear.

Oh, but Darrel P. doesn't stop at just speaking.
Darrel P. sings a song. A Toni Braxton favorite, "Unbreak My Heart".
This is the point when everyone in the room lunges for the mute button.

The other annoying thing that sets this ad apart from its predecessors
is that, as Darrel chatters and sings,
he makes faces and gestures like an excited teenage girl.

In all of the other Citibank ads, the "victim" seems completely unaware
that a strange voice is coming out of their mouth.
In this ad, Darrel P. seems not only aware, but delighted!
His hands flutter like cartoon bluebirds as he makes all kinds of annoying girly talk.
A small point, yes, but aggravating to me nonetheless.

I love the whole series of 'em.

 

I don't like the commercials. in fact, I don't like any commercial which interrupts me in the middle of a good movie.

Citibank is the one robbing people.

Your right, I should have used the word deception/decieve instead of robbing. Legislation trying to be passed for credit card companies.