When you hear the words “Super Bowl,” three things come to mind: football, food and commercials. Brand marketers flood our screens with creative ads during one of the most watched annual events on television in America.
While most ads are entertaining and funny, every year there are a few that walk the line of controversy. This year, according to the Huffington Post, a billboard posted across from the MetLife stadium in New Jersey promoting atheism was one of the first ads to spark debate.
The billboard that was sponsored by the American Atheists reads, “A ‘Hail Mary’ only works in football. Enjoy the game!” The billboard promotes the American Atheists’ upcoming convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Christians may take offense to this ad due to the fact that it is mocking one of their most common prayers.
However, most advertisements—regardless of religious affiliations—could be offensive to at least one person because not everyone has the same beliefs. Although we may not necessarily believe the same thing as the person standing next to us, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. The same goes for organizations because they have to right to promote their beliefs as well.
In an interview with the Huffington Post, David Silverman, president of the American Atheists, believes that we need to focus our attention on the athletes who work hard to play in these games instead of giving credit to a higher power for the outcome, which many fans may tend to do.
American Atheists’ Managing Director Amanda Knief said, “During the Super Bowl, people of all religions and atheists come together as a community. Like many in New Jersey, we at American Atheists are excited to be part of this event and with this billboard share our voice,” according to the Huffington Post.
I really appreciate this quote because to me, it seemed like Knief made a good case as to why she and the American Atheists believed that this ad was fair–simply because their organization wanted their voice to be heard as well.
Many people found the ad offensive. On the Huffington Post article, user ianmcewan7 commented, “They should think up something positive to say instead. If people want to pray, let them pray.”
User sockrattease wrote on patheos.com, “Asinine over-simplification of prayer…yet another ridiculous pompous [sic] billboard put out by the AA.”
It does not seem right to use a word like “pompous” to describe the views of another person or organization. These reactions to the billboard exemplify how some people are overly sensitive when they hear things that they don’t like because it goes against personal beliefs. 
“The constitution gives [the American Atheists] the right to say whatever they want,” said Cassandra Luddy, a criminology major and senior at UT.
Luddy attended Chapelgate Christian Academy in Marriotsville, Maryland prior to studying at UT. Although she is a strong believer in a higher power, she is very liberal in her faith.
“When I initially saw the ad, I chuckled,” Luddy said. “It was a funny play on words, they got creative with it. I’ll give them that. Do I necessarily think it is the best place to put a sign? Maybe not… It was a good marketing strategy on their part, but I can see where it would be very offensive to other people.”
Luddy said she was not personally offended by the ad because “we should be able to be accepting of other people’s choices or beliefs. We don’t have to like them, but we have to respect their choice.”
The American Atheists have just as much of a right to advertise during the Superbowl as any other company or organization, even though their message may be offensive to some people.
After speaking with someone who is religious but remains neutral about this ad, I am able to see how people may take offense to it, but I can also see how people should be able to promote their beliefs.
At the end of the day, this organization has every right to promote its views, even if it may push people slightly out of their comfort zones. It is important that Americans learn to accept that not everyone has the same beliefs.
Our government system legally separates the church and the state, and it is important to allow people to express their own beliefs, just as you wish to express yours.
Elizabeth Rockett can be reached at elizabeth.rockett@spartans.ut.edu