The 2016 Olympics has been trending for nearly a week now. Since the Opening Ceremony on August 5th, the gold medals won by Team USA, color changing pools, and are just a few of the trending topics.
One thing that is trending is the latest Apple ad titled "The Human Family." The ad aims to highlight the diversity of the Olympics while also promoting their latest campaign. Apple has come out with some really great ads over the past few years; notably the Walt Whitman verse by the late Robin Williams, and I believe that this one is one of the best.
Within the add are photos and short clips to promote the new "Shot on the iPhone" campaign by Apple. The ad is set to selected verses from the late Maya Angelou reading her poem "The Human Family." In light of recent events, I like to think that this ad came at an opportune time.
I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.
When I first watched the ad I was in awe. First, Dr. Angelou has always had a talent for reaching into the deepest parts of my soul and soothing me. She reminded me how much love I had inside of me, and how much I loved the
I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.
Second, the range of photos and video clips made my heart skipped. I loved the many different faces of people all around the world doing various things. These photos ranged from serious to funny, and from candids to portraits all while continuing the message in the poem.
I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really were the same.
Finally, it was the amongst all the hate around the world for the past several months, it felt really good for a brief moment to see a glimpse of love within this ad. From the words of Dr. Angelou to the bright smiles across young faces I could not help but be filled with joy every second I watched this ad. I hit the repeat button again, and again, again.
Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.
Now before you say anything I know this is an ad. An ad will not fix any of the problems that we are facing today, nor will it prevent us from having problems in the future. While you may wish to boil this down to a fascination with a group of words and faces compiled for commercial value. However, there is no denying that Maya Angelou's brilliance does not make it feel like so much more.
I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
Love is a powerful thing. It is so much more than familial or romantic love. It is loving the woman who smiles at you each day on the train. It is loving your classmate who sends you notes on the days you are sick. It is loving that bird that sings every morning in the spring. Love holds us together; and while we are often given reasons to hate, there are so many reasons for us to love each other. One of the most prevalent forms of love; as shown in this ad, was the power of the smile. Even with a smile seen through a camera lens, and that is not necessarily directly towards me, I can find myself feeling loved by many.
So, the next time I hear terrible news from a friend or a news anchor I hope Dr. Angelou's words ring in your head and ground you.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
