We live in a postmodern society. Nearly everything has been done by someone at some point. It’s evident by the movie industry, which is now desperately re-releasing movies and creating sequels for everything from Iron Man to Alvin and the Chipmunks. The advertising industry appears to be plagued by the same problem and has recently found comfort in spoofing other brands’ ads.

We have mixed feelings about that.

Kara: As a young writer, I genuinely hate being told, “I’ve seen that before” or “That idea reminds me of something I’ve seen X years ago.” So I have no problem with reworking an idea—as long as you make it your own. However, and that’s a big however, if you ever feel the need to oil up a toddler and make him pose provocatively with a rope because you think David Beckham is hot, please refrain.

Lonnie: Correct me if I am wrong but I think oiling up a toddler is illegal in all 50 states. I am surprised that they didn’t give him tattoos. Plus, is that toddler sick? Why so sweaty? Is Armani selling diapers now? This is just plain wrong. And unoriginal.

Here is another example of unoriginality: Verizon Shadow spot. It debuted just before Valentine’s Day. Nothing says I Love You like the largest 3G network. But what’s worse is that I knew I saw this somewhere before: Debeers from the mid 1990s. Copycats!

Kara: You’re such a cynic. I actually like that one. And I have to say, whoever did the sound design did a phenomenal job of making it sound like the original without ripping it off completely.

I’m sure you’ll love this one. Verizon also remade a Big Red chewing gum commercial and not-so-brilliant jingle from the 80s. Aside from the Facebook reference and the seriously improved video quality, the spots are nearly identical.

Lonnie: Great, I had a hard time getting that jingle out of my head in the 80s. Now, 20 years later it’s making a comeback. Where have all the creative minds gone? Have we reached the end of all that is creative and are we now recycling, or I should say cannibalizing our past? Postmodernism? Nay, I say post-postmodernism! We are now stealing from the thieves. Where is my soapbox?!?!?!

Kara: Your soapbox was removed from the premises. You have used it too much lately. Post-postmodernism? Did you make that up?

Lonnie: That is very postmodernist of you to say.

Kara: Nevermind.