Maybe We Should Become Our Parents

I used to find the “Homeowners Turning Into Their Parents” Progressive ads funny. The other day, the “Waiting Room” commercial was on, and suddenly my perspective on the ads flipped on its head. 

What if the “patients” in these ads are just being earnest and trying to make small connections with people in their community?

What if our culture is so insular and cynical and broken that we see simple attempts to help and friendliness towards strangers as dumb and outdated?

These commercials are sharp and brilliant cultural commentary disguised as humor.

I liked it better when I just thought they were funny insurance commercials.