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Patriot Mobile cellphone company is under pressure from the Sanders Country beat World. Where shadows are cast, so is light: in a recent post, Aldean encouraged fans to support the cellphone company, calling them the “good guys.” He also said comments could win tickets and an autographed guitar. The comments were divided with varied expressions: from full support to skeptical bewilderment.
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The video advertisement with Aldean presented a straightforward pitch. Aldean said that Panther Mobile stands for fighting for freedom and supporting causes that fit with his own values. “It’s time we stand with companies that stand with us.” The singer presumes that the company is about good, consistent service; it is staunchly conservative. It is thus both very practical and very ideological to switch from a less conservative company to Patriot Mobile.
It should be expected that the comment section would be a mixed bag. Some fans instantly said they admired Aldean and his views. One wrote, “God bless u for being in my life love princess,” while another said, “handsome,” throwing hearts and fire emojis his way. But then the practical questions began coming in: “How’s the coverage?” and “Is it cheaper?” One comment even described their experience as quite smooth and service-wise like switching off from AT&T.
The comments were not all praises. Some comments, or nearly all, showed some confusion or bordering on outright disapproval of the endorsement. “Patriot Mobile, what was liberal about the other ones?” asked one, alluding to the heavily politicized nature of the endorsement. Another one, obviously casting doubt, said, “Never Hurd of this phone service,” implying the company is nowhere near as well regarded as Aldean would lead one to believe.
More verbose critiques were found as well. One commenter said that Aldean and the other “Georgia boys” had sold out for cash: “Patriots don’t support Child Abusers and exploitation.” The lengthy tirade that alternated between emojis lashed out against both ends of every political spectrum calling for change and resorting to the “WE THE PEOPLE” rhetoric. This was a harsh strike against the mostly positive tone accepted in most of previous replies.
Thecredence of one user slyly became a little somber with, “I feel like taking my life away am so depressed can I talk to some christians please.” This comment stood apart from the political and advertisement chatter, suggesting this social venue could be both a connecting moment and an almost desperate plea for help.
The Sentinel Foundation, one of the beneficiary organizations of Patriot Mobile, also conveyed its thankfulness toward Aldean for the support. The response was short and appreciative, which mirrors the mutual esteem of the singer and the cause.
Aldean has at least once before utilized his platform to endorse a brand with ideological ties. Whether that occurs through genuine belief in the mission of the said company or as a strategic partnership, the mixed responses prove that those kinds of endorsements rarely receive universal acclaim. Some of the fans will follow these endorsements blindly; others will question the motives behind the pitch; and some even use the moment to express their grievances.
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Aldean outlined the idea that one should support companies that share one’s values, yet the comments show that not all share these values, or that they distrust the motives behind this particular pitch. Perhaps the loudest voice calling for patriotism in the message will end up stuffing the coffers for Patriot Mobile? Time will tell. It is, however, starting conversations-a success in itself in this day and age.
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