I think you, though, might be missing my point. This is not about rock climbers per se, but about how this ad reflects our culture. The Huffington Post had it right in presenting the backstory of what the ad was trying to convey.

Yes, I had sisters-in law who were serious rock climbers, level 5 rapid guides, and medal winning extreme skiiers (I’m only a serious skier.) I completely “get” that culture. Again, the ad though is not about the rock climbing culture, it’s a reflection of what our elite culture values, and doesn’t.

I am curious why would you would use a ridiculous, unintelligent sitcom to back up your point? Loss for support? Most of us don’t even watch television or buy into the “commercialism” that you are saying warrants a symbol of marriage, nice try. If The Huffington Post wants to be part of your authority for your point, I am sure at least one of their writers can speak/write for themselves on the subject, HERE.

You should pick your subjects wisely in the future.

Also, have you actually met many men that are climbers or alpinists? They come from all walks of life, socio-economics, they are our brothers, fathers, husbands, uncles and friends, lovers who happen to be incredibly smart, adventurous to say the least. PROBLEM SOLVERS… scientists, explorers, physicians, pancake flippers, mathematicians, leaders of our country, attorneys, retailers, students and the like. Our country was developed by these kind, the explorers and their WIVES tough enough to survive and settle. If you ask many of them, they might tell you that they do enjoy a female that can do what they can do and WILL do and even perhaps relish the day they meet one. So before you pigeon hole the lot of us, you might check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Way to grow your fan base, Betsy.

However, as a rock climber, I find it really sad that this is the sentiment non-climbers are taking from this commercial. I have to add myself to the long list of married climbers who have already commented on why and how much they enjoyed the commercial and the lifestyle it sums up quite beautifully in 30 seconds.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/single-women-citibank-honda_n_1224780.html

And it’s hard to say whether she’s rejecting a marriage proposal or just the ring. After all, it says “we talked about getting a diamond” not “he offered me a diamond.”

So maybe the question is, IS there a growing trend of young people who DO get married but who also reject the more expensive (and traditional) trappings of an engagement or a wedding in favor of a memorable wedding trip? I.e., young people who think outside the box when it comes to the tradition of materialism – and how best to start and build a marriage?

I hope so.

If the 2010 data showed that single women are working and earning more, the recent marriage data showed how many single women there are — and that their numbers are likely to multiply in coming years.

The creators of the Citibank and CRV commercials seem to have come to that second conclusion even before the recent marriage data came out. The new commercials sell women the cars and financial products they can now afford by presenting those big ticket items as tools for celebrating their independence rather than attracting a husband.” The full link is below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/single-women-citibank-honda_n_1224780.html