Today, Reason Magazine posted an excellent piece on the history of the Department of Homeland Security’s program “If You See Something, Say Something.” As many traveler’s have noted, this has also made its way into airports through the TSA. Interestingly, the program’s catch-phrase has even been trademarked. Many thanks to Mike Riggs of Reason for this interesting article. An excerpt from the article follows:
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Shortly after September 11, 2001, the advertising firm Korey Kay & Partners pitched the Departments of State, Justice, and the newly created Homeland Security on an ad campaign to make travelers more aware of potential terrorists threats, “but none expressed interest in using the work,” Adweek reported in January 2002. “It will therefore remain a creative exercise.”
The feds would eventually change their minds about Kay’s “creative exercise.” Today, the slogan “If you see something, say something” graces mass transit hubs across the country as well as DHS-funded coffee cup sleeves. The slogan has outlived color-coded terror alerts, the Iraq War, the Yellowcake myth, Sadam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and cigarette lighter bans. In honor of “If you see something, say something,” Reason presents you with a brief timeline of its conception and current use:
January 2002: Korey Kay & Partners unveils “If you see something, say something”
Allen Kay shares five text-only ads with Adweek. In addition to the slogan “If you see something, say something,” the ads read, “More catastrophic bombings and biological warfare are imminent terrorist threats. Not just for the United States, but the entire world. Let’s have no more surprises,” as well as “There are thousands of terrorists in this country. You can start to stop them. If you notice anything suspicious, report it. Immediately.” Kay tells Adweek that the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security passed on his ad campaign…
