JBL's Marketing Blunder..

Those who taught Gen Z are now blaming them 

Isn't that hypocritical?

"I suggest you watch the 2nd link, the discourse with Audioholics and Emiko (who also hails from pro audio) and see if they thought everything was fine and dandy on this ad."

I'm with those who think the ad is fine. I think some people may be viewing the ad from and audiophile's perspective, and audiophiles (like Emiko) are not the target audience. JBL is clearly aiming the ad at entry level audio consumers, and specifically young women who have traditionally not been their customers. So what's wrong with that?

It may seem like stereotyping but, for whatever the reasons may be, women (in general) have not been audio equipment consumers much less enthusiasts. JBL is obviously looking to change that. As I see it, the young women in the ad seem to be a fairly accurate representation of that target group.

I wouldn't have even known about this ad if not on this site. Like many I don't see anything wrong with it. They are not targeting this community. Most that see something wrong just have your panties on too tight! 

A grass roots effort is perhaps needed to help depopularize the vocal fry phenomenon...

Vocal Fry Mitigation

I didn't find anything 'airheady' about the ad. Just because somebody is not an audiophile does not make them an 'airhead' or 'clueless' - the ad is not aimed at audiophiles! 

And while I enjoy Audioholics and his channel, I don't always agree with him, and I sure don't agree with his premise here.