Men vs Culture: In Case You Thought It Ended in the 19th Century...

Jan 30, 2008

In Case You Thought It Ended in the 19th Century...

You've probably all seen this one already, but it's freaking crazy that this got published!
(consumerist.com)

10 sucka ass fools had something to say:

Jay Gee Whizsaid...: I don't think the creator of this ad, his/her intended message, or the ad itself is racist. I think your interpretation of this ad is racist.

Not that I blame you. This ad can be easily misinterpreted and probably was not smart to publish for that reason.; January 30, 2008 1:01 PM
Lankowniasaid...: Probably a valid point. I think the intention was probably above reproach, but the creator might have been, at least on a subconscious level racist to dehumanize black runners this way.

It was probably published because you don't notice the racism unless you consciously decide to think about race - and the creator, editors, etc. probably did not.; January 30, 2008 1:13 PM
A Jokersaid...: I didn't even understand what was supposed to be wrong with it until I saw your guys' comments.; January 30, 2008 2:29 PM
Space Zombiesaid...: Nothing in advertising is unintentional.; January 30, 2008 2:54 PM
Lankowniasaid...: That true. For example, some people will target their Sweet Korn sales to consumers who want to support illiterates.

Mmmm sweet kron.; January 30, 2008 3:06 PM
Space Zombiesaid...: My assumption is that the Illinois Valley Kron Stand did not hire a leading ad agency to put together that campaign...and yet: it is brilliant!; January 31, 2008 8:14 AM
The Slothsaid...: Intel is very careful about their brand. They have a vicious legal department that is super careful about EVERYTHING that goes out in front of public eyes. For example they will not claim that their processors make computers have "better battery life" (even though it is true. Instead, you have to say "enabled better battery life".
It is just surprising that they pay attention to such little details, but not to a insulting use of photography.; February 1, 2008 9:30 AM
The Slothsaid...: I agree that they did not INTEND it to be racist, but many people driving around in the South (and other places) have confederate flags flying from their trucks or homes. Although they may not INTEND this to be racist and may be making a statement about secession, it is also a symbol of slavery.
Seeing racism is not an act of being a racist, it is an act of critical thought and empathy.; February 1, 2008 10:48 AM
A Jokersaid...: I think it's highly debatable whether the southern flag represents a pro-slavery mindset. After all, the Emancipation Proclamation freed all the slaves in the South long before all the slaves in the North were free. And yet no one considers the Stars and Stripes as tainted by slavery, even though they legally had slaves for much longer.; February 6, 2008 4:58 PM
Lankowniasaid...: An interesting point about the approximatly 5 year gap between the proclamation and the 13th amendment. Something I didn't remember about the proclamation. Still, it seems like more of a technical detail than anything else. Symbols are always up for interpretation and debate but I think a lot of people find the southern flag highly offensive. To me the stance is even flimsier than arguing the use of the Nazi symbol is just fine because its origins are in ancient India. In the western world, the symbol has taken on another meaning - just like the confederate flag has been used to represent more than just southern pride in the United States.; February 6, 2008 9:31 PM