Race is a topic usually best left out of advertising, unless it is a product or service geared toward a specific race. There are any number of failed campaigns to prove it.
I'm always surprised to see TV ads that show lots of customers in an establishment... and every one is white.
I'm always surprised to see TV ads that show lots of customers in an establishment... and every one is white.
A Washington Post column last Sunday discussed the topic, including a recent campaign by the "Summer's Eve" line of products for women that caused great controversy.
But closer to (my) home, a relatively new restaurant is being criticised for the new advertising signs it posted recently:
It's obviously the drawing of the black woman that has some people upset... even though it is a black owned establishment (where I've had wonderful meals, by the way).
The characterization of black slave (or freed slave) women like that goes back to Aunt Jemima, who started as a racial stereotype and was transformed over the decades as various actresses were hired to portray the fictional character.
That Aunt Jemima link is to the company's self written "history"...there are numerous books and websites that explore the more controvertial aspects of the brand.
[PLUS: having nothing to do with the race and advertising story, CNN recently tried to get comment on a report out of Syria:
CNN cannot independently verify the account. The Syrian government could not immediately be reached for comment.
You know it's a tough news day when an entire government can't be reached.
[The Monday Morning Media Memo is a regular feature of this blog.]
The Mama Nem's billboard shows a stereotyped "mammy," not a dignified Black woman. The owner of this establishment should be ashamed.
ReplyDeleteWhat next? a blackface jockey statuette next to the parking lot?
Glad you have had some excellent meals there. My wife and I weren't even served, the first (and only) time we visited. We won't be going back.
Shades of Eutaw
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