Sometimes people really don't think before they cry racism.

[KingHorse]

As stated in this story there was some grumpiness over the fact that a Grammy winning black woman was singing about chicken for Burger King.

So now, if you're advertising chicken, you can't employ black people in the commercial. GJ guys. GJ.

Another link: warning, Christian website. I think.

[Puck]

How could it be racist if a Black person has willingly signed up to do the role? What is the correlation between chicken and Black people?

This racism crap needs to stop, it's just getting beyond stupid.

[Wells]

What is the correlation between chicken and Black people?

Tying fried chicken and black people together is a really old racial stereotype in the US. Like black people and watermelon.

[Xeones]

How could it be racist if a Black person has willingly singed up to do the role? What is the correlation between chicken and Black people?

This racism crap needs to stop, it's just getting beyond stupid.

Fried chicken, coolaid and watermelon is an old racial stereotype.

But I do agree racism gets thrown around way too much.

[KingHorse]

Tying fried chicken and black people together is a really old racial stereotype in the US. Like black people and watermelon.

Fried chicken is awesome. So is watermelon. I've really never understood the stereotype. It's like pointing at someone and yelling, "LOL YOU LIKE BACON!" Well...yah, actually, I do. Why, do you have some bacon?

[semaphore]

How could it be racist if a Black person has willingly signed up to do the role?

While I'm not saying this is racist at all, that is a terrible argument. Ethnic minorities can and do sign up for offensive racist stereotypes willingly. Again, not saying that there is racism in this particular case, just that your argument is heavily flawed.

EDIT: random double post

[Puck]

While I'm not saying this is racist at all, that is a terrible argument.

---------- Post added 2012-04-04 at 12:27 AM ----------


While I'm not saying this is racist at all, that is a terrible argument. Ethnic minorities can and do sign up for offensive racist stereotypes willingly. Again, not saying that there is racism in this particular case, just that your argument is heavily flawed.

Really? Give me an example.

[Wells]

Fried chicken is awesome. So is watermelon. I've really never understood the stereotype. It's like pointing at someone and yelling, "LOL YOU LIKE BACON!" Well...yah, actually, I do. Why, do you have some bacon?

Fried Chicken and Watermelon were central parts of the poor ex slave and "mammy" stereotype from reconstruction onward, where they were popular foods among the low class and poor. Its a little like portraying Mexicans as tequila swilling cattle thieves, its just a tie in to a pretty racist stereo type.

So I won't say this instance itself is racist, but it certainly ties back into a racial stereo type to a sufficient degree that we should avoid it.

[TigglyBiggly]

We have had threads about fast food advertisements with black people and chicken in them, it is not racist, it is really grasping at straws.

[mea]

Fried Chicken and Watermelon were central parts of the poor ex slave and "mammy" stereotype from reconstruction onward, where they were popular foods among the low class and poor. Its a little like portraying Mexicans as tequila swilling cattle thieves, its just a tie in to a pretty racist stereo type.

So I won't say this instance itself is racist, but it certainly ties back into a racial stereo type to a sufficient degree that we should avoid it.

THey -should- deal with it, as should everyone on a personal level - in the sense that we as people should use our intellect and discerm between coincidence and racism. In terms of company image, it's best to avoid stepping on the shoes of ignorant, sensitive assholes who might raise attention over racism and discrimination that isn't there i guess.

[semaphore]

Really? Give me an example.

Pete Hoekstra's recent campaign ad comes to mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrbdXUWryXk

[Deleted]

Tying fried chicken and black people together is a really old racial stereotype in the US. Like black people and watermelon.

black people have good taste :P fried chicken and watermelon is awesome! (not together though)

p.s. don't take this post too seriously.

[Wells]

THey -should- deal with it, as should everyone on a personal level - in the sense that we as people should use our intellect and discerm between coincidence and racism. In terms of company image, it's best to avoid stepping on the shoes of ignorant, sensitive assholes who might raise attention over racism and discrimination that isn't there i guess.

Wait its better to be racist so that the people you're being racist against can learn to get over it?

[semaphore]

THey -should- deal with it, as should everyone on a personal level - in the sense that we as people should use our intellect and discerm between coincidence and racism.

People can be offended by the insensitivity behind such "coincidences" even where there is no willful discrimination. We expect marketing to be aware of stereotypes.

[jahasafrat]

The watermelon and chicken cliche is a ridiculous stereotype... I'm pretty sure all (normal) people love watermelon and chicken, regardless of creed.

[v2prwsmb45yhuq3wj23vpjk]

People can be offended by the insensitivity behind such "coincidences" even where there is no willful discrimination. We expect marketing to be aware of stereotypes.

That's a stupid thing to expect, though. Wanting them to actively avoid any stereotypes doesn't change anything because now they're excluding the race.



Also, at one point in time (and maybe still today) a disproportionate number of black people enjoyed fried chicken and watermelon compared to other people. This was because fried chicken and watermelon was popular in the south compared to the rest of the country and there were more black people living in the south compared to everywhere else. That's where the two stereotypes came from.

I'm not sure if Kool-Aid was the same.

[Auguine]

I'm white and I freaking love fried chicken and watermelon, and grape soda. I Do not understand how some people associate those things with black people from america?

[Wells]

Lots of white people love rap too, but that is still linked to black culture.

[KingHorse]

Lots of white people love rap too, but that is still linked to black culture.

That's the problem though.

The people upset about this commercial imply that because something is associated with a race, not even in a negative light, that it is automatically offensive and racist.

Is it racist for a NASCAR commercial to show white people eating a cheeseburger?

[Deleted]

I'm white and I freaking love fried chicken and watermelon, and grape soda. I Do not understand how some people associate those things with black people from america?

Of those, only the watermelon is a stereotype I'm aware of. In fact in Britain the cliche with fast food adverts is that they're aimed at the poor, regardless of race.