Malena Amusa
Intel’s racist ad, apology
Tip to Afro-Netizen who reported this one:
The fact that Intel apologized for placing this ad only represents modest intelligence (read: enlightened self-interest). However, the reality is that some group of executives signed off on this ad to begin with. And that’s the real story.Can we dare make any assumptions about the level of diversity (or authority of Coloredfolk) in that room where this ad got the green light?
Hmmm… .
Now, let’s wait for the anti-apology apologists to decontextualize this ad and put forth: race-obsessed minority groups are too busy complaining to see how the ad agency only sought to honor the innate athleticism of Black men.
In comment threads throughout the blogosphere, I foresee sentiments á la:
“Jeez, you guys are sooo sensitive! Why does everything have to be about race with you people?!”
Posted at 1:31 PM, Aug 08, 2007 in Permalink | View Comments
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Comments
Makes me glad I bought AMD!
Posted by: Gary | August 9, 2007 4:06 AM
Considering how few black folks have any juice in advertising, it's not so surprising.
Posted by: raafi | August 9, 2007 8:42 AM
Intel is also part of a campaign to make it more difficult for people to file civil rights claims by eliminating class action civil rights lawsuits, and effort sponsored by the "Civil Justice Association of California." Interesting name, interesting ad, interesting set of circumstances for 2007. It would be laughable if our civil justice and civil rights protections weren't being threatened...
Posted by: Kia | August 16, 2007 3:15 PM
Does anyone know how Intel’s employees, especially their African American employees, have reacted? Intel’s ad is another reminder that corporate America just hasn’t got it. They spend millions in diversity training (which everyone who has had to attend one knows is tantamount to punishment) and tout how they won some best places to work award, but they rarely understand the hidden bias and stereotypes in their everyday behaviors. If being fair isn’t a convincing argument, corporations should read a new study by the Level Playing Field Institute which shows that millions of professionals leave their jobs solely because of offensive behavior like this. Not only does it cost billions to replace these people but you can bet that they are telling people not to work their or buy their goods/services.
Posted by: mtk | August 20, 2007 3:20 PM