Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Is the KFC Commercial Racist?


Satisfying a crowd of black people with a bucket of chicken is considered good marketing by KFC in Australia -- but here in the States people are unhappy.
The ad shows this stressed out white guy, surrounded by a bunch of black people at a cricket match, the question is asked, "Need a tip when you're stuck in an awkward situation?" He gets out of the "awkward situation" by handing over a bucket of KFC chicken.

A rep for KFC Australia said, "It is a light-hearted reference to the West Indian cricket team ... The ad was reproduced online in the US without KFC's permission, where we are told a culturally-based stereotype exists, leading to the incorrect assertion of racism."

But now the statement comes: "KFC Australia is removing the television advertisement that was being run in conjunction with the Australian cricket season. We apologize for any misinterpretation of the ad as it was not meant to offend anyone."