is this ad racist? - Page 2

MovedGoalPosts · 07-07-2006, 19:05

I wouldn't say it is racist, given that there are opposing images of who (what) has the upper hand. However some might see it as reinforcing disharmony between different ethnic groups, and that is dangerous territory.

07-07-2006, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob C

I wouldn't say it is racist, given that there are opposing images of who (what) has the upper hand. However some might see it as reinforcing disharmony between different ethnic groups, and that is dangerous territory.

You do have a point there Rob, but ethnic disharmony would exist without this advert, so really its a moot point.
I think we all realise that racial tension these days is more common between groups of minorities, for example indians and Pakistanis. You can even say the canadians and the French canadians, americans and canadians. And that does not come down to colour or religion.

**Hugh** · 07-07-2006, 20:51

Ethnocentricity raises it's ugly head.

Whilst I disagree with these ads (both versions, as they are trying to be controversial), the fact is that "racism" is thought of differently in other cultures.

"Article 14 of the Constitution of Japan states that all citizens are equal under the law, and they cannot be discriminated against politically, economically, or socially on the basis of race, belief, sex, or social or other background. However, this clause does not apply to discrimination committed by private individuals or establishments or legal discrimination based on citizenship. Hate speech is not a criminal offense, but insulting, such as calling someone "fool!", is a minor civil offense resulting in monetary compensation (which is often lower than the cost of going through the judicial process). Japan does not have human rights legislation which enforces or penalises discriminatory activities committed by citizens, businesses, or non-governmental organisations. The country does not have specific hate crime laws. Racism and hate-motivated offenses that include assault, vandalism, and robbery are prosecuted as regular crimes."
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism_in_Japan

So, are we being racist by -
a) imposing our western liberal viewpoint upon another culture
b) not standing up to what is viewed as racist by our culture

damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

ps - before I get flamed, I am vehemently anti-racist, and in fact anti-any form of discrimination; it is "what is racism/discrimination" that is the moot point (which, by the way, I don't know the answer to, just what my guidelines are - treat everyone as you would like to be treated).

Russ · 07-07-2006, 20:57

Racist? No.

Successful in gaining publicity and getting people talking about it on internet forums? Definately.

Angua · 07-07-2006, 21:13

Bit before it's time here as we are not perhaps racially mature enough yet to see this as a monochrome matter rather than a race matter.

**Hugh** · 07-07-2006, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angua

Bit before it's time here as we are not perhaps racially mature enough yet to see this as a monochrome matter rather than a race matter.

Is it because I is monochrome?

etccarmageddon · 07-07-2006, 21:53

what it is showing is one colour dominating another. if shows the white woman grabbing the black bloke agressively then the other photo shows the black person on top of the white person.

so what's it all about? saying that because you are of different races one will always dominate over the other?

---------- Post added at 21:53 ---------- Previous post was at 21:51 ----------

it's not racist but it's poor taste if it's trying to use some kind of friction between races to get attention.

littld · 07-07-2006, 22:24

The advert's not a good idea, is it?

Generally, though, seeing that there is a difference between races isn't the problem - it's clear to a 2 year old that there's a difference!

The issue is how you handle that difference. Remember, discriminate should only mean KNOWING the difference. It's when you make assumptions and judgements based on that difference that you have a problem.

weirdworldstate · 07-07-2006, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueRaja

Very arty. Full of sexual tension.

Sorry, was I supposed to shout RACIST! ????

---------- Post added at 22:57 ---------- Previous post was at 22:55 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob C

However some might see it as reinforcing disharmony between different ethnic groups...

And those people need to get out more and stop trying to see racial tension in everything.

---------- Post added at 22:59 ---------- Previous post was at 22:57 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

it is "what is racism/discrimination" that is the moot point (which, by the way, I don't know the answer to, just what my guidelines are - treat everyone as you would like to be treated).

That's an excellent way to go through life. Now tell me you'd be really upset having your photo taken with that young lady...

---------- Post added at 23:01 ---------- Previous post was at 22:59 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

so what's it all about? saying that because you are of different races one will always dominate over the other?

No, it's about the fact that the Sony PSP is made in black and soon to be in white as well.

And in those facts there is nothing to suggest any racial overtones, and looking for them is like looking at an open fire and seeing arson.

so perferct · 07-07-2006, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmxbandit

is this ad racist? only if you want it to be.

it got peoples attention, evidently. for every person taking offence, probably ten will buy the thing...

I Argree with that i will cuary on bying Sony

Wicked_and_Crazy · 08-07-2006, 00:18

its your interpretation that makes it racist. I dont see it as racist at all but then again i dont have racist tendencies.

sarahlouise45 · 08-07-2006, 00:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

I wonder if you would say the same if the colours were reversed .....

Somehow I doubt it ............

If the colours were reversed I would still see it as being racist. In my eyes, a person is a person and should be treated equally. If a poster gives off the impression that a white person has more authority - that equals racism. If a poster gives off the impression that a 'black' person has authority then that is racist too. Everyone is equal, no matter what sex, religion, race, colour etc etc etc etc......

---------- Post added at 00:29 ---------- Previous post was at 00:24 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by timewarrior2001

Theres nothing racist about it.

Its an image, its not singling anyone out.
Its not encouraging racial hatred.

Its an advert for ****s sake, some people really need to get out more.

This kind of **** makes me soooo ****ing angry.
I bet the sheilas wheels advert on TV isnt sexist, or Diamond for that matter.

I totally agree about the Sheila's Wheels and Diamond adverts being sexist. As it happens, by all accounts, it's actually more expensive for women to sign up to those companies for their car insurance than it is to sign up with a 'normal' company that deals with both men and women! What's the point???

Wicked_and_Crazy · 08-07-2006, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlouise45

If a poster gives off the impression that a white person has more authority - that equals racism. If a poster gives off the impression that a 'black' person has authority then that is racist too.

but thats all about perception and interpretation

sarahlouise45 · 08-07-2006, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked_and_Crazy

but thats all about perception and interpretation

Very true and that is what I personally 'percieve' and 'interpret' from these Sony adverts.

handyman · 08-07-2006, 02:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlouise45

Very true and that is what I personally 'percieve' and 'interpret' from these Sony adverts.

One of the larger problems with the world is people reading too much into evreything all we have hear is someone trying to create a ad about a different colour of handheld console. Since its white and the previous one is black the only other thing that comes to mind is a piano and thats pretty crap. If you look at it as a struggle on a personal level then it's you thats adding the racist part to it. I did not look at it and think racism.

Maybe its you that's racist because I saw 2 people. I did not see an african/asian/african american.... and a european/british person