Lize

Racism

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/sony_ad.shtml

This advertisement is okay to some people, but extraordinarily rude to others. For Sony to post a white woman grabbing a black person’s face may not seem racist, and just a way to distinguish between the different color models. However, in today’s society something such as that is not acceptable. Many instances of race are brought up in America everyday. Many people would agree that racism still exists, however I don’t think many people will own up to be racist themselves. It is very interesting to read the multiple perspectives of this ad. Dave says, Dave
“I think the people who think it’s racist are just looking for it! try looking past the racism and accept that all they’re saying is that white people are aesthetically different to black people! They’re not saying white people are better! grrr. I say fair play Sony for trying to move forward and not remind everyone of the past.”

While Mike D says, “
In my opinion, the image portrays white dominance. The white model clearly is the aggressor in the picture with the black model showing fear and defeat with no signs of defense or willingness to fight against the offensive party. The white model is somewhat portrayed as a “racist” figure which was once typical of “punks” with the mohecan hairstyle. Even the dress code and the look of the blakc model is one of how slaves dressed and looked in the colonial days. The advertisment is blatantly offensive and should never have made it past the office of the Advertising Department of Sony. I am dissapointed in Sony and I am sure that their bottom line would be affected!”

Many of the people that also wrote did not make very good input, however those that did were interesting to read.

Another more recent article,

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/weekinreview/10nagourney.html

This deals with the upcoming election for 2008. Barack Obama, and Hilary Rodham Clinton (if elected) would be the first black male, or first female President. A part of the article that I found very interesting was, “A Gallup Poll in September showed a steady rise in the number of people who expect the nation to elect a woman or an African-American as president one day: Americans, it seems, are much more open to these choices than, say, someone who is an atheist or who is gay.” I think it is great that American’s are being more excepting to blacks and women, but if there were complete equal rights and no prejudices (not just towards skin color) then your sexuality and religion would have nothing to do with who you are. I feel that American’s feel very ‘nervous’ about race. It is something that is talked about or touched upon breifly, but never really expanded on.