On Dutch television, a new commercial for the jazz/soul radio station Radio 6 recently appeared. The first time I saw it (see linked), I had an uncomfortable feeling that I still can not shake. Is there nothing wrong with the commercial, or is it slightly racist? I'm leaning to the first option, but am curious what you think about it.
The synopsis: a black woman (presenter Sylvana Simons) is sitting in a radio studio announcing a new number. As soon as the music starts, she gets doused in black paint. Then, it shows the new slogan: "now blacker then ever" ("nu nog zwarter" ).
There is also another version with presenter Leo Blokhuis, a caucasion man.
I keep getting uncomfortable thoughts about the racial distinction. Is it different from making a commercial for a classical music station or maybe hard core house and call it "now whiter than ever"?
So, what are your thoughts?
(BTW, it is a good radio station.)
EDIT: I hate that smiley with " and ).
The synopsis: a black woman (presenter Sylvana Simons) is sitting in a radio studio announcing a new number. As soon as the music starts, she gets doused in black paint. Then, it shows the new slogan: "now blacker then ever" ("nu nog zwarter" ).
There is also another version with presenter Leo Blokhuis, a caucasion man.
I keep getting uncomfortable thoughts about the racial distinction. Is it different from making a commercial for a classical music station or maybe hard core house and call it "now whiter than ever"?
So, what are your thoughts?
(BTW, it is a good radio station.)
EDIT: I hate that smiley with " and ).
The mystery deepens... I think. *MySmiley*
This message last edited by Artsapat on 22/03/2010 at 06:47:51 PM
Is it racist?: Commercial for Jazz/Soul radio
- 22/03/2010 01:47:45 PM
3050 Views
I don't think it's racist at all
- 22/03/2010 07:15:55 PM
997 Views
Uh.
- 22/03/2010 09:36:35 PM
1072 Views
Re: Uh.
- 29/03/2010 07:03:14 PM
1023 Views
I'm not Dutch, but that was a pretty ignornant claim
- 29/03/2010 07:20:09 PM
938 Views
Re: I'm not Dutch, but that was a pretty ignornant claim
- 29/03/2010 07:28:34 PM
1045 Views
Not "higher" nor "lower," but "different" would be the word to use here
- 29/03/2010 07:46:15 PM
880 Views
Re: Not "higher" nor "lower," but "different" would be the word to use here
- 29/03/2010 07:53:56 PM
835 Views
This. ~points at Larry's post~ *NM*
- 29/03/2010 07:42:35 PM
520 Views
Re: This. ~points at Larry's post~
- 29/03/2010 07:57:30 PM
925 Views
Um.
- 29/03/2010 08:00:54 PM
1076 Views
Re: Um.
- 29/03/2010 08:44:31 PM
878 Views
My question for you was on that one line that Larry responded to.
- 29/03/2010 08:46:26 PM
915 Views
She agrees with you about it not being racist - she had issues with your "crude" comment.
- 29/03/2010 08:59:44 PM
897 Views
I don't see it
- 22/03/2010 08:19:31 PM
940 Views
i'd say the actions in the commercial are more racist than the words
- 22/03/2010 10:00:02 PM
912 Views
It would not float here in the US
- 22/03/2010 10:07:08 PM
923 Views
Agreed.
- 23/03/2010 05:36:14 AM
1088 Views
Could you please expand on one point in your reasoning?
- 23/03/2010 07:20:31 AM
945 Views
It's not race specific music if it's enjoyed/performed/presented by various races.
- 23/03/2010 07:32:33 AM
1186 Views
MOBO
- 23/03/2010 10:20:22 AM
896 Views
The trouble lies in historical neuroses cooked in our melting pot, I think.
- 23/03/2010 11:29:06 AM
935 Views
Only if it's racist to mention the fact that different races exist. Which seems to be the US view.
- 23/03/2010 09:24:23 AM
914 Views
Agreed
- 23/03/2010 10:21:59 AM
948 Views
Some people are like that, yes, but at least it isn't the "accepted" media position. Yet. *NM*
- 23/03/2010 11:01:47 AM
480 Views
Not at all, the problem is when people seem to say something is exclusive to a given race.
- 23/03/2010 11:51:06 AM
1182 Views
I agree with some of what you say, but I think you're assuming more than is warranted.
- 23/03/2010 02:33:34 PM
873 Views