Not blatantly racist, but perhaps culturally insensitive

Several blogs (see below) have commented on midwest supermarket chain Rainbow's Black History Month tribute circular. The ad features some African-American history facts, and also some foods that are commonly stereotypically linked to African-Americans, like pork hocks, frying chicken and bologna - for images of the ad, visit one of the blogs below. Apparently a spokesperson for the parent company commented that the ad was in no way intended to offend anyone but instead to celebrate Black history and Black's contributions to the grocery industry. No, not the food, the factoids were grocery-related. I would agree that the intention likely was not to offend. But, perception and intention are often different, and in terms of public opinion, it's more often the perception that wins out.

I think this highlights a larger issue, of the need for diversity in the workplace. And an open work environment. No doubt Rainbow serves a diverse customer base. So why not have your employees reflect your audience (and I don't just mean by race, race is simply highlighted in this particular case). One blog notes that the company rep who gave a statement is African-American. But my question is was there a Black person sitting at the table when the decision was made to approve this advertisement? And is the work environment open enough so that one would feel comfortable speaking up and raising a red flag to say, "hey, not sure this is the direction we want to go and here's why..."?

Again, I don't doubt what the company rep said was accurate, the intention was not to offend. But, that doesn't mean no one was offended. (Yes, I know some people are easily offended and I am not talking about that small percentage) But, Racist? No, I don't think so. Culturally insensitive, I think yes. What do you think?

Here is some of the blog coverage we found: Brand Freak, Gawker, Black Voices