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

Lets talk...

A friend sent this... and it's hilarious...

A stranger was seated next to a little black girl on the airplane when the stranger turned to her and said, “Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”

The little girl, who had just opened her coloring book, closed it slowly and said to the stranger, “What would you like to talk about?”

“Oh, I don't know,” said the stranger. “Since you are a Negro, do you think that So-called President Elect Barack Obama is qualified for the job?” and he smiles.

“OK”, she said. 'That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass -. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”

The stranger, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, “Hmmm, I have no idea.” To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss President Barack Obama... when you don't know sh*t?”

Support of Obama was dangerous for one man

According to this article, a man in London was shot simply for being an Obama supporter and wearing it on his chest... wearing an Obama t-shirt, that is. The perpetrator allegedly uttered racial slurs before firing the gun. Read about it here.

That's pretty sad and scary.

Only in America

I wonder if the two groups can come to an agreement...
Click here to read about the KKK store and the black church.

"I have several black people married into my family..."

"When asked if she was a racist, Redwine replied, No I am not, No I am not. I have several black people married into my family and I am not." That's worse than the usual I have black friends response. At least if the black friends comment is true, the people chose to have black friends. Here, this lady is saying there are black people in her family who she had no say in choosing to associate with... what?!?

The preceding quote is from an article about a small town mayor who allegedly made racist comments. Some of her constituents are calling for her to resign. Find the article here.