Dunkin' Donuts apologises for 'bizarre and racist' Thai advert

[malaise]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/30/dunkin-donuts-racist-thai-advert-blackface
<snip>
Dunkin' Donuts has apologised after it ran an advertisement in Thailand featuring a woman in "blackface" make-up. The advert, which was used to promote the donut giant's "charcoal donut", was called "bizarre and racist" by a leading human rights group.

Dunkin' Donuts chief executive in Thailand defended the campaign, but a spokesman for Dunkin' Brands told the Guardian on Friday it would immediately pull a planned television spot featuring the imagery.

"Dunkin' Donuts recognizes the insensitivity of this spot and on behalf of our Thailand franchisee and our company, we apologize for any offense it caused," Karen Raskopf, chief communications officer for Dunkin' Brands, said in a statement provided to the Guardian. "We are working with our franchisee to immediately pull the television spot and to change the campaign."

The advert caused consternation on Friday morning, after Human Rights Watch said it would cause "howls of outrage" if it ran in the US.

[shenmue]

1. Wow

Yipes.

[KittyWampus]

2. WAY too editorial for Dunkin Donuts. Looks like they were going for Vogue Fashion.

Edit- and of course it flopped. It's advertisement first and foremost. Not art.

[valerief]

3. As I understand it, blackface was never the offense. **Blackface sterotypes** were.

I don't see this as a blackface stereotype. To me, finding this offensive is like finding being black offensive. Anything that makes being black offensive, I find offensive.

Of course, a charcoal donut is bizarre. Who the hell would want to eat charcoal?

I realize this post will probably be hidden, but I won't understand why.

I find most political correctness to benefit the Right Wing by shutting down conversation about issues or diverting issues.

BTW, I avoid Dunkin Donuts at all costs, because of its owners. I've avoided it since the Carlyle Group bought it. I think everyone should avoid Dunkin Donuts.

[malaise]

4. I thought it was owned by Bain

as in Rmoney.

[valerief]

5. You're right. They both own it. nt

[reformist2]

6. Controversy aside, a 'charcoal' donut sounds awful!