Another example of racism in the media

So as I was watching some more TV during one of my study breaks ;), there was a commercial that automatically made me perk up. It was a Popeye's chicken commercial promoting one of their limited time specials. The commercial itself was not what made me stop and think, it was the painfully obvious stereotype of Blacks liking fried chicken that made me cringe.

Before I talk more about my feelings towards this commercial, let me explain how this commercial viewing ties back to our class. Remember way back when we talked about stereotypes? Well, that is exactly how this ties back. We talked back then about how stereotypes were not always bad, and how they can actually be of good use. This, however, is no good stereotype in any way shape or form. The only way that this example of a stereotype could be put to use is to further the progression of racism within our society.

Now I will continue my explanation of my feelings towards the commercial. The commercial showed not only the idea that Blacks liked eating fried chicken, but that their attitude was consistent with the character in the commercial. Sassy in attitude, and not willing to pay a lot for more food, the character of the commercial disgusts me. Also implied in the commercial was that people like her eat in places like Popeye's, furthering the stereotype that Black people are poor and only eat fast food.

In contrast to these Popeye commercials, however, the commercials for Kentucky Fried Chicken are quite racially equal, with the equal number of appearances by both Blacks and Whites. Now take some advice from your competition Popeye's.