Is The Portrayal Of African-Americans By Sony Offensive?

Hell if anything it's impressive. It's a young black kid that was smart enough to nail a job at Sony.

I am offended by the term african-american, not by Sony's add or adds.

Never been to Africa and never plan on going. I am an American anything else to me is an insult. If I am white and from Africa wouldn't that make me African-American?

kuu2

its most likely to do with your heritage and the fact the terms stuck that people use African American.But things like that dont exist all we got is scots,english,welsh and irish here really xD.

I really don't see why the image posted by sidhu on page 1 is supposedly racist.

Any politically correct caucasian out there care to elaborate?

I'm black and don't see what's wrong...

mitu123

^That

I'm black and don't see what's wrong...

mitu123

Here's a couple of Sony commercials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoY3LRGscmQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9xUQ-FkvHY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGVFA-PGXPo

People who bring up trivial stuff like this are the ones looking for race, and that tells me all I need to know about them.

Chutebox

Good point. The kid in that video was just normal anyway, nothing over exaggerated about his behavior. I would think if you found this offensive, you'd be offended all the time by people you meet on a day to day basis, and that means there's something wrong with you, not them.

I don't see the problem with any companies tailoring to a specific market/group which often consequently portrays the market group in a specific way like in the case of McDonalds. If folks would open their mind to more than just race or nationality, they would notice that stereotype comes in many form in today's media. Take for example teens and how they're portrayed in the media.

racist people see racist implicationstastetheacidmil

I don't even think the image siddhu posted is offensive. musicalmac

^ I remember that ad siddhu:lol:!

As for this article from "Techvoo", I think the author is def. ignorant. The new PSP ad campaign starring "Marcus" (who's a young, charismatic actor who only represents a portion of his generation) isn't racist or insensitive either.

---

"First and foremost, why does Marcus dress like he's from an upper-cIass family yet talk like he was educated in a ghetto?"

• WTF? This comment shows that the author is truly disconnected to the current "hip-hop generation" culture. The wardrobeworn by those who live this lifestyIe is a varied one that ranges from tight jeans and t-shirts to baggy shorts holstered by belts. Yes, belts. Also sweaters and hats are worn.
• I'm black-American, listen to hip-hop (amongst other music), and was mostly raised in the suburbs. I talk with slang and I pronounce my words clearly when I want to. Sometimes, if I'm talking to a brother or close friend, you may not even understand what the hell I'm saying. I also dress according to what I think is fashionable in my eyes, not what the environment believes is appropriate.

"If not let me make my second point. Why was it so important that he speak the way he does?"

• I'll be one to point out the generalizations and outmoded caricatures of peoples in a heart-beat. But, if you're familiar with who this young actor is, that's how he talks. Also, him utilizing such a vocabulary / dialect doesn't represent all of the people his age, color, or who share his lifestyIe.

"...but I'm aggravated enough with kids on the streets talking like this. The last thing I need is one preaching to me about games in such an annoying manner."

• What's wrong with such a "manner"? I tend to like diversity, but not simply for the sake of doing so. I'll tell you this, from my experience, this new PSP ad campaign is a hit with my younger bros. They find it amusing and fun. "Haha, Marcus, PSP" is what I heard one time after the commercial ended.

---

So, in ending, "Is the Portrayal of White Men (Kevin Butler) by Sony Offensive?" I think not.

Episode_Eve

I wasn't aware I should be offended. It was a crappy ad, not an offensive one. He didn't pull a gun and eat fried chicken while playing his PSP did he? Man, people are really stupid sometimes.

People who bring up trivial stuff like this are the ones looking for race, and that tells me all I need to know about them.

Chutebox

Im with you on that. I didnt even think anything of the commercial, especially not in the way TC described

I wasn't aware I should be offended. It was a crappy ad, not an offensive one. He didn't pull a gun and eat fried chicken while playing his PSP did he? Man, people are really stupid sometimes.

ActicEdge

^ I remember that ad siddhu:lol:!

As for this article from "Techvoo", I think the author is def. ignorant. The new PSP ad campaign starring "Marcus" (who's a young, charismatic actor who only represents a portion of his generation) isn't racist or insensitive either.

---

"First and foremost, why does Marcus dress like he's from an upper-cIass family yet talk like he was educated in a ghetto?"

• WTF? This comment shows that the author is truly disconnected to the current "hip-hop generation" culture. The wardrobeworn by those who live this lifestyIe is a varied one that ranges from tight jeans and t-shirts to baggy shorts holstered by belts. Yes, belts. Also sweaters and hats are worn.
• I'm black-American, listen to hip-hop (amongst other music), and was mostly raised in the suburbs. I talk with slang and I pronounce my words clearly when I want to. Sometimes, if I'm talking to a brother or close friend, you may not even understand what the hell I'm saying. I also dress according to what I think is fashionable in my eyes, not what the environment believes is appropriate.

"If not let me make my second point. Why was it so important that he speak the way he does?"

• I'll be one to point out the generalizations and outmoded caricatures of peoples in a heart-beat. But, if you're familiar with who this young actor is, that's how he talks. Also, him utilizing such a vocabulary / dialect doesn't represent all of the people his age, color, or who share his lifestyIe.

"...but I'm aggravated enough with kids on the streets talking like this. The last thing I need is one preaching to me about games in such an annoying manner."

• What's wrong with such a "manner"? I tend to like diversity, but not simply for the sake of doing so. I'll tell you this, from my experience, this new PSP ad campaign is a hit with my younger bros. They find it amusing and fun. "Haha, Marcus, PSP" is what I heard one time after the commercial ended.

---

So, in ending, "Is the Portrayal of White Men (Kevin Butler) by Sony Offensive?" I think not.

Episode_Eve

I agree with this except i'd hardly call marcus "a young, charismatic actor"

It's pretty obvious the author is sheltered

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I wasn't aware I should be offended. It was a crappy ad, not an offensive one. He didn't pull a gun and eat fried chicken while playing his PSP did he? Man, people are really stupid sometimes.

TREAL_Since

That commercial would have been epic! :lol:

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I wasn't aware I should be offended. It was a crappy ad, not an offensive one. He didn't pull a gun and eat fried chicken while playing his PSP did he? Man, people are really stupid sometimes.

TREAL_Since

People who bring up trivial stuff like this are the ones looking for race, and that tells me all I need to know about them.

Chutebox

In todays society is fine to attack white ppl but the moment a non offense black boy shows up on tv to advertise a psp its offensive ?

I'm black, so I suppose if it were to offend someone it would be me. I haven't been offended.

I agree with this except i'd hardly call marcus"a young, charismatic actor"

It's pretty obvious the author is sheltered

iBear-

This reminds me of a thread made a while ago of Nintendo being racist because Beyonce was using a black DSi in one of their ads

[QUOTE="iBear-"]

I agree with this except i'd hardly call marcus"a young, charismatic actor"

It's pretty obvious the author is sheltered

Episode_Eve

had no idea he did that much wow

This reminds me of a thread made a while ago of Nintendo being racist because Beyonce was using a black DSi in one of their ads

Solid_Link22

LOL

People like to look for racism when there is none there

Well that Marcus kid is Little Tupac.

Not in this ad.

But in this:

siddhu33

Wow that's bad. Nobody in their marketing department thought people would get offended by this?

I bet N'Gai Croal thinks its racist.

He's one of the RE5 guys.

offensive? no

annoying? yes

Well that Marcus kid is Little Tupac.

gago-gago

Not with the ad campaign, no I don't see anything in particularly (overly) wrong with it,

BUT with the ad (billboard or whatever) for the new PSP (white), yes I do see something wrong with it. Entirely.

The use of color denoting dominance over ones race and its clearly on purpose only to gather enough attention. I can't determine if there noth females, but if they are thats an even bigger shocker. Overall, this ad has nothing to actually do with gaming first and foremost. Just like those Tom Ford advertisements that just place the product in "places".

That being said, I am black and I am an African American scholar (minor) which focus is actually on media portrayals or race and gender, so this stuff just sticks out to me only after studying it foreve and thanks to the poster. Now I have something to analyze for the new semester :)

Oh and the fact that some posters don't see anything wrong with it just kind of shocks me alittle.:?

Not in this ad.

But in this:

siddhu33

[QUOTE="siddhu33"]

Not in this ad.

But in this:

Munasha

I think it might be too. We would have heard of some kind of controversy by now...

[QUOTE="siddhu33"]

Not in this ad.

But in this:

Munasha

[QUOTE="Munasha"][QUOTE="siddhu33"]

Not in this ad.

But in this:

TheMightyHoov

I think it might be too. We would have heard of some kind of controversy by now...

Not with the ad campaign, no I don't see anything in particularly (overly) wrong with it,

BUT with the ad (billboard or whatever) for the new PSP (white), yes I do see something wrong with it. Entirely.

The use of color denoting dominance over ones race and its clearly on purpose only to gather enough attention. I can't determine if there noth females, but if they are thats an even bigger shocker. Overall, this ad has nothing to actually do with gaming first and foremost. Just like those Tom Ford advertisements that just place the product in "places".

That being said, I am black and I am an African American scholar (minor) which focus is actually on media portrayals or race and gender, so this stuff just sticks out to me only after studying it foreve and thanks to the poster. Now I have something to analyze for the new semester :)

Oh and the fact that some posters don't see anything wrong with it just kind of shocks me alittle.:?

hayato_

You and Episode_Eve have the best posts in this thread. Thank you.

[QUOTE="TheMightyHoov"]

[QUOTE="Munasha"] This has to be fake.....this ad doesn't even make senseFoliage-King

I think it might be too. We would have heard of some kind of controversy by now...

I dont recall the controversy but ok :P

There's nothing racist or even stereotypical with those ads, well not that i can see. :?

As Brad Shoemaker from the Giant Bombcast put it, "He acts just like group of 30 year old white men would imagine he would act."

PSP advertising has been riddled with racial controversies. Don't forget the PSP Squirrels.

[QUOTE="hayato_"]

Not with the ad campaign, no I don't see anything in particularly (overly) wrong with it,

BUT with the ad (billboard or whatever) for the new PSP (white), yes I do see something wrong with it. Entirely.

The use of color denoting dominance over ones race and its clearly on purpose only to gather enough attention. I can't determine if there noth females, but if they are thats an even bigger shocker. Overall, this ad has nothing to actually do with gaming first and foremost. Just like those Tom Ford advertisements that just place the product in "places".

That being said, I am black and I am an African American scholar (minor) which focus is actually on media portrayals or race and gender, so this stuff just sticks out to me only after studying it foreve and thanks to the poster. Now I have something to analyze for the new semester :)

Oh and the fact that some posters don't see anything wrong with it just kind of shocks me alittle.:?

TREAL_Since

[QUOTE="TREAL_Since"][QUOTE="hayato_"]

Not with the ad campaign, no I don't see anything in particularly (overly) wrong with it,

BUT with the ad (billboard or whatever) for the new PSP (white), yes I do see something wrong with it. Entirely.

The use of color denoting dominance over ones race and its clearly on purpose only to gather enough attention. I can't determine if there noth females, but if they are thats an even bigger shocker. Overall, this ad has nothing to actually do with gaming first and foremost. Just like those Tom Ford advertisements that just place the product in "places".

That being said, I am black and I am an African American scholar (minor) which focus is actually on media portrayals or race and gender, so this stuff just sticks out to me only after studying it foreve and thanks to the poster. Now I have something to analyze for the new semester :)

Oh and the fact that some posters don't see anything wrong with it just kind of shocks me alittle.:?

Javy03

Agreed, a better way to do it would've been to show the Black "PSP" welcoming the White "PSP" maybe with a "come hither" jesture.

Agreed, a better way to do it would've been to show the Black "PSP" welcoming the White "PSP" maybe with a "come hither" jesture.

Snugenz

[QUOTE="Snugenz"]

Agreed, a better way to do it would've been to show the Black "PSP" welcoming the White "PSP" maybe with a "come hither" jesture.

Javy03

I can picture that actually and yeah that would've been alot better. :D