If you have a television, I'm sure you have seen this commercial for the Kia Soul. If you haven't seen it, or just want to refresh your memory, I have embedded it below.
While watching the television, I had an epiphany about Kia's marketing department, hamsters, and people who hate this Kia commercial.
Unfortunately, racism will always be a part of any society. In America, overt racism is generally rare (unless you're pumping gas in West Virginia). However, covert/latent racial attitudes remain alive and well.
In America, urban culture has become primarily associated with African-Americans. In producing/writing this commercial, Kia's marketing/commercial developer must have recognized that a large part of Kia's customer base are either urban or people who appreciate urban music and culture. The marketing writers probably selected Black Sheep's single The Choice Is Yours (Revisited), hired dancers, and choreographed an urban-themed commercial.
Then someone realized that too many Americans are disproportionately afraid of African-Americans. So they replaced African-Americans with hamsters. Because really? Who hates hamsters?
The idea is to keep the marketing appeal of urban culture, but not activate the latent prejudice many people maintain. Unfortunately, this means if you hate this commercial, the "sanitizing" didn't work for you.
Ergo, if you hate this commercial because of the hamsters, you hate black people!
Disclaimer: This was obviously tongue-in-cheek.
Showing posts with label video amusement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video amusement. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Pontiac: How to beat the problem of the Beetle and the Bug!
General Motor's employee motivational video from another era. NPR noted in their special on the NUMMI facility (when it was a GM-UAW "partnership"), union contract employees practically had to commit fraud to get fired. As a result, the employees drank on the job, had sex on the job, sabotaged vehicles to "get back" at management, and obviously aided the collapse of the American automotive industry.
Anyway - Pontiac tried to get their employees to show up at work, and uh do their jobs - by appealing to their nationalist sentiments. Obviously it did not work.
Anyway - Pontiac tried to get their employees to show up at work, and uh do their jobs - by appealing to their nationalist sentiments. Obviously it did not work.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Creative.
Main Entry: 1cre·a·tive
Pronunciation: \krē-ˈā-tiv, ˈkrē-ˌ\
Function: adjective
Date: 1678
1 : marked by the ability or power to create : given to creating
2 : having the quality of something created rather than imitated : imaginative
Link kindly provided by "Mike Tango."
Pronunciation: \krē-ˈā-tiv, ˈkrē-ˌ\
Function: adjective
Date: 1678
1 : marked by the ability or power to create : given to creating
2 : having the quality of something created rather than imitated : imaginative
Link kindly provided by "Mike Tango."
Monday, December 7, 2009
BMW pre-owned commercial.
I think the commercial is officially titled "Joyride," although I think "Dumb trophy wife" may be more appropriate.
Sadly... it also seems like the kid isn't making it to the NBA anytime soon.
Sadly... it also seems like the kid isn't making it to the NBA anytime soon.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
John Stewart is a genius.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Save the Tiger.
I'm still bored. So between job searching, doing chores, and playing games on the PlayStation, I made another video.
Save the Tiger.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Vladimir Putin drinks Dos Equis.
I was bored today, and after browsing for jobs, I decided to put together this little Dos Equis commercial spoof. After all, who can resist the Russian nationalist uber-masculine Prime Minister Vladimir Putin?
Stay thirsty my friends :p
Stay thirsty my friends :p
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Birther in Chief - Orly Taitz.
The birther movement is a strange one. Basically... it is a group of conspiracy theorists who believe that President Obama is not eligible to be POTUS because he does not satisfy the Article II, Section 5 requirements, which requires the President to be a natural born citizen.
One of the folks that has been getting a lot press time is Orly Taitz... who is sort of crazy. Basically she's a realtor, dental hygienist, and "lawyer" who has been filing silly lawsuits all over the place trying to challenge Obama's qualification to be POTUS. Each and every time she files a complaint about the issue, it is dismissed because she doesn't have standing.
She's also been filing lawsuits outside of jurisdictions where she is admitted to practice. Apparently, Orly didn't go to an ABA accredited law school, so... despite being admitted to the bar in California, can't really practice law anywhere but California.
For a glimpse of how crazy she is...
One of the folks that has been getting a lot press time is Orly Taitz... who is sort of crazy. Basically she's a realtor, dental hygienist, and "lawyer" who has been filing silly lawsuits all over the place trying to challenge Obama's qualification to be POTUS. Each and every time she files a complaint about the issue, it is dismissed because she doesn't have standing.
She's also been filing lawsuits outside of jurisdictions where she is admitted to practice. Apparently, Orly didn't go to an ABA accredited law school, so... despite being admitted to the bar in California, can't really practice law anywhere but California.
For a glimpse of how crazy she is...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Bar Exam (Day One) - The Beginning of the End.
After a long hiatus, I'm back! I can't express how much studying for the bar exam takes out of a person. It is like having a Dementor hovering over your head constantly sucking out your soul.
Today was the first day of the Pennsylvania bar examination. Day one consisted of six essay questions, and an additional performance test.
I thought I did ok? We'll see in October when they publish the results. As for now? I'm going to have a drink, relax, and maybe somewhat review for tomorrow's 200 multiple choice component.
For your entertainment? Free speech for morons!
Today was the first day of the Pennsylvania bar examination. Day one consisted of six essay questions, and an additional performance test.
I thought I did ok? We'll see in October when they publish the results. As for now? I'm going to have a drink, relax, and maybe somewhat review for tomorrow's 200 multiple choice component.
For your entertainment? Free speech for morons!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
1976 Swine Influenza Outbreak.
The following public service announcement was propagated in 1976 to encourage the US civilian population to get vaccinated for the swine influenza virus.
According to Wikipedia, in 1976, an army recruit at Fort Dix (New Jersey) died from swine flu. Trigger happy public health officials convinced President Ford that every person in the United States must be vaccinated for the disease.
A little less than 33% of the US population voluntarily received the vaccination. Pulmonary complications killed about 25 people, so the vaccine killed more people than the disease did.
I don't want to downplay the potential threat of global pandemics, but seriously? Take a chill pill people.
A little common sense can help mitigate the chances of diseases like the common cold from spreading.
If you feel ill - quarantine yourself, and stay away from other people.
Wash your hands before/after you go to the bathroom, eat, touch your mouth, rub your eyes, etc. Use a paper towel to open the doors because you can't trust other people to wash their hands. Or buy a N-95 mask and wear it.
The picture you see to the right was taken moments before my Constitutional law final exam during my 1L year. I pixelated the poor victim to my left to protect her identity, because after her picture was taken next to an East Asian with a mask, she was suspected to be infected with the SARS.
In reality? I was afflicted with the common cold, and didn't want to cough on the poor soul in front of me and infect other stressed out law students.
Now I realize I could have quarantined myself, but the idea of having to retake Constitutional law was too terrifying and horrific. I also realize that the mask was not approved as a N-95 respirator, but I had the right intentions (and I did reduce the chances of aerosol droplet contamination).
Or you can listen to Vice President Joe Biden, and protect yourself from swine flu by avoiding all centrally air conditioned closed spaces.
According to Wikipedia, in 1976, an army recruit at Fort Dix (New Jersey) died from swine flu. Trigger happy public health officials convinced President Ford that every person in the United States must be vaccinated for the disease.
A little less than 33% of the US population voluntarily received the vaccination. Pulmonary complications killed about 25 people, so the vaccine killed more people than the disease did.
I don't want to downplay the potential threat of global pandemics, but seriously? Take a chill pill people.
A little common sense can help mitigate the chances of diseases like the common cold from spreading.
If you feel ill - quarantine yourself, and stay away from other people.
Wash your hands before/after you go to the bathroom, eat, touch your mouth, rub your eyes, etc. Use a paper towel to open the doors because you can't trust other people to wash their hands. Or buy a N-95 mask and wear it.
The picture you see to the right was taken moments before my Constitutional law final exam during my 1L year. I pixelated the poor victim to my left to protect her identity, because after her picture was taken next to an East Asian with a mask, she was suspected to be infected with the SARS.
In reality? I was afflicted with the common cold, and didn't want to cough on the poor soul in front of me and infect other stressed out law students.
Now I realize I could have quarantined myself, but the idea of having to retake Constitutional law was too terrifying and horrific. I also realize that the mask was not approved as a N-95 respirator, but I had the right intentions (and I did reduce the chances of aerosol droplet contamination).
Or you can listen to Vice President Joe Biden, and protect yourself from swine flu by avoiding all centrally air conditioned closed spaces.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Car Ad with Andy Richter & James Adomian.
Unfortunately the final exams are approaching so I have not been able to drum up the necessary creativity to write anything new or amusing.
In the meantime - this will have to suffice.
In the meantime - this will have to suffice.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Drug Induced Indifference.
Aside from the fact that it binds to opioid receptors, I don't exactly know the pharmacology of vicodin. But after having taking it (with a legitimate prescription), I can't say I care.
It is potent stuff. I would describe its effect as... indifference. For the last two days, when the pain of the empty tooth socket was inconvenient or unbearable, I took the prescribed dosage. After approximately 15-30 minutes, I stopped caring.
Now... don't get me wrong, the drug induced indifference was not of the type that will cause me to refrain from dodging a wrench, but it was the type where there was a lack of motivation to do anything my rational brain did not not find... essential.
What is essential? Well it depends on the moment.
I had a seminar paper presentation yesterday, which I had thoroughly prepared for months earlier by researching/writing the paper, and specifically preparing for the presentation several days ahead of time.
The topic? The interpretation of price-delivery terms under the UN CISG.
Under normal circumstances, I would have been slightly to moderately nervous about the presentation. I was giving it before a class of people, including one of the most respected authority on the UN CISG.
I went to the classroom about 30 minutes before class was to begin, plugged in my computer and got the projector setup. I was not indifferent to the presentation - I wanted to do well, but for some reason, I was just completely indifferent the possibility that I could fail miserably and get laughed out of the classroom. I thought... well I've prepared for this, I am as ready as can be - why should I worry about it? What good will my worries do?
Once I regained my ability for reflection and introspection - I had an awakening!
The indifference allowed a level of unsurpassed rational focus on the present.
I suspect vicodin limits my ability to anticipate the future. This is obviously not good when person is operating a motor vehicle, but is quite helpful when the individual is in a controlled environment, where they are expected to execute a well-rehearsed plan/act.
What is the significance of this? Well... it is now my hypothesis that North Koreans are all high on vicodin.
Watch this video - nuff said.
It is potent stuff. I would describe its effect as... indifference. For the last two days, when the pain of the empty tooth socket was inconvenient or unbearable, I took the prescribed dosage. After approximately 15-30 minutes, I stopped caring.
Now... don't get me wrong, the drug induced indifference was not of the type that will cause me to refrain from dodging a wrench, but it was the type where there was a lack of motivation to do anything my rational brain did not not find... essential.
What is essential? Well it depends on the moment.
I had a seminar paper presentation yesterday, which I had thoroughly prepared for months earlier by researching/writing the paper, and specifically preparing for the presentation several days ahead of time.
The topic? The interpretation of price-delivery terms under the UN CISG.
Under normal circumstances, I would have been slightly to moderately nervous about the presentation. I was giving it before a class of people, including one of the most respected authority on the UN CISG.
I went to the classroom about 30 minutes before class was to begin, plugged in my computer and got the projector setup. I was not indifferent to the presentation - I wanted to do well, but for some reason, I was just completely indifferent the possibility that I could fail miserably and get laughed out of the classroom. I thought... well I've prepared for this, I am as ready as can be - why should I worry about it? What good will my worries do?
Once I regained my ability for reflection and introspection - I had an awakening!
The indifference allowed a level of unsurpassed rational focus on the present.
I suspect vicodin limits my ability to anticipate the future. This is obviously not good when person is operating a motor vehicle, but is quite helpful when the individual is in a controlled environment, where they are expected to execute a well-rehearsed plan/act.
What is the significance of this? Well... it is now my hypothesis that North Koreans are all high on vicodin.
Watch this video - nuff said.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Papa Bear vs. The Mustache.
Why can't Fox News always be this amusing?
Geraldo Rivera broke the Willowbrook State School scandal back in 1970s. Since then he has had some bad bad moments - but overall I'll say he owned Bill O'Reilly during this confrontation.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
1985 Isuzu Gemini.
The 1985 Isuzu Gemini was the last car ever designed by automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro for Isuzu. General Motors and Isuzu had an arrangement where Isuzu would produce cars under its own badge and also under GM's multiple brand names for the international market.
Apparently Isuzu presented the concept design to GM, and at GM's request, altered the design without consulting with Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro, a proud Italian who had previously worked on iconic cars like the original VW Golf Mk 1, the Maserati Bora, and countless supercars, was offended - and quit working with Isuzu (and disavowed having worked on the Gemini).
Isuzu subsequently generally dropped out of the regular passenger vehicle market and is now better known for its commercial truck business (I make no causal inferences between the departure of Giugiaro and the failure of Isuzu's passenger vehicle, but it is interesting).
In any case - Isuzu had a very cool commercial for the 1985 Gemini. They sure don't advertise cars like they use to.
Apparently Isuzu presented the concept design to GM, and at GM's request, altered the design without consulting with Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro, a proud Italian who had previously worked on iconic cars like the original VW Golf Mk 1, the Maserati Bora, and countless supercars, was offended - and quit working with Isuzu (and disavowed having worked on the Gemini).
Isuzu subsequently generally dropped out of the regular passenger vehicle market and is now better known for its commercial truck business (I make no causal inferences between the departure of Giugiaro and the failure of Isuzu's passenger vehicle, but it is interesting).
In any case - Isuzu had a very cool commercial for the 1985 Gemini. They sure don't advertise cars like they use to.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)