I’m Ghanaian and my first reaction when I saw this was to laugh. Yes the guy on the bike is a bit of a stretch but there are times when rolling blackouts occur. Even though Kumasi is a large city, blackouts do occur from time to time.
I am offended that you are harping on who you think are the PC police.
The fact that they portray the American fan as a guy in a bussiness suit skipping out on work is probably the biggest issue. It poses a stark contrast.
Kind of funny that the network that covered the Redskins and Sterling controversies so much would then basically play upon racial stereotypes in an ad.
I am so screwed, got scheduled for “training” at work on June 16. Going to take more than calling in sick to get out of this one.
I ducked out of a pd event four years ago and went to watch the US-Algeria game with a friend. I picked up a KFC bucket on my way back to the PD (it was a potluck lunch) and was the hero.
So my advice is obvious: KFC bucket on your return.
Got me some goosebumps. I’m beyond stoked. June 12 cannot get here soon enough.
I’m offended saying Americans are all males in suits, skipping out on work.
No you’re not.
The Mexicans are stealing electricity, the Japanese all hang out in sushi bars, English like their pubs, all Brazilians like bossa nova and grilled meats, and Russian women all yell at their men. w wrong forum for PC stuff. Relax.
Hahaha, wow they purchased this commercial at the cliche store!
Settle down everyone…It’s an awesome commercial.
Thank god Ireland didn’t qualify.
Apparently neither do the family in the Mexico bit either.
Having lived there other places in West Africa, there are PLENTY of places with electricity.
It does smack of stereotype, but only 60% of rural Ghana is on the electrical grid (thanks, Google), so it isn’t inaccurate.
Most stereotypes have some truth to them, but that does not make it acceptable to highlight them in, what is upposed to be, a ‘multicultural commercial.’ I still liked the commericial, but I certainly felt weird watching it and have to wonder if some non-americans would find it offensive.
Like the stereotype that most Everton fans have whores as mothers.
Damn. That escalated quickly.
Too funny!
I am offended that they let an Iranian WOMAN drive a car!
I love that you are asking if this is offensive. Should I be offended? Is there some downtrodden group here being made fun of that I can defend and feel superior?
I actually came here to post about the same thing. I was in a far more rural area of Ghana during the Confed Cup in 2009, and I watched it all without a problem. Kumasi ain’t rural Ghana. It’s the largest city in one of the most developed and stable African countries. There’s no shortage of electricity there. Ghanaians probably won’t be happy about that one.
To that end, Brazil is not unanimously enamored with World Cup ’14 – not by a long shot. The idea that every favela-dweller will be stoked and cooking sausages on his shanty rooftop terrace is a farce. The protests are well documented.
But that isn’t the point. ESPN tried to sum up mankind’s love of, and dedication to, the World Cup in a one-minute commercial. If we deconstruct every scene, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about and yet completely miss the point.
The image was of one small saloon in the largest city in Ghana.
Maybe the offensive part is stereotyping an entire block, or neighborhood, or city, or country based on imagery by an advertising agency from Portland, Oregon, showing one small saloon.
Surely if someone is conscious and sensitive enough to pre-emptively sniff offensiveness where it may not actually exist, they’re also conscious and sensitive enough to tell the difference between an advertisement and a documentary.
Donovan, Goodson, Parkhurst, Evans. JK is the 1 supreme NT coach in this country. He shall not be doubted or up for deceit. He will lead us to the Semi’s in a most glorious manner. Have faith my brothers n sisters. The former is washed up and the other 3 had no chance in Brazil other than being water boys.
I’m Ghanaian and my first reaction when I saw this was to laugh. Yes the guy on the bike is a bit of a stretch but there are times when rolling blackouts occur. Even though Kumasi is a large city, blackouts do occur from time to time.
Yay I made a point and made you guys all think
Yippie
Vote against PUTIN
“Bravo.”
Didnt know people were oh so sensitive
Welcome to 2014. Our skin has been replaced with translucent tissue paper. Be very careful.
For the US, should have shown Donovan on his couch, giving a “salute” to JK. Would have been appropriate.
Yes, the stereotypes in this commercial ARE offensive.
I am offended that you are offended.
I am offended that you are harping on who you think are the PC police.
The fact that they portray the American fan as a guy in a bussiness suit skipping out on work is probably the biggest issue. It poses a stark contrast.
And he is “White”
Did it show his face? he could have been asian, persian, hispanic. All I saw was hair and a suit.
Don’t tell me what is offensive to me.
+1
+1
Agreed.
Kind of funny that the network that covered the Redskins and Sterling controversies so much would then basically play upon racial stereotypes in an ad.
I am so screwed, got scheduled for “training” at work on June 16. Going to take more than calling in sick to get out of this one.
Ladies and gentlemen… Lunch will be from 3-5 PM today…
🙂
I ducked out of a pd event four years ago and went to watch the US-Algeria game with a friend. I picked up a KFC bucket on my way back to the PD (it was a potluck lunch) and was the hero.
So my advice is obvious: KFC bucket on your return.
Got me some goosebumps. I’m beyond stoked. June 12 cannot get here soon enough.
That was all kinds of awesome.
Perfect commericial.
Is this offensive? Saying there is no electricity in Ghana?
here come the PC police… and being someone that has been there… plenty of places have no electricity..
I’m offended saying Americans are all males in suits, skipping out on work.
No you’re not.
The Mexicans are stealing electricity, the Japanese all hang out in sushi bars, English like their pubs, all Brazilians like bossa nova and grilled meats, and Russian women all yell at their men. w wrong forum for PC stuff. Relax.
Hahaha, wow they purchased this commercial at the cliche store!
Settle down everyone…It’s an awesome commercial.
Thank god Ireland didn’t qualify.
Apparently neither do the family in the Mexico bit either.
Having lived there other places in West Africa, there are PLENTY of places with electricity.
It does smack of stereotype, but only 60% of rural Ghana is on the electrical grid (thanks, Google), so it isn’t inaccurate.
Most stereotypes have some truth to them, but that does not make it acceptable to highlight them in, what is upposed to be, a ‘multicultural commercial.’ I still liked the commericial, but I certainly felt weird watching it and have to wonder if some non-americans would find it offensive.
Like the stereotype that most Everton fans have whores as mothers.
Damn. That escalated quickly.
Too funny!
I am offended that they let an Iranian WOMAN drive a car!
I love that you are asking if this is offensive. Should I be offended? Is there some downtrodden group here being made fun of that I can defend and feel superior?
That Seattle guy made me smile, because that would be me… if I hadn’t taken the month off.
Yeah, they nailed Seattle.
I also thought this commerical was perhaps a little offensive–it seems to rely on a lot on stereotypes. Still enjoyed it though.
I actually came here to post about the same thing. I was in a far more rural area of Ghana during the Confed Cup in 2009, and I watched it all without a problem. Kumasi ain’t rural Ghana. It’s the largest city in one of the most developed and stable African countries. There’s no shortage of electricity there. Ghanaians probably won’t be happy about that one.
I honestly doubt any of them will even care
Yeah, prior to the TVA dams a lot of folks in the South didn’t have electricity!
Well, yes, that was the 1930s/1940’s.
To that end, Brazil is not unanimously enamored with World Cup ’14 – not by a long shot. The idea that every favela-dweller will be stoked and cooking sausages on his shanty rooftop terrace is a farce. The protests are well documented.
But that isn’t the point. ESPN tried to sum up mankind’s love of, and dedication to, the World Cup in a one-minute commercial. If we deconstruct every scene, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about and yet completely miss the point.
The image was of one small saloon in the largest city in Ghana.
Maybe the offensive part is stereotyping an entire block, or neighborhood, or city, or country based on imagery by an advertising agency from Portland, Oregon, showing one small saloon.
Surely if someone is conscious and sensitive enough to pre-emptively sniff offensiveness where it may not actually exist, they’re also conscious and sensitive enough to tell the difference between an advertisement and a documentary.
No is not offensive. .. actually is ironic because there are constant lights off for a country that is a major producer of electricity
O/T but off with their heads.
Donovan, Goodson, Parkhurst, Evans. JK is the 1 supreme NT coach in this country. He shall not be doubted or up for deceit. He will lead us to the Semi’s in a most glorious manner. Have faith my brothers n sisters. The former is washed up and the other 3 had no chance in Brazil other than being water boys.
Wow! your reading alot into a commercial
Hehe, kinda cool tag line.
Awesome, last part is the best!