So ever since we posted about that new Ashton Kutcher dating video on Wednesday, people have been up in arms about one particular character that Ashton spoofs in the vid.
In the ad Ashton plays "Raj," a Hollywood producer complete with brownface makeup and a heavy Indian accent. This didn't sit well with Indian-Americans and was pulled from the Popchips website.
One criticism came from entrepreneur Anil Dash who said:
"I can't imagine I have to explain this to anyone in 2012, but if you find yourself putting brown makeup on a white person in 2012 so they can do a bad 'funny' accent in order to sell potato chips, you are on the wrong course," he wrote on his website.
The company's CEO posted this message:
"We received a lot feedback about the dating campaign parody we launched today and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their point of view. Our team worked hard to create a light-hearted parody featuring a variety of characters that was meant to provide a few laughs. We did not intend to offend anyone. I take full responsibility and apologize to anyone we offended."
What do you think of the ad? Was it harmful or just playful?
[NY Times]
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