A Volkswagen Super Bowl ad has attracted all the wrong kind of attention with accusations the spot is perpetuating racist stereotypes of Jamaicans.
The ad depicts a Caucasian officer worker speaking with a Jamaican accent and behaving in a happy and carefree manner while others around him appear more morose. A band of his colleagues speak with the same accent by the end of the ad. A New York Times columnist characterised the ad as “blackface with voices”.
The spot, 'Get In Be Happy', is for the Volkswagen Beetle and is slated to run during the Super Bowl on Sunday (US time).
Do you think the ad is racist? Vote below.
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at wenleima@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.