en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/1144067 Comments by jefflion http://godheval.net/marketing-the-blackwhite-dichotomy/#IDComment77021267 I am confused. I don&#039;t understand this commercial. <i>While I have zero doubts about what this commercial is saying</i> I don&#039;t have a clue. WHAT is this commercial saying? Maybe that&#039;s because I&#039;m not an American, so that&#039;s why I don&#039;t get it. All I see are people trying to imitate certain rap videos, and failing. Now, cultural appropriation. While I do believe any cultural phenomenon, including art, is deconstructable, and while I do like to see somethign deconstructed or explored in a new context and with a new meaning, I don&#039;t think that&#039;s what they did here. Since it&#039;s a commercial and not an attempt of a social commentary or a discussion, I&#039;d say all they wanted is to sell Toyota to white people. Why did they have to use offensive and stereotypical images of white people&#039;s usual idea of black people? Why did they disrespect African Americans and their art? I have no idea. PS-There are many rappers in my country (all white, of course), but I must admit I never saw them as an offense to black Americans and their culture. I guess I saw them the same way I see any other local musician performing an American form of music (same goes for rock). Tue, 25 May 2010 09:29:24 +0000 http://godheval.net/marketing-the-blackwhite-dichotomy/#IDComment77021267