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Microsoft Apologizes for Offensive (and Botched) Photoshop Job
MSNBC is reporting that Microsoft has now apologized for the racially insensitive and incredibly awkward switch (particularly awkward since they didn't alter the color of the man's hand). In a statement, spokesperson Lou Gellos said, "We are looking into the details of this situation. We apologize and are in the process of pulling down the image." Hopefully, even though the Photoshop job is offensive, Microsoft won't pull the ridiculous thing down too soon (check it out after the break). It's inspiring some seriously hilarious commentary. [From: MSNBC]
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Comments
29
Subscribe to commentsReneeAug 27th 2009 5:56AM
#12-I never noticed the color of the skin of Collin Powell, or that Condoleezza Rice was a woman who happens to be black.
This statement makes the argument for cultural competence training needed worldwide. My friend-I'm sure that your intentions were benign, however NOT seeing my color is far more offensive than seeing my color and culture but respecting and valuing me for both.
LeoAug 28th 2009 8:03AM
I'm glad to see that people are getting worked up over this issue, considering it's going to be a complete non-issue in Europe. I lived in Europe for 12 years and while they're more culturally open than Americans, nothing is going to change the fact that seeing someone who is not white in an office environment is a rarity. While it may be a poor photoshop job, noone can fault them for what they did, targetting an advertisement for the intended audience.
jamkam123Aug 27th 2009 10:38AM
This isn't racism -- it's just a business decision. Microsoft realizes that the black population in Poland is minimal, and the audience they hope to reach through their ad can better relate to the white man in the picture.
We see this all the time in America. McDonald's has commercials with actors of various races that they run on shows McDonald's believes will be viewed by an audience of various races. Yet McDonald's runs ads with black actors on networks like BET that they believe a predominatly black audience can better relate to. It's called targetting your audience, and I see nothing wrong with it.
ArthurAug 27th 2009 11:36AM
(I seem to be having trouble posting here today)
richard.walkus
I think the Microsoft folks made the same mistake you are making by citing pure statistics. Statistics have value. But they can, as is the case with your assertions, misleading and not give a full or even accurate picture.
There many foreign firms in Poland employing international personnel.
One of the star soccer players is a naturalized Kenyan. A major radio/tv personality is Guinean.
In many street markets you will see people of non-European origins selling their goods.
The ethnic restaurants are owned and operated by non-Europeans - Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.
There is at least one pop singer who is of mixed ethnic heritage.
Many of the African and Middle Eastern medical students remain in Poland to do fellowships in teaching hospitals or work in the Medical Emergency Services system.
An average Pole IS likely to see a non-Caucasian in their daily activities.
JasAug 27th 2009 12:05PM
Those non-Poles living in Poland are so marginalized it is unreal, just like gays or any other minorities in Poland. Yes, things are getting better, but never once have I seen first hand so much racism and homophobia in once place. Read the press when it comes to these things, or better yet, live in Poland if you aren't Polish and find out for yourselves.
jshaun29Aug 27th 2009 11:13AM
Renee, in all reality....who gives a ratt's arse what color you are. If you feel offended by someone not seeing color.... then its you that has the problem, and it is you who is racist .
Normal people w/ a sense of reality get a big chuckle out of irrational people like you who create conflict when it doesn't exist........
ArthurAug 27th 2009 11:39AM
I seem to recall what George Carlin said about "happens to be".
Paraphrasing: "Your mom is black, your dad is black. They had sex. Now you're black. Surprise."
Why do we have to marginalize something that is a natural part of people's identity?
SandyAug 27th 2009 1:38PM
I find it a little sad and a lot hilarious when people fall all over themselves pretending that everyone is the same. Here's a classic example from above: "I never noticed the color of the skin of Collin Powell... who happens to be black." Huh?! Are you sure about that?!
Newsflash: Everyone else is different than you. You will even notice, if you care to look around, that some are very different than you. Don't worry, it's OKAY to notice that. It's ridiculous to pretend you don't. Like men and women, the races are EQUAL but DIFFERENT. Try ENJOYING those differences instead of pretending they aren't there. Most people seem readily able to enjoy some of the differences between men and women, but how often do you see people enjoying the differences between races?
Imagine a world where we noticed our differences with child-like curiosity, celebrated them, investigated them, and optimized them for the mutual benefit of mankind.
Sandy
mabin_rajaOct 1st 2009 9:08AM
i have worked with photoshop about 6 years . so i think that i can do this kind of job