Sunday, April 17, 2005

Essay Twenty-Seven

MultiCultClassics presents Real Quotes from White Folks to Black Folks in The Ad Industry.*

During a job interview:

“…and, of course, we’re an equal opportunity employer…”

During a promotion of a Black woman:

“…I’ve hit the jackpot — two minorities in one!”

During a creative presentation:

“…if you’re willing to fall on your spears for this work…”

“…I was expecting to see much hipper ideas from your agency…”

“…do something music-driven — you’re good at that…”

“…I didn’t burn down South Central — you did!”

“…can you guarantee no one will be offended by this?”

“…I like it! It reminds me of that Eddie Murray movie…”

“…what’s Black about this concept?”

Responding to a casting selection:

“…he looks just like (fill-in-the-Black-celebrity)…”

Responding to a vendor recommendation:

“…I can’t believe you didn’t present a minority director…”

Responding to a set design:

“…it needs more Afrocentric touches…”

Responding to a radio spot:

“…she (the voiceover talent) doesn’t sound Black enough…”

Responding to a commercial rough cut:

“…I showed it to my housekeeper, and she loved it…”

Responding to a layout:

“…I showed it to my secretary, and she said…”

“…I showed it to people in the cafeteria, and they said…”

“…I showed it to the mailroom guy, and he said…”

In the hallways:

“…excuse me, are you the mailroom guy?”



*All quotes guaranteed authentic — or your money back!

[Special thanks to the many folks who generously contributed for this collection.]

2 comments:

on a lark said...

And the hits just keep on coming:

Meeting a new vendor for the first time:

"...oh,... you're black!"

During a manager's meeting:

"...Let's not sale ourselves up the river over this..."

During a vendor luncheon and you're the only minority present:

"...it was a nice neighborhood until the blacks moved in...but not someone like you..."

During a creative conference opening night party:

"...no one is dancing. Could you go out and 'git this partay started'?..."

I could go on...

inciquay said...

LMBAO!
I didn't realize that cafeteria workers, secretaries, housekeepers and mailroom clerks had so much clout. Then again Samuel L. did say that he gets his to vote for the academy awards so I guess I should have known better.

OMG! I get the "...oh,... you're black," line a lot!
It's fun to watch their stunned rection when you go to shake their hand.