5091: Nooses And Nosedives.

A Midweek MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission saw a 24 percent increase in cases involving racial harassment last year—jumping from 5,646 in 2006 to 6,977 in 2007. Plus, there’s been rise in incidents with nooses. “Nooses are more prevalent,” said EEOC chair Naomi Earp. “The noose has replaced the N-word … as the choice if you want to threaten or intimidate someone.” Perhaps it’s just another indicator of the advertising industry’s inability to progress with the times, but Madison Avenue appears content still using the N-word and other standard discriminatory tactics.

• Macy’s announced plans to fire 2,300 employees. “Improving sales and earnings performance requires innovation in engaging our customer more effectively in every store, as well as reducing total costs,” said Macy’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We believe the right answer is to reallocate our resources to place more emphasis and talent at the local market level to differentiate Macy’s stores, serve customers and drive business.” OK, Mr. Corporate Speak, but this initial move just cost the store at least 2,300 customers.