6920: Offending The Masses.

Insensitivity training in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) declared Sacha Baron Cohen’s new Bruno movie perpetuates negative stereotypes and “decreases the public’s comfort with gay people.” Universal Pictures insists the flick is a satire that “uses provocative comedy to powerfully shed light on the absurdity of many kinds of intolerance and ignorance, including homophobia.” Omnicom sees absolutely nothing wrong with the movie.

• Burger King made news a few times in the past days. An ad that ran in Spain featuring a Hindu goddess sitting upon a burger managed to offend Hindus. Then Burger King officials sought to persuade U.S. franchisees to adopt a value menu item by promising to tone down the advertising. Recent research showed the fast feeder’s cutting-edge campaigns haven’t translated to increased sales, but that doesn’t seem to dissuade them from pushing the envelope. Expect to see a Bruno Burger soon.

• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nixed a proposal for Congress to vote on honoring the late Michael Jackson. “What I have said to my colleagues over the years … is that there is opportunity on the floor of the House to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish,” said Pelosi. “A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views that are not necessary at this time.” The response is not surprising, as the government also never considered offering Jacko much-needed bailout money.