Essay 183

Once again, a recent fiasco confirmed the exclusivity that continues to plague advertising, spotlighting the industry’s dark side. Actually, dark side may be an inappropriate term, as the problem is rooted in whiteness — specifically, White male dominance.

A Night with Neil French took a nightmarish detour when the Worldwide Creative Director of WPP spewed his Cro-Magnon perspectives on women in the creative department. The specifics of his slurs can be viewed elsewhere. And even purchased on DVD for a mere $29.29 + shipping and handling. MultiCultClassics visitors are encouraged to spend their money more wisely — like making additional contributions to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts — versus supporting endeavors promoting hateful discrimination.

The first major rebuttal came via an essay by Nancy Vonk. The Co-Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Toronto typed a gripe that included drawing parallels between sexism and racism. Plus, Vonk admitted being intimately familiar with French’s chauvinistic tendencies. In other words, Vonk has submissively permitted French to freely expose his biased behavior. Vonk’s controversial rant can also be viewed elsewhere (see Essay 179). Subsequent comments posted on various blogs reflected the cluelessness — and even mean-spirited ignorance — so prevalent in our business.

The arguments for or against French and Vonk are almost irrelevant. What really sucks is the lack of responses from the industry’s top brass. As customary, our alleged leaders turn blind eyes, deaf ears and assorted impaired sensory organs to the ugly realities. Better to focus on more pressing issues, like seeking alternative sources of revenue and falsifying client billings.

If public or political figures exhibited French-like attitudes, they would face immediate reprimands and condemnations. Hell, if executives at the numerous corporations WPP services uttered such primitive opinions, they would face instant terminations. But in the advertising industry, there are no rules against the stuff that the rest of our civilized culture deems unacceptable. Where others show zero tolerance, this business displays 100% indifference.

The ability to write a clever headline will always negate any offenses committed on society. In fact, it will win you a “Worldwide” title and the authority to be a jackass.