Essay 1256

Calling out nonsense in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Senate race in Tennessee turned ugly with a Republican-backed commercial attacking Representative Harold E. Ford Jr., a Black Democratic candidate. The commercial presents mock man-on-the-street interviews, with folks making snarky comments about Ford. The spot closes with a White woman claiming that she met Ford at a “Playboy party,” who then winks and says, “Harold, call me.” Critics charge the message plays off racial stereotypes. Mark Foley probably doesn’t see a problem with it.

• American Greetings is teaming up with Johnson Publications to create a line of greeting cards to launch during Black History Month. The cards will feature classic covers from Ebony magazine, along with inspirational copy. No word yet if Oprah will create a series of cards featuring O magazine covers.

• The investigation surrounding a threatening letter sent to California Hispanic residents about the upcoming elections (see Essay 1228) has led to accusing an LAPD officer of being involved. And you wonder why the LAPD is struggling with diversity in its ranks (see Essay 1253).

• Sony’s profit dropped 94 percent for the July-September quarter, thanks mostly to the worldwide battery recall. The Energizer Bunny vehemently denied any involvement.