Who doesn’t love fried chicken? And if we talk like a southern Alabama truck driver to friends, but like an executive to the boss – are we affecting a new dialect in order to assimilate for an advantage, or is it just as the saying goes “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Either way, from heads of state in the US to the most unlikely ad for KFC in Austrailia, Race is still a hot topic that when discussed can feel like pressing a “fire” button launching a nuclear weapon. And it feels a bit passe in 2010 (not to trivialize the issue of racisim), but to think that a perception of a stereotype can have a specific ethnic group in an uproar – really makes the election of a black president seem like it had no effect on the public’s ability to deal with race relations. Unfortunately it seems we’re not there just yet. Black Americans have voiced opinions on the recent statements by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that President Obama’s “lack of negro dialect and light skin” assited him in becoming commander and chief, while KFC’s Austrailian West Indian Cricket match commercial depicted an energetic group of spectators becoming very complacent once presented with the Colonels fried chicken. Are these missteps in judgement, lack of sensitivity, blatant racist posturing, or just long held perceptions and beliefs. Whichever combination, the fact remains that stereotypes do not necessarily equal actual discrimination and prejudice, but our actions after encountering one do. Was KFC wrong for the ad, yes if they didn’t think the ad would have the same effect if a group of non ethnic spectators were used and specifically used blacks to reinforce the message. Should Harry Reid resign from office, not necessarily – a public apology for the years he spent not realizing that Blacks are no longer called negroes and do not take well to the implications and derogatory nature of the term would be expected. But, being fired for using a term that has been entrenched in his view of the world for years isn’t necessarily the solution to racism or elimination of long held stereotypes. In fact for the “offended”; if someone doesnt want to be perceived as something, the best course of action is to diligently do the opposite. No, not stop eating fried chicken, but stop compounding and perpetuating perceived stereotypes wherever possible. And for the “offender” just stop and think about it, this may not entirely change the perception, but it will be a reminder that sometimes you should think very carefully about what you believe about someone and think about how you act on those beliefs, because you might just offend someone and have to deal with the consequences. - Troy Monaco | View KFC Ad Here