KFC in Australia Accused of Racism: Roseanne Frangione

Perhaps Australians do not racially stereotype the types of foods that are associated with people of color as is unfortunately done in America, however, any commercial that focuses on a single white man surrounded by people of another race is going to trigger thoughts of racial segregation.

This incident reminds me of another situation that happened a few months ago when American singer Harry Connick, Jr. judged an Australian talent show and a group of white contestants performed in black-face. Connick graded the group with a zero and was voiced his disgust, while another judge found it amusing and gave their “performance” a high score. Based on that, I am skeptical of KFC Australia's shock that people would find their commercial to be racist in nature.

Racism rears it's ugly head in many ways and in many locations. It's not only an American problem. It's not only an Australian problem. The only way to make it go way is to set an example for the next generation. I am actually more disappointed in the black actors and actresses who agreed to be in the commercial than the people who produced it. While it is possible to assume that the producers were ignorant enough to think it was acceptable to make such a stereotypical advertisement, the actors who appeared in it should have known better. It is time for everyone to set an example that everyone is created equal.

Email Roseanne