Ad watchdog rules against Tyreright ad for mocking Asian man
The Ad Standards Board (ASB) has upheld a complaint against an ad for Tyreright as it “perpetrates Asian stereotypes” by mocking a man mispronouncing a word despite the firm arguing it “endears” the person to the viewer.
Featuring comedian Vince Sorrenti as the brand spokesperson, the ad featured him explaining the benefits of using the brand answering people’s concerns, including an Asian man who asks if he is ‘wong’, which Sorrenti repeats back to him.
A complaint to the ASB read: “I personally feel that this message, about getting $30 back if your tyres aren’t fitted in 30min, could have been conveyed without bringing down Asian people. There are many Asian looking people, both from overseas and born in Australia, who can speak perfectly clearly, and making fun of those who are learning to speak a second language certainly doesn’t encourage those who are not confident with English to use, practice, and improve their language abilities.
I’ll bet the complaint came from a non-Asian person. A Caucasian busybody who feels the need to enforce political correctness on the world. Bolstered by more busybodies on “the Board”.
Warning: generalisation coming: Asian people have a robust sense of humour. In Sydney there’s a very successful food outlet called Miss Chu, whose strap line is “You ling, we bling!” Everyone loves it. Owned and run by successful Asian Australians. Enough said.
Well, the first half of the ad is still salvageable, along with the very last bit. A reshoot should patch up that cringe-inducing bit.
@Mike — So only Asian people can be offended by racism against Asians? And your generalisation is moronic. Just because one Asian restauranteur (presumably — who’s to say the owner is in fact Asian?) is happy to make a joke, doesn’t mean the whole community is going to be OK with a bunch of agency hacks and marketing managers ostensibly making fun of them.
Oh come on JC, almost every joke ever written takes the piss out of someone. If you have ever been to Asia you will hear some made at your expense. And in the UK, France, perhaps not in the USA because they don’t have a sense of humour. Are you American? If not, and even if, get out more, lighten up, enjoy life.