Via blackademic, a PSA whose heart is in the right place. I get the sentiment–which is admirable!–behind the ad, but, well.
And was it brilliant irony or the unintentional kind that the pretty pre-Oil of Ofay girl conformed to some mighty anglocentric beauty standards?
Maybe it’s asking too much to expect depth from a commercial.
There is an interesting subtext but I don’t know if the producers intended it. Even though she is getting uglier she keeps on.
Yeah, it’s close, but then…
Points for trying?
I’m not saying people of color can’t be racist (nor am I equipped to handle a discussion on that matter, i.e. only priveledged classes can be -ists, etc.), but can you really see this being done with anyone that isn’t white?
I suppose they could do one with a man applying aftershave or something, for balance.
I’m struck by the femme-seductive voiceover. It’s freaking me out.
“Oil of Ofay” is wittier than anything in that PSA.
For A Visual Definition of “Platitude,” Click Below
May I be so bold to suggest that this expensive pile of nothing is perhaps not so effective a tool to educate anyone about race.?Perhaps. Blackademic commenters have identified some ugly (!) subordinate classist and beauty facism messages, but even
Oil of Ofay! !