Probably not billed as a kids movie (more “gratuitous” nudity than the average PG movie) but Dillon and I were excited to see “Babies,” the documentary, which follows the lives of four babies during their developmental years (from birth to walking): Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarijargal from remote Mongolia, Mari in Tokyo, Japan, and Hattie in…
DetailsRemember the 1958 film The Blob, with its big red amorphous goo rolling and taking over the town, absorbing the minds of young people who were not strong enough to resist? Of course the “BIG RED BLOB” was none too subtle a reference to the Red Scare and fear of Communism taking over the US. Russia’s…
DetailsIs this the first ever laundry related commercial that doesn’t feature women doing the laundry? Granted it’s not full fledged clothes washing, but hats off to Saatchi & Saatchi for thinking outside the gender stereotype box in this catchy and effective ad for Tide to Go. They’re talking fashion, it’s guys night out…and it’s laundry! …
DetailsAt first I didn’t know what I thought of this ad from Eastpak featuring little people, actually Eastpak backpacks that turn into super little people, a la the rock star above. More accurately, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to think about these ads. The little person Rock Star is a better guitar player;…
DetailsDear Frank DeFord, meet your new friend, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. Perhaps he knows your other friend Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, accused of sexually assaulting a 20 year-old girl, who you defended as just “boys being boys” in your editorial on NPR last week. Okay,…
DetailsI found out from my Chinese-American friend (my designation-not sure how he self-identifies) on his Facebook update today that he felt misled by what he thought was a traditional Mexican holiday. However, he discovered and shared that: Cinco de Mayo is only a big deal in America. It’s not even a holiday in Mexico…It’s actually a Hallmark Holiday!!!…
DetailsUsually I’m calling out films for perpetuating stereotypes about other cultures, but movies also can be a gift–a window offering deep insights into other cultures. In fact, in studying Comparative Literature as an undergrad at Indiana University, the arts (literature, visual arts, film, music, dance, etc.) were all evaluated via the lens of the society…
DetailsI need to go take a shower. I just caught myself talking to my husband’s kindly Indian colleague over the phone like he was an idiot, plus I read this article by Tim Wise “Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black,” and realized I am guilty. (This is a must read!) One, because looking…
DetailsIntercultural Talk was delighted to catch up with Dr. Charlton McIlwain following his ‘appearance’ on DoctorRadio on Sirius/XM Radio earlier this week, talking about “Teaching Kids about Race.” 1. What are the top three pointers you have for parents when teaching kids about race? 1. Be willing to talk to your kids about race. 2.…
DetailsSome stereotypes are so ‘ingrained’ in our popular psyche that you don’t always notice them. Okay, I don’t always notice them. Which is why I liked this piece by alexanderxiv on You Tube (looks like a final art project for a course.) The first couple minutes traces historical ads which are blatent in their racism. At about 2:17,…
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