Sony pulls racially charged PlayStation ads -- thanks, Leland Yee!

07.11.06 - Posted by AsiansVote

Advanced Media Network reports that Sony is pulling the repulsive, racially charged ad it had been running in the Netherlands in support of its new PlayStation:

Today California Assemblyman Leland Yee stated that Sony has pulled the advertising campaign and apologized to anyone offended by it.

"I am pleased to see Sony taking responsibility for their racially-charged ad and appropriately pulling it from the marketplace," Yee said. "Sony did the right thing by recognizing their insensitive mistake and apologizing for offending many of their customers."

It's particularly gratifying that an Asian American figure like Yee has taken the lead in fighting this particular battle. Since Sony may be the world's most recognized Asian brand name and since so many Americans still lump Asians and Asian Americans into the same category, the Sony ads could have helped create the impression that Asian Americans are blind to racism against African Americans. But Yee's critical presence has made it impossible to lump Asian Americans in with Sony's mistakes and instead further establishes the Asian American presence in America's progressive coalitions.

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07.11.06 | Candidates & Leaders , Issues , Leland Yee , Race & Racism