Is the VW Super Bowl commercial racist?

[Darth Wagtaros]

It is no news that a lot of people seem to thrive on finding things to be offended by.  Some even make their careers by doing it.  If racism didn't exist they'd have to invent it.

[Scipio]

Having a sister in law who's a trustafarian and a nephew of color, I feel qualified to speak on this subject.  No, it is not racist.

Seriously, FFS lighten up people.

Lighten up?

RACISS!

[Ed Anger]

Like I'd buy a VW in the first place.

[derspiess]

Having a sister in law who's a trustafarian and a nephew of color, I feel qualified to speak on this subject.  No, it is not racist.

Seriously, FFS lighten up people.

Lighten up?

RACISS!

Weightist

[derspiess]

Like I'd buy a VW in the first place.

I had one once.  Once.

[PDH]

I had a vw scirocco in college.  Fun car til it died.

[Darth Wagtaros]

Herbie would be rolling around in his grave.

[sbr]

Back in 2000 I dated 2 girls who drove Jettas.

Then I got back together with my ex-wife.

:shivers:  That was a rough year. 

[CountDeMoney]

I find it substantially far less offensive than Kia's advertising series from a couple years ago, with "urban culture" rodents.  Blacks = Vermin?  Figures for an Asian car company.

http://youtu.be/Ty-BMr6SVlI

[Eddie Teach]

I liked that one just for introducing me to that song.

[Liep]

Fuck the racism, that's a horrible tune.

[CountDeMoney]

I liked that one just for introducing me to that song.

And you were where in the '80s/90s?

[Josquius]

Isn't Jamaica as a very laid back place a stereotype that has been used in dozens of adverts before? Hell, IIRC some brands (tropicana maybe?) even base all their advertising on it.

[Darth Wagtaros]

I friggin hated both the KIA ads and that song.

[Martinus]

Incidentally, could someone explain to me why it is ok for (white) actors to use "hillbilly" or "gay" voices for comedy value, but when they use a "black" voice it is unacceptable?