Thursday, September 08, 2016

13341: Airing Cultural Cluelessness.

Advertising Age and Adweek aired stories of cultural cluelessness from Air China and Airbnb. There must be something in the air.

Air China airdropped an in-flight magazine that offered the following travel advice:

“London is generally a safe place to travel, though precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people.”

Adland has apparently taken the tip to heart, based on the lack of Blacks employed in the local White advertising agencies.

Airbnb admitted to bias ‘n bigotry, and will now require hosts seeking to rent space to agree with the following statement:

We believe that no matter who you are, where you are from, or where you travel, you should be able to belong in the Airbnb community. By joining this community, you commit to treat all fellow members of this community, regardless of race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age, with respect, and without judgment or bias.

Don’t expect Madison Avenue members to sign a similar proclamation to belong in the advertising community.

Airing one’s discriminatory laundry is a common occurrence these days.

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