Comments on: Meet the MetroPCS Guys: Q & A with Ranjit & Chad

By: jagr721

jagr721 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:15:41 +0000

These two have set Indian-Americans so far back. TV has an enormous influence in our lives; advertising in particular has no time to function on the logical, and instead targets our subconscious. We’re left with impressions that linger long beyond the advertisement. And that’s why it is also so deadly. Even television programming doesn’t function on this level- it deals in content, themes, and plots- engaging the conscious. In such a medium, we filter out gross stereotypes and illogic (not always, but more often than not). However, in thirty-second spots that hit quick with humor, visual cuts every few seconds – we don’t. These MetroPCS ads undoubtedly affect what people first think of when they think about Indians. It is truly unfortunate.

By: Jay T.

Jay T. — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:24:17 +0000

It all comes down the all mighty dollar. I sure these jokers are being paid well so the white Americans have a great time time laughing at all the Indian stereotypes. I think the love of money trumps any self respect or ethnic pride!

By: Neil Bhatt

Neil Bhatt — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:04:34 +0000

I hope its not because of people like you complaining. I would much attribute the change to people actually getting to know South Asians and South Asian-Americans.

Some people DO talk like the metro PCS guys. What’s wrong with acknowledging the fact?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtM_InSmgu0

There are plenty of commercials out there with Indian/South Asian actors that don’t play up the H1b angle as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDmfBBSMEPM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oszFXhKLm9s

Sendhil in heroes is a “macho” character with an Indian accent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkizqL0tO0

Archie Panjabi has literally no connection to any Indian stereotype I can think of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXVub2cgWC8

By: Taz

Taz — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:43:11 +0000

Did he just say, "it’s important to remember that every stereotype is based on a certain reality."?? Really?

head on desk

By: bwunderlick

bwunderlick — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:37:05 +0000

I’m just glad I don’t have to come with a rational for being in those racist ads!

By: gompiepie

gompiepie — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:20:59 +0000

@dirtmgirt I think we agree more than we disagree. My point is that the positiveness and definitions of what is good has to come from WITHIN the Hindu community against a framework of Hindu actors, Hindu religion/morals and culture. Rather than complaining about oppression and looking for favors/approval from others, like the American media, who’ll always promote their own imagery.

By: dirtmgirt

dirtmgirt — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:17:52 +0000

"Nonsense man. If a black guy appears with his hat at an angle and pants riding low talking ebonics, the secure black person doesn’t get all inferior about it complaining how it makes them look bad."

Ok, this shows me you know exactly 0 black people. If a black person (like say Cosby, or so many others) criticizes such depictions (in fact cosby did it tacitly by making a show where black people are professionals and respectable members of society etc etc) it isn't a lack of confidence, or inferiority.

They even have a song about what exactly you're talking about "Pants on the Ground"

I dont see why this is so binary to so many people, "either you're secure and confident in your own image, and you don't complain" or "you're inferior and complain about every little thing" News flash, it's possible to be confident AND also point out a glaring truth.

Also, you overlook the obvious incentives for minorities to not "complain" even when it's clearly warranted.

And remember, all those wonderful "positive" roles that were quoted earlier, the reason they're there? People like me that have "complained" in the past about the over-preponderance of these caricaturized roles. Yea, you can thank us inferior

By: marleyhendrix

marleyhendrix — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:46:38 +0000

I Love how they name one guy Chad as if that somehow softens the blow of the stereotype. Seriously brown people, we have to be most vocally suppressed ethnic group for these ads to be running for over two years without any action from our community.

Remember when the white girl at UCLA went on that racist rant about Asians on youtube? Every Asian person and their momma must of came out blasting. And they are supposed to be a “model minority” that no one would expect to vocalize injustice.

We have to be proactive when it comes to these issues, we cant simply shake our heads at our TV’s and not do anything. Email, call, write letters, tell your state representative, do whatever it takes to let your voice be heard. We can make a difference.

Diana Gold MetroPCS, Manager, Market Communications Phone: 469-330-4919 Email: mediaroom@metropcs.com

Drew Crowell GolinHarris for MetroPCS Direct Phone: 972-341-2581 Email: mediaroom@metropcs.com

By: gompiepie

gompiepie — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:43:53 +0000

"we are confident enough to be able to laugh at ourselves and act silly" - What's funny about Indian accents, mannerisms and fashion?

This whole debate is silly and makes an assumption about what the right way to talk and dress is.

By: gompiepie

gompiepie — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:39:59 +0000

@dirtmgirt "Maybe you should look at some of the other commentary out there on the depictions of those groups."

Nonsense man. If a black guy appears with his hat at an angle and pants riding low talking ebonics, the secure black person doesn't get all inferior about it complaining how it makes them look bad. It's their own distinctive invention glamorized in glossy magazines and fawned over by their teen girls. The only racism they complain about is when these same men are also depicted as criminals. Latinos don't give a crap about speaking English, how about you learn proper Spanish? And make jokes on middle easterners about burkha/religion and they point out how superior they are to Anglo culture in every aspect from treatment of women, to family and charity.

It's only the "model minority" who are keen to contort and measure themselves by how similar they are to Stuff White People Like. And when any deviation is reported, it's grounds for taking offense. Who said wearing a gold jacket, puffy shirt and that hairstyle is "bad" or funny? Vogue? Try to be more secure in Indian tastes and aesthetics, I say this especially to the model minority women.