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The value prop of comedic racism?
Well, seems like I rattled the cage of 180 Solutions so much, they started a new PR campaign - namely, one where anybody who is critical of certain associations or practices is labelled a zealot. And if you’re really naughty (like me), you “move up the ladder” and become a fanatic. Apart from wondering what kind of microwave I win as a star prize, I do question the logic in this.
To the various ad-type people out there, I ask you this - would you go down this road? Would you feel you’re protecting your brand by allowing it to associate with a site rooted in racist comedy, or tarnishing it in front of your partners?
Are you endorsing freedom of speech, or condemning yourself to an eternally bad reputation?
Long story here, and here. Short story here:
180 allow their software to be installed from a website called “the amazing racist”, whereby a guy (who, it is always stressed, is Jewish - because apparently it’s okay to be racist, as long as it is flagged that you’re Jewish…as you can see, logic already slips on a banana skin) - performs such humorous antics as walking into stores dressed as KKK member carrying a cross, or pretending to Mexicans that he has given them all jobs to feed their starving familes, and so on. How wonderfully ironic and humourous it is.
I complained that associating with this site is a new low, and effectively endorsing the weak, slack-jawed “humour” that these films peddle. It also appeals to a wider demographic of web users that use “comedy” such as this to lure naive individuals into dangerous, online hate groups. 180 retorted that I am in fact one step up from a zealot - I’m a fanatic, and no doubt this means I’m a very dangerous individual.
Well, I got news for you - I’m the most dangerous man on the planet. Certainly, on the interweb at any rate. And a quick dissection of the straw-like arguments in favour of this site has brought us to a bloody, brutal slugfest which is sure to grow as time passes.
However - the main case in point from 180 seems to be that the value prop is all, and it is summed up by the closing sentence of their blog:
We don’t know what kind of content our fanatical friends prefer, but we’re pretty sure that we have something they like. All they have to do is download Zango.
True - except, in this case, the films are available elsewhere without the Zango download so that kind of makes that closing line a touch worthless.
A quick check at the guy behind the films reveals his very deep thinking on the subject matter. Check this out:
The Amazing Racist is a comedy routine done by Ari Shaffir, a Jewish would-be comedian. In the routine Ari protrays himself as a blatant racist in order to film people’s reactions.
Oh, wow - he - wait for it - does racist acts on camera and FILMS their reactions. Because..? For what reason..? Is there any real thinking behind it, other than the kind of thinking that’s more suited to bad lower second degrees in Art School? Is the answer “just because”?
More than likely. I did the art school dance. I know bad art school thinking when I see it. Never mind the value prop of the proposed software being installed - what is the value prop of the film?
Oh dear, there doesn’t appear to be one.
I have but one thing to say to that failed art student - I’ll have a shake with those fries.
A quick check at the Zango terms of service indicates (under compliance of laws):
b) (do) not include on any Affiliate Site any content or material that (i) is defamatory, libelous, offensive, slanderous or offensive
Now barring the fact that they say offensive twice - great typo - would you say the films on that site are - how do I put this - offensive?
Because this seems strange to me. On the one hand, 180 say that
“We are not in the business of censoring content so that only the universally popular content gets seen.”
…on their blog. On the other hand, their terms clearly state - no offensive material. So now we have to ask - offensive to whom?
If a guy dressed up in KKK robes with a cross on his back wandering into a shop that he really shouldn’t be in (or anywhere else for that matter) isn’t offensive as deemed by 180 - then what is? Where is the line drawn?
It’s not like the “content” - the films - have any value other than a cheap racist laugh. You can’t palm me off with some crazy “post-modern” spin on why these films are insightful, because I have an Art Degree and majored in film-making. I’ll tear it to pieces. I’ve seen more depth in a mudpond.
In other words - would you go down this path? or not?
It’s legal - but is it right?
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Obviously, as you point out, what does it say about 180 Solutions that they have to partner with sites like that? Not much. Stick to your guns, good to hear people speak out.
BTW, I hate all that faux artsy, faux intellectual post modern spin to. If you listen to those kids, nothing matters because what is reality? Nothing. It is nowhere! I always think, if reality doesn’t matter and everything is subjective, how and why are you in business?