Racist - Re-Civilize Yourself

Race in advertisements is quite common, mostly because of stereotypes in today’s society. Advertising agencies need to be very careful as to not cross the line between a lighthearted and funny stereotype and something that would be considered racist.  In actuality anything, funny or not, that is racist should not be allowed to make an advertisement, but the reality of our society today is that the viewer tends to like advertisements more if they make fun of someone or something.  Should an advertisement agency want to test this theory out they would simply need to look at some of the most popular advertisements.  The Nivea ad that depicts an African American man holding the head of another man, while the caption reads, “Re-civilize yourself”.  Also, in a box near the top another caption reads, “Look like you give a damn”.  This ad has so many racists issues it is quite unbelievable.  It was ridiculous for Nivea to think that something like that would come off as humorous or even quirky.  The ad is supposed to be promoting lotion, however in the entire visual there is really no reference to lotion until you reach the second half of the ad, which then describes the lotion.  Advertisers really need to be cautious of what they are sending out there and try to be a bit more tasteful.