KFC Commercial Controversy

In January 2010 KFC Australia ran a commercial that depicted a white Australian male in a crowd of black West Indies fans during the Australian Cricket Team's tour of the West Indies. The Australian who looked extremely uncomfortable said "Need a tip when you're stuck in an awkward situation", he then gave the West Indian fans the bucket of fried chicken, once all the opposing fans had quieted down he then said "too easy". The ad, part of KFC’s “Cricket Survival Guide” promotional series, was played during the recent Australia vs West Indies test matches.
Outcry in the US
After the ad went viral many Americans expressed their disgust at the company and at Australia saying that the commercial should never have went public. The racism that was apparent in the commercial was the abuse of an alleged stereotype that Black people like fried chicken thus giving Black people fried chicken is racist. KFC Australia has acknowledged that the ad could be perceived as racist. It said the ad had been "misinterpreted by a segment of people in a foreign country" in a statement released by the company.
Reaction in Australia
The commercial appeared in Australia for several weeks with no uproar, until it was made viral the argument began. Australians have blamed American Ignorance for the uproar stating that no such stereotype exists anywhere in Australia and the ads future should not be subject to a minority in another country. The context of the commercial was that the Australian fan was uncomfortable being stuck in the middle of rowdy fans of the opposing team during the match. The outcry over this commercial has resulted in the stereotype being known in Australia.
Impact on relations
Australia has expressed its disgust at the United States over the pulling if the ad with many people saying that Americans should be aware that the racist stereotypes that exist in the US do not exist anywhere else in the world and America has been blamed for showing ignorance and sticking its ideals where its not wanted.

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