Is The Portrayal Of African-Americans By Sony Offensive

Earlier this month Sony started a new ad campaign for the seemingly forgotten PSP. The commercials star a fairly young African American boy going by the name Marcus Rivers. The question here is if Sony had purposely designed their advertisements to reach a more "colourful" audience

[jc48573]

do we really need to get picky?

[NewNameNow]

I hate the commercials as much as I hate stereotyping. I'm all for mixing things up but the kid doesn't have to talk like a dumbass just cause he's black.

[Agent Smith]

Except white kids talk like that too.

[NewNameNow]

Well duh, so do some hispanic kids, and asians. I'm not saying that talking like that is exclusive to african americans I'm saying that it's simply ridiculous to cast one and then make him talk like that.

Would he not have appealed to the target audience had he been speaking more "educated"?

[TotalPS3Fanboy]

People want Sony to cast a black kid and make him talk with an Asian accent then?

He's black. He's suppose to talk like he's black, and not like he's some kind of British spy. It would not make sense if you see a kid like that talk like a rich 35 year old British guy or an Asian dude or whatever.

@alirazaqpur

"Would he not have appealed to the target audience had he been speaking more 'educated'?"

What do you mean more 'educated?' Are you saying that black peoples who talk like black people and rappers are somehow less 'educated'? That's just racist and stereotyping. How you speak is just part of your personality and doesn't necessary have anything to do with your level of education.

[dizzleK]

@TotalPS3Fanboy

if you're educated, why would you want to come off like some rapper? people treat you like you want to be treated, if you come off like a dumb ass expect to be treated like one. speaking in slang and whatnot is "low", 'nomesayin?

speaking of racism, how, pray tell, does a black person "talk black"?

[TotalPS3Fanboy]

"if you're educated, why would you want to come off like some rapper?"

That's like asking why would white people want to come like some white people?

Or why would British people want to come off like British people?

It's just part of their personality.

"speaking in slang and whatnot is "low", 'nomesayin?"

Wow. That's just so ignorant. I guess all those millionaire rappers are very "low" and dumb too huh? Compare to your smartness. Which is why they're all millionaire owning their own studio while you're sitting here talking like a racist.

"speaking of racism, how, pray tell, does a black person 'talk black'?"

I don't know. You tell me. You made that up.

I never said a black person talk "black". I said a black person talks like a black person would, whatever that talking style is, and that has nothing to do with his level of education.

Go check a diverse High School. Everyone speak in a different style, but that doesn't mean they're uneducated.

His perfered speaking style is just that: a preference.

[morganfell]

Are there any black kids that speak like this? More than a few. Quite a number of white kids as well. How is the truth offensive?

Here: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Feel better now? Ignorant article.

As regards the comment by alirazaqpur:

"Would he not have appealed to the target audience had he been speaking more "educated"?"

Does anyone else see the irony here?

[SaiyanFury]

Why exactly is it racist for Marcus to speak like so many black people? I know a lot of black people in my area of the US and a lot of them speak like Marcus does. That doesn't exactly make it racist to portray people of black descendancy speaking in such a manner. Most Black people that I've seen have been speaking in such a way since at least the 80s. Black people are awesome, and really add to the fabric that makes up this country that is the USA. Beyond skin colour, I've seen a crapload of Caucasian kids talking AND dressing up as rappers of late. I guess white kids dressing up as rappers is racist too. Honouring their rap heroes must be racist of course. It's not like imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery.

What's racist is the practice of political correctness. Focusing on people based on their skin colour or ethnicity and labeling them based as such. Categorizing them into racial sections and making everyone so sensitive to each other that hate eventually foments. Political correctness separates everyone into categories and promotes separation between our ethnicities. This is America, we are all people. I, as a conservative, do not judge people based solely on their skin colour, I see people. We are Americans, all united in this country. Skin colour is not a driving factor as the Founding Fathers foresaw. We need to unite against the people that seek to separate us, and get them out of office. Pardon this rant against the progressives (not real liberals), but against the international socialists that seek to divide us. We are a united nation, with people from all nationalities. United we conquer, divided we fall.

[Silver360]

This kid is perceived to be talking black. He is talking like someone that is uneducated, not someone who is black. And therein lies the danger, saying this kid is speaking black implies that African Americans as a people are uneducated. Say what you want of him, but do not associate his mannerisms with black people. He is speaking ghetto or hip hop but not black. Oh and don't blame Sony, blame the advertising company. Japanese don't understand Americans. The have a homogeneous society, whereas America is diverse. Where black culture is filtered through many different eyes to the media and the world. You can't understand it unless you live it.

[Spydr07]

@TotalPS3Fanboy

"I never said a black person talk "black". I said a black person talks like a black person would, whatever that talking style is, and that has nothing to do with his level of education."

By saying a black person talks like a black person, you're implying there is a difference between the language used between blacks and other races. Saying "whatever that talking style is", doesn't change that your statement implies _____ style is a black one.

Consider:
A black person plays video games like a black person.
A black person eats like a black person.
A black person dresses like a black person.

I could go on and on by typecasting black people like that and in all cases, it's wrong. White people do not act like white people because there shouldn't be and isn't a certain personality or "type" that is indigenous to a race. We're all human on the inside, melanin content doesn't change anything.

[Pink_Uni]

@Agent Smith
yeah but they certianly aren't showing white kids talking like that are they?

@TotalPS3Fanboy
ok so hes talking with somewhat of a "black accent" but they're showing him being rude with a black accent and trash talking, none of my black friends talk anything like that but i see it all the time in the media

@SaiyanFury

yeah, your right, black people do talk like this, but do they all talk in your face all the time put their feet up on desk and talk smack every time you see them?

some of them do, but its not at all the majority and its obnoxious to a lot of people, and american whites are know for portraying blacks as a lesser charater. sooo you're going to say its just a coincidence?

[SaiyanFury]

I'm seeing disagrees. OK I invite people as to why they disagree. Was I wrong? Do Black people not bring a presence to this country? Are they not of relevance? I actually find Marcus' ads to be entertaining. Maybe he's uneducated, I don't know him personally. But I find the ads entertaining. If Marcus can bring the PS brand to other people, how is that a bad thing?

@ Pink_Uni

No not everyone speaks smack all the time, most Black people I've met are very level headed. They speak on logical terms. OK, so the Marcus character is a bit more aggressive, so what? The white people I know here don't look down on Black people, they elevate Black people. American white people that I know here have great respect for Black people and speak positively about them. The white kids that like to imitate Black people have a legitimate respect for the Black people that they try to imitate. It's a positive reflection that Black people are not perceived as negative. Black people are awesome and they rock as members of our country. If people disagree with me, that I agree with Black people being very awesome, then I will call you racists.

[Cloudberry]

.
And first of all, I'm Asian & this is my opinion.

I've seen his "Frustrated Brother" (Mod Nation Racers) & "Exhausted Warrior" (Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker) commercials.

Both of them are funny.

Like someone in other threads said that Marcus characters are "quite" arrogant & cocky, but I think it's suits him really well.

He displayed as a kid who knows PSP & it's games inside-out.

Just like Kevin Butler's commercials, he's advertising, promoting, even "advising" future owners the PSP to step their game up.

His... Uh... "Ghetto" & "gangster" style is quite amusing, in my opinion.

Now, I haven't seen his other commercials just yet.

But I think he's OK.

But as being portrayal of African-American = offensive by his character...

Well...

I'll leave that to others to judge... : l

[rezzah]

So im guessing Alirazaqpur (wow what a name >.>) would rather this black boy to sound more white, or to sound more less of who he really is........? Hey if your into playing dress up and pretending to be somebody else you do that, but dont go talking about how others should be like this or that. Just shows how pathetic you are.

Accept diversity.

Same thing goes for those who judge others like HHG, im not talking about what he brings to the table but how he brings it in the way he speaks. Just like how he says vidicle people go on and on about it.

Fact - most people do not comepletely accept those who present themselves differently because they see those individuals or groups of people as a lesser race. You can fool yourself into beleiveing you accept diversity, but you cannot fool others.

[ThanatosDMC]

Damn, i missed all this because of sleep?! I'm never sleeping again!

[Boody-Bandit]

Bobb'e J. Thompson, the actor that plays Marcus Rivers, isn't exactly reaching to play this part of the PSP spokesperson no more than KB is reaching to play his role of VP of the PS3.

I have seen Bobb'e in quite a few shows and movies and this is who he is! Just watch the movie Role Models. He was the best part of that movie. I can't believe this kid has to read BS like this about him. Do you think he wants this? He probably thinks articles like this are completely out of line and insulting. I know I do.

Nothing but a bunch of racist trying to pretend they are not racist. The person that wrote this GARBAGE is just trying to get hits by using race. Racism might never completely be eliminated but nonsense like this makes it worse and not better.

[Delive]

They are targeting an audience. On one side of the line, you have confident. The other side is cocky. Marcus has no issue dancing back and forth between the two and most times, you can't tell when he did. Kevin Butler can be arrogant in his commercials, but it is still funny. It's acting. I like them both.
I actually find the article more offensive than the commercials.

[Guitardr85]

This is just how young young people talk. This just reaffirms my belief that some of the only reasons that racism still exists is because of people like aliraqaqur who have blatant examples of their own insecurity with ethnicity by saying things like,

"talk like a dumbass just cause he's black."

I think these commercials are hilarious especially since they invoke the same CHARACTER this kid portrayed in ROLE MODELS!!!!

We all seriously just need to move on!

[Delive]

This is a silly topic.

[TotalPS3Fanboy]

You're misunderstanding what I am trying to say.

"By saying a black person talks like a black person, you're implying there is a difference between the language used between blacks and other races."

I didn't meant a black person talks like a black person (refering to the whole race). I meant a black person talks like a black person (a black person here refering to the subject of the sentence, he himself).

For example...

I would talk like me.
A black person would talk like a black person.
John would talk like John, whatever that talking style is.

That is what I meant. Hmm... Maybe I should have used the term myself and himself instead of refering back to the orginal subject. I knew there was something wrong with the grammer of that sentence.

"White people do not act like white people because there shouldn't be and isn't a certain personality or 'type' that is indigenous to a race. We're all human on the inside, melanin content doesn't change anything."

Agreed. Which is why this article is bullsh*t. Marcus a hip-hop type of person. So that's why when he talks, that hip-hop personality is going to show through. For example, hip-hop type of peoples prefer using the word 'wassup' over 'hello'. It's just all part of their style and personality. And has nothing to do with their level or education, or is in any way, racist.

I mean come on, being a hip-hop type of person is now racist? That doesn't even make any sense.

@Pink_Uni
"ok so hes talking with somewhat of a 'black accent' but they're showing him being rude with a black accent and trash talking, none of my black friends talk anything like that but i see it all the time in the media"

Again. This is Marcus. He's not suppose to reprensent the whole race. He's just there representing himself. I don't know why people keep thinking he's suppose to represent the whole race. Does HipHopGamer represent the whole race? No.

Although it would be weird if Marcus likes hip-hop, wears hip-hop clothes, but talks like a lawyer.

[Monkey521]

It seems none of you have seen him in any movies..... Go watch Role Models, it's almost the exact same character. It seems that there is always someone who wants to be offended by everything. LET IT GO!! Not everything has to be condescending. If it sounds that way to you, you are probably either self-conscious or don't know how to take a joke. There are definitely limits, but these commercials don't even get near them.

[sikbeta]

Ah, you kidding right? this is stupid, next thing is "Sony teh Racist"...

Unbelievable...

[nycredude]

Has anyone stop to think that maybe, just maybe this is how Marcus really is?

[gaffyh]

@nycredude - You beat me to it. That IS how Marcus is in normal every day life. He acts EXACTLY the same in all of his movies, but I guess it must be Sony being racist...

What a stupid article.

[Dee_91]

wtf
the kid talks like almost every white kid i know
total racism and stereotyping goin on here ..

anf he dress like justin beiber i never heard any one call him gangster for the way he dress

Stop making excuses for being racist assholes

im black and this shit dont offend me at all
and if your black and this offend you then you are racist against your own race

[Christopher]

***Would he not have appealed to the target audience had he been speaking more "educated"? ***

Honestly? No...

[Rumor]

n4g is the perfect place for mature reasonable gamers, i love this place honestly. as a black guy, i can say i really dont give two shits about how this guy talks, its getting psp sales. i think im going to come in here and see comments like "lol, n!gger" and "black ppl are soo funny" but i see reasonable fucking people talking about topics as...well...reasonable fucking people!

[Prototype]

I'm getting sick of every time someone of another nationality or race gets to advertise for something there's always countless people who throw the race card and swear its "offensive" or "inappropriate."

What Sony is doing is proving anyone can enjoy their games and services regardless of who/what you are, and if that's how he is then so be it. I'd rather have someone who's representing themselves (even if it crosses the stereotype line) than "fake" it and be something they aren't. Me being black I'm "suppost" to not be a gamer, have more kids than you can count, and rap about not paying bills; and if one of us is "educated" and actually do something out of norm - they label us as "white" or say something else that makes absolutely no sense.

By the way the one commercial with Mod Nation Racers gave one of my boys the idea to hit on girls who has gamer boyfriends and he got some that night.

Like a lot of people been saying the racist ones are the idiots who are calling it themselves.

[wsoutlaw87]

how does this kid talk like a dumb ass. what words does he say that are not real words. ya he has an accent who doesnt. You are the one stereotyping people with that accent hypocrite. if you hate stereotyping then stop doing it.

[TengkuAmir10]

The last thing the world would want is a black kid talking like an educated straight-A student. I mean come on! Blacks are known to talk like that. I know cos I once lived in Michigan for 2 years and yeah, from my experience they do as a matter of fact, speak like that, although not as ghetto-ish it is still the same. Haven't you guys ever watch a movie starring a black gangster? A-Team anyone? Miss Latifah?

Anyone?

[ThatCanadianGuy]

@alirazaqpur

Wow.

After reading your comments it sounds to me, like you're the one with the racism issues here..

[zootang]

Yeah it always tends to be the racist crying racist.

[Anorexorcist]

Just like the whole ridiculous issue with the Geico Caveman show and since the cavemen could dance, had sexual prowess, and were lazy, idiots were asking if the show was based on african americans.

People perceive what they want to perceive, and if they choose to stick certain characteristics with certain ethnical groups, then that is their choice. All the while they label others as racists, while most of those others are just tolerant and open to the fact that all people of all ethnic groups act differently.

If my only experience with rap music was with Eminem, I would most likely say that that black kid talks and acts like Eminem. Am I a racist???

[Darkstorn]

As a white person, I don't feel any personal offense at the portrayal of black people in the ad, but who am I to say that it isn't offensive to African Americans?

[VileAndVicious]

Exactly! you hit the nail on the head bubbles for you.

Im an African american and I dont find marcus particularly offensive but I might see how other African americans might think that.

I suppose that the problem is that blacks are usually portrayed a particular way by the media to behave and talk like Marcus. Which many believe to be stereotypical of the African American race. And it is. that isnt to say there aren't blacks that speak like Marcus, because there are. (I live here in Atlanta and youll surely meet quite a few.)

But this is a difficult discussion and you have to willing and able to see both sides to understand why someone might think Marcus is offensive. It goes far beyond just Marcus and has alot to do with the media in general.

[Diamondwolf]

Another ATLlien, represent!

Oh snap.......was that racist?

PS: Gwinnett County baby!

[pangitkqb]

I agree that almost all media forms portray black stereotypes, some good and, all too many, bad. However, if these stereotypical depictions are so common and terrible, the question is then "why do blacks agree to play along?" Through hard work, toil, dedication and ambition, African Americans are a larger part of American (and world) media and entertainment than ever before. Many of them DON'T fall into typical black stereotypes (look at Robin Roberts, Morgan Freeman and countless black journalists, reporters, directors, etcetera), yet many do. In fact, huge numbers of black media representatives appear to PURPOSELY stereotype their own blackness and enjoy so doing. Look at Eddie Murphy's career, Dave Chapelle, and thousands of black rappers.

In the end, blacks choose to participate in the way they are portrayed by their own free will every time they accept an available role. Same for people of any race. Nobody is forced to portray something they don't want to.

As an admirer of black culture, capability, and social influence, I think blacks should be acknowledged as the masters of their own fate. If the bulk of blacks were truly, horrendously offended by portrayals such as Marcus', these portrayals would disappear. Because these portrayals continue to this day, obviously they are supported - to some extent - by the black community.

[Biggest]

A lot of you are missing the point of life in general it seems. The Marcus character isn't a portrayal of anything. He's a character being a character. Nothing more. He does not represent anything but the PSP. There is no problem with the way he talks or acts. He does it because he wants to. The actor embraces that character because he wants to. That is also the same reason that someone might be offended by his character. They want to be offended. Racism hurts some people. It hurts when you want a job and aren't allowed to have the job you want because of your race. It hurts when you aren't allowed to date who you want to date because of your race. It hurts when you aren't able to live your life in peace because of your race. But it does not hurt when you choose to be offended by what you feel is a portrayal of you and your race. That is your choice. The Marcus character is what it is the same way I am who I am. His acting has no bearing on my life. People do not percieve me as more or less than I am because of this. All of what I just said can be summed up with this statement:

Quit your stupid ass Sony hate. I've been to Japan. Trust me when I say they LOVE black people. Microsoft and the Kinect are the real racists. Who else makes a camera that can't see black people? Well, other than HP. They're racist too.

[iceman06]

While I agree somewhat with your assertion that there are many black actors that "play along". I have to point out that most of the times it is a foot in the door. There was a time where the only parts that blacks were expected to play were stereotypical. Morgan Freeman has payed his dues, and also played some stereotypical roles as well. Eddie Murphy, whom you mentioned, is one of the most prolific black actors in Hollywood. But, he had to pretty much produce most of his movies just to get them in theaters because the studio heads didn't think that the roles were believable. As for most rap today...well...that is a case of big money and corporate dollars stifling creativity and forcing formulaic music. It's just pop music with an edge.
All in all, I do believe that some black actors, musicians, comedians, and sports figures add to the portrayal of blacks in a negative light. However, the options before them...should they choose to pursue a career in acting, music, etc. are limited. I think the bigger issue is really getting people to understand and realize that these portrayals are usually characters (some rappers and sports figures are plucked straight from low income, poorly educated areas and thrust into the public eye before they are truly ready). I no more believe that Bobbe J Thompson acts like Marcus on a daily basis than I believe that Mark Hamell actually has jedi powers. I guess it's easier to believe a stereotype than to actually look before you swallow the proverbial kool-aide.

[Biggest]

It's just Kool-Aid, bro. And the best flavor is red. Just sayin'.

[sid4gamerfreak]

Come on people, stop being so serious in life. If you stereotype just because u saw an ad which did so and start treating blacks like shit, then ur a douche and we have a problem. But i doubt ppl r like that

[JsonHenry]

Looks a lot more tame than what I see on BET...

[marinelife9]

The kid is an actor that has been quite a few movie's before. This article is stupid. His typical role in film is exactly what he's doing in the commercials. It's entertainment people need to grow up.

[Tapewurm]

I'm an old white honky and I think the commercials are great....like someone on the stories original site posted... "the kid sounds like Turk from Scrubs." Funny kid.....you would think the world would be past all this BS by now...he is just a kid, being a kid.

[avengers1978]

I like the Marcus PSP commercials there funny as hell, and he doesn't talk like a dumbass, Marcus is actually pretty smart. He just uses slang and street language the way everyone does. I do not find anything wrong with these ads.

[MikeGdaGod]

i love it when white people tell me how black people should talk and sound

[specialguest]

That's how Marcus speaks in his movie roles and probably in his personal life. They hired Marcus because they love his character and attitude. Marcus is the new up and coming kid actor today, and they're trying to capitalize on his talent.

Let's face the facts people. We are all different in our own way whether it be in speech, fashion, etc., and that's the beauty of diversity.

[emitsomla]

The world is just filled with ignorant people!

[Dark General]

The guy who wrote this is obviously not in touch with the current fashion trend. I live in new york and how they have the kid dressing is exactly what's in chic right now. And as a black man I don't think it's racist or stupid or whatever. However I do find the kid annoying more or less except for this commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

But someone somewhere will always be offended. Kinda like people saying Cole from gears is a stereo type, or black zombies in Africa from RE5 is racist.

edit-- off topic but taht kid, and the others too, are hilarious in role models.

I like it when stiffler(what ever his name is) is wearing the bull costume at the school and some kid says "nice costume." Then he says something like "Thats what your mom said last night when I fucked her in it."

[rosebowl23]

If it's so offensive, why don't blacks change their own image instead of asking everyone to pretend it's not true?

[MikeGdaGod]

bet u wouldn't say that in front of any blacks....how convenient for u to hide behind a computer to talk ur sh!t....lol

[Eddie20101]

He talks like a street wise kid not a dumb ass. How someone talks does not dictate weather he or she is intelligent or not.

From what I have seen in these commercials he really hasn't said anything stupid.

[Immortal321]

....

[yewles1]

Okay, this nitpicking has gone too far. There is NO legit reason to pin silly advertising like this as offensive unless there's potential monetary value in attempt. I'M offended by the article title, how d'ya like THAT?!?

[Hanif-876]

A f*cking racist asshole wrote this piece of sh*t, please just give the kid a break will ya!

[dangert12]

nah i dont think so, the sony marketin guy said they were told a guy play his psp were nobody cause its no 'cool' so thats what sony are doing going after the cool market lol but except the ad they showed at e3 his scheme is really iritational

[Silly gameAr]

Has anyone seen this kids work before Sony hired him? Have you seen Role Models? He's just being himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[poopsack]

Thank youuuu

Even years ago in Thats So Raven the kid's had the same smart mouthed, upbeat personality. Should we blame Sony?

[Cloudberry]

.
Just like KnaveX above said, he had the same smart mouthed & upbeat personality before Marcus River character.

It's suits him & the PSP commercials in my opinion.

BUBBLES+ for Silly gameAr.

[Dante112]

Lol @ the folks yelling racism and the people generalizing blacks, e.g, "He's black, he's suppose to talk like that". The kid is just being himself. Watch his interviews, watch his standup he did awhile back. That's just him doing him. I wonder if people would yell "white washing" if Will Smith's son Jaden did the commercial ("Why is he talking all proper and "white" like that. That's racist!") XD

[wiggles]

Lol god forbid that the kid talks the way that he does...

It's funny watching people scream that he is un educated just because he may talk differently from them... Some people can be really ignorant..

[NexGen]

I did not find Marcus to come off as uneducated. I feel (besides his word choice) he comes off as savvy and confident, occasionally arrogant (which is no different than anyone who is an expert in their field). Being able to portray confidence in the face of the boss basically says, "yes, I'm good - I know it - and I'll prove it." That is intelligent and clearly not uneducated.

He may come off as less than humble, but education and his application of what he knows to such a large venture does not come across as racist stereotyping, or uneducated to me. Of course, I know this is fake and just a commercial, but you get the idea.

That's how I see it - and feel free to correct me as I may see it from a differing perspective as I am white. To me, it's not offensive, but it isn't my feelings that would be offended anyhow.

[Spenok]

You said it for me man. You just gotta love ignorant people.

[ApocalypseShadow]

not only is sony trying to destroy all our eyes with 3D,now they are offending african americans.if it gets any worse,sony is going to be like this:

http://www.geeknewz.com/ima...

soon we will have PETA going after sony for all the gamers who neglect their eyepets.

lawsuits against sony for killing the greek gods and maiming innocent athenians.

and then,we will have legal actions and lawyers going after sony because gamers lost their jobs because they used to set their clocks by the ps3's internal clock.

SH!T!!!

the kid is funny.end of.as we have seen with hip hop gamer,there is a........few...... select people that have a problem with african americans.and it's got d@mn 2010.does macaulay culkin need to play the role?dennis the menace?there are countless snotty kids throughout history from tv to movies that rubbed people the wrong way.get a clue.

(8:20 seconds in.is this what you want?)
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

some of you must have been born when wii,ps3 and 360 came out.some of us have seen obnoxious kids for years.this isn't anything new.but the kid is funny.

[XactGamer]

This is stupid, Sony has done no wrong here.

[adamx]

who gives a crap, if the kids parents thought it was wrong the kid would not be in it. Imo I do not see anything wrong with it, lots of people talk like that kid. I dont personaly care for the way he speaks but do I find it offensive? No.

[TheHardware]

Hes not "talking" black, whatever the hell that is supposed to mean, hes being arrogant and cocky....its universal. nothing to do with skin color.

I like the commercials, and I think it was a great idea to inject more attitude into the marketing campaign.

[takohma]

Out of the comments I read so far you have nailed it. Just Arrogant and Cocky! Thats the same thing I thought/seen/felt when I saw the commercial. I think some people let the color of skin blind them from the picture that is portrayed.

p.s. bubbles bro

[HurstDarkStar]

he hasnt changed the way he has acted since he started acting, thats really just him being himself

p.S im black ^-^

[Simon_Brezhnev]

basically and im black 2 but finally we got a brother doing a big ad and all the haters like he's stupid, we want a smaller kevin butler, hes a gangsta, and so on. That proves to me they really dont know anybody black.

[Lombax]

Racism is just another avenue of human stupidity.

[The Meerkat]

But Sony do make the PS3 in a very nice shade of black to make up for it.

[PhilipLarkin]

He's not putting on an accent - he talks like that. Watch him in Role Models (great movie).

Yes, Sony used him because he sounds 'like that'. But, so do a lot of people. It's stupid to deny we're all different. If you were to take a sample of inner city black kids vs inner city white kids, more black kids would talk 'like that'. It's not better, it's not worse. It's just different. We're not all the same - why should he talk 'normally'? Surely 'normal' is objective to whomever's type of speech it is.

He talks like that because he talks like that. We should accept, and celebrate, if you wanna go all pretentious and arty, our differences.

[wsoutlaw87]

you think inner city white kids are less likely to talk "like that" than inner city black kids.. really? kids talk like there friends and the people they hear talk. a white person born in mexico talks with a mexican accent, thats how it is. your comment just doesnt make logical sence.

[Pedobear Rocks]

offends the black gaming community (and every other community)more than Marcus.

PBR.

There is nothing wrong with targeted advertising...SONY is trying to reach the street and hip community...who gives a rats arse if Marcus is black...I don't think Marcus had a choice.

[takohma]

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you. HHG is the complete opposite of an offense. He gives a lot of urban kids hope. He inspires them that if you work hard you can do something that you love. Sure he isnt the best but he has come a long way. I used to never ever watch his shows but he determination made me respect him. The guy is doing interviews with high people. When I watch his show I tell my little brother this guy used to be a nobody. But he never gave up even though he lacks in certain things. He's doing something he loves, talking about video games. And now he's "internet famous" if you will.

[MorganX]

Urban kids need to stop looking to HHG for hope and look to their school teachers, no matter what color they are, who can help them speak in complete English sentences. Otherwise, they have no hope.

[iceman06]

I agree that kids in general need better role models than they have. But, I don't agree that HHG wouldn't be one because of his perceived lack of command over the English language. Hip Hop, as a culture, is about defining who you are through the expression of a "coded" language which is slang. If HHG were totally inept, in terms of communication, I highly doubt that he would be able to secure the multitude of interviews with the studio big wigs. They would dismiss him as some ignorant hooligan. As it is, he mixes his passion for hip hop with his passion for gaming and provides HIS incite into the industry. Sure, he is a little rough around the edges. But, that doesn't mean that his passion and determination shouldn't be commended or even admired...regardless of what people think about his articles being flamebait or just nonsense.

[takohma]

His passion to follow his dream even through all the obsticles in his way is admirable. Something you can tell who loves what he does.

[SilverSlug]

"is offensive"

Come on.

Also, what is racist about this? Is he eating a watermelon? Did Sony force him to talk like this? I seen his other movies, he talks like this.

White guilt, pretty much. Pretty racist that you think he should act like a "white" man and talking 'different' is bad.

What next? British people should change their accents?

[PhilipLarkin]

No. British people should rise up and start our Empire again.

No, wait...

[DelbertGrady]

I think they should use the guy from their "All I want for Xmas is a PSP" viral instead. Some shoe polish and a pair of white gloves should do the trick.

[ULTIMATE_REVENGE]

So now just showing a black person on TV is racist? This is what you call ACTING Like how Kevin Butler is also ACTING.

[morganfell]

nt

[The real killer]

This article is nothing more than...........USELESS for gamers.

I like this kid, what is wrong about that :)

[m-s-8-2]

No, not really. Black people do act like that.

[BigPappaPump]

I sure don't, neither do black people in my circle. GET YOUR FACT STRAIGHT instead of generalizing a certain group of people as a whole.

[MorganX]

You're right. So do white people.

[PhilipLarkin]

ZOMG Kevin Butler talks like a middle-aged white man OMFG RACIST!

[Serg]

This is so pathetic, where you see a black kid, I see a kid, where you hear a black kid talking black, I hear a kid talking.

http://www.echateunclick.co...

This is a PSP ad that has been used a few years ago in the EU, nobody complained, nobody made it out to be racist, in fact, the majority of Europeans see two people in this add, not a white chick grabbing a black guy. But then an American saw the ad and created a shitstorm, what is wrong with you people? Can't you just see something for what it is and not try to look for "violations of the race code" with a microscope?

I am not denying racism, I am simply saying, don't create racism where there is none. And I was born in Russia and live in Germany, I know first hand racism does exist, but I see nothing wrong with either advertisement, all I see are people...

[MikeGdaGod]

it's our history.........

[HarryM]

Haha, take a look at the wording of the article:

"he have to be so ignorant and black at the same time?"

Says it all. I can't believe I was stopping this article from becoming "Failed".

[120FPS]

Who actually gives a fcuk, until people stop referring themselves as a colour, people of colour will always exist

[condorstrike]

You can talk however you like, but since the 80's that type of slang and the continued use of Ebonics has degraded the English vocabulary a lot, and racism aside it comes from black people.

now imagine that kid growing up to be a diplomat and going up to heads of states and not being understood, needing a translator in English, for English.

and don't give me that crap of that's the way they talk, cause I have many black friend that can change the way they speak on demand, it's a choice for some and ignorance or bad education for others. Btw it's a handful of millionaire rappers, the rest don't make it, so don't believe the rented Lambos or water Cristal, nor the Neighborhood skanks/Models, it's all fake, I know some upcoming rappers and they have to fake it up for the videos.

still, I really like that kid, from role model to his TV appearances, he's got charisma, and can make any scene funny...:)

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

Ebonics have been "degrading" English for a while. Pssh...our school system has been degrading English for teaching it poorly.

Ebonics was attempt to be multi-cultural, and lots of whites don't like multiculturalism, because it ain't their way. (Do you consider ain't to be ebonics?) Ebonics also was stupid, because it isn't needed. Millions, upon millions of blacks speak perfectly fine enough for our society.

We're not the only one's with slang, and most of urban slang isn't endemic to black people. Why pick on just black people for "degrading" the English language?

This is full of nonsense on so many levels.

[condorstrike]

"school system has been degrading English"
lets not get into that, cause we all know who's running the school system, and yes Ebonics isn't needed, but most Black people choose to speak it, and yes White people have slangs, and so does every culture out there, but you're changing the subject with your misinterpretation of my comment.

This article is about a black kid, and I pointed out what is obvious, and BTW I am White, but not born in the US, even though I was raised here, and I've lived in the Ghetto and got the hell out of there, so I do know what I'm talking about.

This reminds me of the OJ case...LOL
How do you know he was Black: He sounded Black....people shouting racism...

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

You obviously don't know what you are talking about if you say you were white and lived in the ghetto. You may lived in a low economic neighborhood, but that doesn't make it a ghetto.

[Games4M - Rob]

This is an utterly ridiculous article

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

This whole discussion is stupid.

People can talk like they want to. English is a living language. Too many English words come from people talking "black" - like gumbo and banjo. And lot of the word are to come. Cash Money made one song, and now white people use the "term" bling more than blacks.

As for young Mr. Rivers, he says dog a couple of times and people get upset. That ain't talking black. People say dog all the time regardless of color.

This whole thing is either racist or petty.

[vickers500]

I'm sorry, but no matter what race you are, if you use any of the following words in a serious conversation, then you are a moron:
Moronic way | Translation
hurrd - Heard
thurr - There
yamean? - Do you know what I mean?
namsayin? - Do you know what I'm saying?
sizurup - Syrup
hata - Hater
da - The
ballin - playing basket ball

etc, you get my point (there are hundreds and hundreds of made up words and different versions of existing words, I cannot get into all of them). And yes, people can talk like they want to, but it's a two sided coin. They can talk as they wish, but I can also call them a moron if I choose to. When you take words from whatever language you speak, and intentionally mispronounce them, then you are an idiot, plain and simple. And don't even tell me I'm singling out people who speak street, because redneck slang is just as bad. I don't have a problem with people who do not have the ability to speak properly, such as a foreigner, or someone who doesn't know any better, but when you are well aware that you are mispronouncing your language, that's where I draw the line for treating you with respect.

[Omar91]

the kid isnt even talking as bad as ppl are saying! if you see the video in the article he sounds fine! unless you want him talking with perfect grammar like kevin butler. they show him going to class for god sakes! if it was a white kid playing his role we wouldnt even be having this discussion

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

These "spellings" are approximating an accent and are indicative of millions of white people as well as other races.

People in Chicago say "Da" like "Da Bears". People in parts of the Midwest enunciate the "r" strongly. People in New England don't enunciate "r" hardly at all. Nah mean is pretty much New York street slang.

How they pronounce the English language is there business as long as their audience understands them. You don't own the English language just because you are white. English is based on words from many languages - it is a living language.

Now I say fin' as in "I'm fin to go outside". It is an actually word that means 'getting ready' that came over on slave ships, like gumbo which means 'okra'.

[vickers500]

"You don't own the English language just because you are white."

I never said anything about color, you did.

"the kid isnt even talking as bad as ppl are saying! if you see the video in the article he sounds fine! unless you want him talking with perfect grammar like kevin butler. they show him going to class for god sakes! if it was a white kid playing his role we wouldnt even be having this discussion" - This kid isn't as annoying as some others, because he gets a pass for actually being funny, but it still is a little bit annoying. And yeah, we would be having this discussion, only it would be that the white kid or the people behind the commercial were racist (the discussion).

"How they pronounce the English language is there business as long as their audience understands them." - So will you be fine when the day comes that people are speaking the way they text? Will you think it's okay when people start saying g2g, brb, lol, etc instead of the actual words themselves? How about we take English classes out of school altogether? As long as their peers can understand them, then we don't need grammar or spelling or any coherent system of language, right?

And fine, I'll agree with you that English is a living language, so some slang here and there isn't that horrible, but what I'm talking about is the people who mispronounce 5 out of 6 words in their sentences. Personally, I think you're "'fin" word is just laziness but that's my opinion.

"You don't own the English language" - Never said I did, but neither do the people who are intentionally speaking incorrectly. If they are as I have said above, then they cannot claim to speak English, because English is a set language (aside from the few additions to it).

[mullerhun]

racist shit this is!

[Lombax]

Most of the time the ones shouting about something being racist are the ones being racist themselves.

[MorganX]

That sounds good but probably not reality.

Most people have a reason to shout. Whether its racism, rape, or look out for that pothole.

It's just not an easy matter. Everyone laughs at themselves and their negatives at some time. The difficulty for blacks, is a part of racism has been laughing or making fun of some of their unique negatives all the time.

[04soldier]

Quote from the article,

"If the idea was to have a more "hip" character to connect with a younger or more urban audience why did he have to be so ignorant and black at the same time?"

In my eyes that made the article more offensive than racism he accuses Sony of. Come on now, you cannot associate ignorance and "blackness" into the same category...

[PS3and4_HAS_GAMES]

its not about being black its about trying to show that the psp is cool to have..weather your black,white,hispanic,asian or other....its just trying to show a fresh urban look thats all.....

the other commercial they had ,,,"nyc plays psp" it showed white people advertising the psp and it had a hiphop beat ,,how come nothing was said than???

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Drithe]

Why is it that all the industries seem to think all blacks are ghetto and thuggish? Do they think this empowers blacks in some form or fashion? Do blacks think this?

All the black americans I know are hard working people who love thier children/families, love thier sports, and love thier videogames. Non that I know of go around and say "YO". The only ones that do are the lower class peeps.

Stereo typing should be banned.

End of Line.

[Pedobear Rocks]

but lead into your rant with 'all industries'...which in itself is a stereotypical bash against corporations.

End of line.

[Lombax]

And Kevin Butler is a stereotypical white male businessman.

Where are the articles hating on KB??

[MorganX]

There's more than enough positive images of white people to allow them to take jokes that play on stereotypes as just that.

When the only images shown of you are negative or stereo-typical, that's when it is an issue. All stereotypes are based on a piece of true reality. Racism presents stereotypes as complete truth.

[washingmachine]

to dress abit preppy with a loose fit feel is all good and the majority of blacks do use street slang even if they live in good homes,heck,you get the whole street mannerisms in todays tv shows,even if it is the pound thing people do,street slang or that type of slang is the norm,some of us use it more or some will just use certian words here and there.

but maybe sony shouldnt have done the stereotyping since they are one of the largest companies ever,dont think apple would stereotype haha

being minority im so over racism or iggnorance,heck,i can be both,we all are in someways,sure,some will say they arnt just cause they didnt say it out loud lol.

get a grip people

[MrWonderful]

the only people this as racist are people with race issues themselves. I am black and this sound s no different to me than what i hear on a daily basis coming from all kinds of people including whites. this is not limited to just people of color, look at todays youth before people start yelling sh!t is racist

[AssassinHD]

Personally I don't really give a crap if people find it offensive. People need to get over their delicate sensibilities. The young actor doesn't seem to care. Of course this is all a moot point anyway because he is just being himself.

No matter what you do, someone will find it offensive. This is an absolute truth in life. People need to grow some thicker skin or just never leave the house.

Oh and if this comment offends anyone....get over it.

[silvacrest]

i think people are taking this to far

im black and i appreciate marcus's humour and the fact that sonys marketing could have gotten a less controversial actor for the PSP ads but went with marcus anyway, i still like his ads

[crazydrummerlad1]

im with u. these r the best psp commercials to date.

[tstarr]

I think your the one that is racist and all your silly red neck friends who are agreeing with you on this matter. Wow its really something what ignorance will have you do, all the other commercials on t.v. of white kids portraying urban backgrounds and you pick this commercial to comment on. Wow..... I feel we can clearly see the racism that you grew up with in your family. I feel so compunctious for you never being exposed to anything new and then embarrassing yourself by showing the online community that your not cultural in any kind of way. Wow.....How did you acquire the job title you currently have. Maybe if you did more innovative writing you would have more people visit your site.

[Treyb3yond]

If this was an ad about some white kid with books, a bow tie and glasses, nobody would give a fuck.

Fact.

[yojoe26]

Honestly now come on. I didn't even read the article as I'm not gonna give it the time of day, but get real. So many of us americans have become so whiny and always want a reason to say that we're being "discriminated" against. Ridiculous. Toughen up americans and quit looking for ways to get attention.

[Brklynty1]

I'm black, grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and this commercial, is not offensive in no way. Ok so the kid throws in slang every now and then. Who doesn't speak slang? Wether its yo, or son, to dude, even Lmao, its slang. To say he sounds uneducated its simply rediculous. Bobbie. J wants to grow up to be a Actor/comedian. He is funny. What you want him to drop the comdeian act and talk sales numbers and convince us to support the PSP more? The new ads is to target the Teen audience mostly from 14-18 or even higher. Its know most DS owners are below the age or when purchased was below the age of 13. If anything, the article is offensive. Picking apart a young child, claiming he's supposed to act like this and not like that. Not everyone is the same. And not everyone that sayd "what's good son" doesn't have a degree. And some of you here are no different than the author really.

[LiquifiedArt]

and the whole black vs. white vs. minority vs. aliens is not entertaining anymore and hardly an issue. I dont know if anyone realizes this, but the Slavery thing ended before any of you were born. Get on with life. Boring topic, your all in a time where (atleast in america) the only slaves are those who are indebted to the banks. (WHICH IS EVERYONE) Get a clue.

Sidenote: Slavery has been in existence for 1000s of years, funny how we only talk about black slavery in america, as if it lasted ages.

[CrIpPeN]

He is talking fine by me.

[Garnett]

This has to be the stupidest thing iv ever seen, this tops the RE5 racist...

What the hell makes you think hes in the ghetto? NOTHING!!!!!!! Just because hes black you assume hes in the hood, and because his hat is backwards (like ALOT Of poeple wear them)you think that hes in compton talking about the PSP.

Its the way he naturally acts, if you want a white wash character, go get Carlton Banks.

[Shuklar]

Everyone needs to chill out. It's not like Sony is offering food stamps or coupons for watermelon, fried chicken, or grape drink with the purchase of the PSP.

[CrzyFooL]

ROFL.

[koehler83]

Get over yourselves. Nitpicking racial issues only contributes to the continuation of racism.

The kid's got a better job than you do. I think that speaks volumes.

[dhall1989]

I don't understand why they are a hyphenated race, they aren't "African-Americans" They are Americans. They are no more african than I am european. The kid is being himself so dont write flame articles about Sony being racially offensive jesus.

[Jamaicangmr]

Exactly he's being himself. If you've watched him in interviews you'd see he's just being himself.

Am with you on that "African America" thing too i've always asked why do i have to be defined like that. 1st thing i have never been to Africa and i have no family that i know of that are from Africa so how am i African American? If anything i should be Jamaican American. Some say because it's greatly believed that that black race originated from Africa. To which i say fine so does that make a white American "European American" ?

It's simple logic right?

[REDHULKSMASH]

i liked him in webster but not so much in the sony commercials but he seems like a nice kid. but that goofy ebonics crap is hereditary...it has been proven.

as far as you spineless little worms: you take an uneducated white, black, and a mexican they don't talk uneducated...they talk, redneck,black, and gangbaner; and Quit being politically correct because you're afraid of getting beatin up.
Webster was talking black like he is supposed to. Even little white suburbans are talking black.
Go ahead subtract a bubble or call Al Sharpton you little shitstains why your at it report me, ha, i'll be back in 3 or 4 days! I'll say it again you little liberal fruitcakes "he was talking black" ha, eat me! Now go play your video games and quit trying to be diplomatic.

[Jamaicangmr]

Fight the power man, fight the fight. lol!

Oh yeah and am not sure if ur joking or just being an ass but he's not Webster. Webster was played by "Emmanuel Lewis"

Oh yeah love that Avatar man. +Bubble

[likedamaster]

I just don't see it like this guy(author) does. I enjoy the commercials, they don't sound "ghetto" at all.

[CrzyFooL]

As if any of this is going to help the PSP. How about some better and more varied games? I can't even understand what this kid is saying half the time and my girlfriend is black and neither can she!! SLOW DOWN LIL MAN.

[BLoodY n GriM]

you & your supposedly(black)girlfriend must be retarded. Tell me what you don't understand, maybe i can help you with that alright homie, i mean dogg, no i mean dude lol.

[ExposingLames]

2 words....grow up

i swear man people will cry about ANYTHING but seriously there needs to be some point when people just start punching them for being so stupid

[gk07]

i see nothing wrong with the way he's talking ,kind of reminds me of those old sega commercials lol

[ForROME]

If the kid has no objection, if his parent have no objection to him playing or being the part, then you should STFU

this article is= FAIL

[BX81]

Nope but the kid in this commercial is stupid! There can only be 1 and KB is it!

[artsaber]

They would know that Sony didn't change a thing. They obviously wanted and let the kid be himself. Now if he woulda showed up talking "white" (as people say) there would've been a big uproar about that too. Anyone who has watched this kid act KNOWS that he is a firecracker over-the-top personality, no matter his race. With the right career guidance, he'll be a great comedian/actor. Just watch how bad this little bastard gets with Seann William Scott in Role Models - it is HILARIOUS. BOBBIES!!

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[iliimaster]

you see a african american kid i just see a kid doing a psp commercial

[TruthbeTold]

if this had been a White actor talking in this same way, people would be turned off by it. Especially parents. They wanted to go with this style of slang in order to go after the market (of all races) who think it's cool to speak like that/somehow relate to that, so they went with a black actor.

'Those of you who haven't yet bought a PSP! Look! It's more affordable now, and this slangy, stereotypical sounding kid that so many forcefully pattern themselves similar to is our new mascot! We understand you! Buy a PSP today!'

[Cpt_Spacebound]

I think it had to do more with how the kid did in the movie Role Models. Sony probably just wanted that character, not the actor himself, if you know what I mean.

[NarooN]

You're all so damn thick, aren't you? I'm black, pretty bad I gotta start my post off like this.

The kid talks like that in pretty much every movie role he's been in (he's not some random kid off the street). They picked him due to his character as a person. There's a pretty high chance he acts and speaks like that in real life. It doesn't take a friggin' rocket scientist to figure out there are kids of many other "races" that speak the same way he does. It's just a style, nothing more and nothing less.

If you go to Japan, do you really think everyone speaks and acts exactly the same? Just like how in America, we have typical accents "southern, noo-yawk, surfer dude, etc." - there are tons of accents here like there are "styles" and dialects in Japan. Different people from different areas will do different things in different ways. It's a simple concept and people need to stop blowing this outta proportion.

[AshleyRiot]

Obviously that kid and his parents that let him do the commercial didn't think so. If you've got a problem you should take it up with them.

[nevin1]

y should they care when there son is paying there vacation to the bahamas?

[nevin1]

because there going after a specific market. i didn't know he was a character on That's So Raven. (a show that appealed to all races) The ads are clearly meant to make PSP cooler/hipper than DS/Iphone to kids/teens.

However, you can't blame ppl that stereotyping is being used. Take the commercial where Marcus is being hired. Feet on desk, hat backwards white man looks scared(Kevin Butler).

[SuperbVillain]

no.it would be offensive if he walked around with a 40oz,gold teeth,a blunt,and chains......

[nevin1]

Now ur being ridiclous. That will be some funny $hit though.

anyway, white ppl added insult to injury to the English Language.

im sure blacks didnt invent lol, pwned, asl etc.

which are used in mobile phone ads.

[blazBlue]

Wow, this is really pathetic. How is this racist? Seriously?

[Kyur4ThePain]

To me, he sounds like a mini hiphopgamer.
What does that mean?

OT - this argument is stupid.
I find "My name is Earl" offensive because it portrays white people as simple trailer trash. I find that offensive....
No I don't. I'm not full of crap.

[TheHardware]

are made with some intelligence behind them... but boy are some of you stupid...or just craving attention.

bottom line, like it or not..."step your game up!"

[crazydrummerlad1]

this is THE DUMBEST article ive ever read on n4g. hes bitchin that marcus is being marcus in the commercial. hes basically stereotypin that jus cuz sum black folks talk like that, then that means they cant dress well or b literate. bein black myself, i find the commercials real funny n i find his article a bit offensive. this guys journalism is garbage

[Gene]

My best freind is Albanian and he talks like that what's the big deal all people talk different wtf is up these rasicts assholes this isn't insluting and if you look at one black kid and say all black people talk like that lmao your very wrong.

[dcbronco]

I believe it is. His whole career is based on this same character from what I've seen. It's not a big deal.

[Argento-Nox]

I think people are missing the fact that Marcus is a fictional character who's fictional job is to sell PSP's to the general gaming populace. Regardless of how he talk's, he's funny while promoting the PSP and it's games. I'm from a minority and some people here need to relax since there's common stereotypes in movies, music and games too, yet no one's taking that into consideration either.

[FLAMES_187]

Race article= Flame bait...and has nothing to do with gaming. If all we know this is probably some 360 fanboy...

[El Nino]

I mean its one thing to have a go at an electronics company, for supplying poor hardware (which sony dont IMO anyway) or whatever but to try and make out that there racist, is just stooping to a new low...i mean seriously wtf

not only do these articles (i've read 2 about the same subject on n4g in the past 5 minutes) blatantly cook up some bullshit story by adding 2 and 2 and getting 5 but this shit gets approved aswell...just wow

Has anyone seen the Wii adverts?? in the uk a black man (an ex soccer/football player called ian wright) appears in an advert for nintendo

he doesnt talk "british" like the queen, he's british-african you could say, i find that offensive, why is nintendo portraying a black man to not talk proper "english" surely ninty knows we all talk like the queen /s

so can we find a few articles on that please....

[psunlimited82]

that is the same kid that was in the Movie "Role Models" portraying a of the wall character.

Look, I myself am "African American" if you must, and I really do not find this offensive one bit.

[bjornbear]

then you are more prejudiced than you think.

reflect on that.

[commander]

Look at how they depict the average white male. Kevin Butler looks like your typical white nerd at work who always listens to the boss

Hmm why o why have the white people not stood up and protest this?

Ill give you a hint its because we dont give a sh1t.

Would black people be protest if sony cut marcus and brough in another kid.

You guys are all over analyzing this. If the kid thought what he was doing was sterotypical do you think he would have done it? The answer is no

Next Topic.

[RockmanII7]

The answer is yes. Money talks to people of all shape, religion, color, ect.

[RockmanII7]

In the other commercial, I was offended by how he was portrayed but I didn't want to say anything because I thought I might get called racist and I enjoy having multiple bubbles.

[Sasuke159]

When this will end :(

[N4BmpS]

Ugh stupid article, it's poking a dead horse with a stick. If you have a problem with his speech then...take the commercial record your voice over it and upload it to youtube. No, Upload it to your PS3 and share it. I hate it when people generalize ALL Americans but I don't whine about it. I hate it when some random white dude comes up to me and says "yo, what's up homie?" when he know he has never used speech like that before, that can from time to time offend me as an African-American these commercial ads do not offend me.

[hoops]

Oh god.....
is this news? Who cares