Jerry Curl's response to hateful ad campaign

Angered by the deplorable ads put out by the Miami-based Zubi advertising agency, we decided to drop them a little note:

To the "leadership" of Zubi Advertising:

I'd like to take a few minutes out of my day to express how offended and angry I am over your agencies latest karate school campaign. To say that the concept and accompanying images for the RDCA school are repulsive and reprehensible fall far short of accurately describing it.

The truth is, your company has only served to perpetuate some of the most hurtful, ignorant, and downright dangerous stereotypes the gay community faces today. Stereotypes, I might add, you've been expressly adamant about "erasing."

As one of the nation’s leading Hispanic businesses, I would expect you to understand how being different is not always easy.

In a world where being gay is still met with hate and deadly violence the world over, irresponsible company's like yours cannot capitalize on gay stereotypes. Doing so makes you and those like you directly responsible for fueling the flames of intolerance.

So shame on you for creating something so malicious. Shame on you for distributing something that only works to disenfranchise an entire group of people. And shame on your for not having the sensitivity, the tact, or a sense of basic human respect.

Sincerely,
Jerry L.

Comments

Dusty said…
"In a world where being gay is still met with hate and deadly violence the world over..."

Wouldn't it be best for gay men and women to learn how to defend themselves?

You're seeing, "Don't let your kid be a sissy." I'm seeing, "If your kid is wearing mom's shoes, self defense isn't a bad idea."

The ad is totally open to interpretation.

Are they discouraging effeminate behavior or are they welcoming all types of kids?

The ad provokes thought. It doesn't exclude anyone. It's artfully styled and lets the viewer fill in the blanks. I think they're brilliant.

Did you bother reading the other comments on the page?

"The kid will still grow up gay. But he'll be able to kick some serious @ss. Thanks, dad!"

"I immediately thought of myself doing those same things, and then getting beaten up as a young gayboy for being just that - and wishing I'd had the skills to kick some ass myself. So if it helps just one kid get some skills to protect himself, I say, YAY. Color me half-full."

"The ads are so beautifully shot and the kid looks so sweet that I'm inclined to think the ads intention is to suggest self-defense and not to suggest manning-up kids."

"I think the kid looks awesome and if I were his dad I'd want him to be able to defend his fierce self."

I hope you considered all points of view before firing that letter off. I for one and sick of gays being accuse of whining.
August 13, 2010 at 4:49 PM
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