darkmatter

I was about to comment on this US print advert for a new Intel computer chip, when after complaints of racism, Intel have apologized and pulled the offending ad.

This is Intel’s statement on their blog:

Before rehearsing those wonderfully myopic arguments about the internet as a space of unlimited freedoms beyond censorship, it’s worth bearing in mind the corporate nature of social networking sites like Facebook. Though you might not consider the ethics of corporate responsibility to be at the cutting edge of anti-racist politics today, surely it’s essential to take a clear position in these new media culture wars. There’s an email petition here.

Celina De León highlights blogging as a racialized space in a recent article of USA located ColorLines - the national newsmagazine on race and politics

Is ‘adopting’ a ‘Third World’ baby the ultimate charitable act for white western superstar celebrities?

Madonna’s acquisition of a baby from Malawi appears to pale into insignificance in comparison to the enthusiasm of actress Angelina Jolie. She has adopted babies from Cambodia (2002), Ethiopia (2005), and has recently filed to adopt from Vietnam.

Well, finally Jolie’s dedication has been recognised in the film world…

For a more serious take on this issue, see the Celebrity Colonialism article