“In honor of Black History Month, we are offering special savings on fried chicken.”
Is there something wrong with this statement? Apparently, a supermarket in Pennsylvania did not think so.
Giant Food Stores, in Harrisburg, Pa., displayed the advertisement on a large sign in one of its stores with the above message. When approached by an offended customer, the manager of the store had the nerve to ask the customer why it offended him so much.
No kidding.
Giant Food Stores ended up apologizing for the sign and removed it from the store. Company officials said they did not intend any harm. But the damage was already done.
In a time when Americans are particularly more sensitive than usual, it is asinine a company would be so indifferent to the feelings of a large part of the population.
The thought of singling out such an all-American food and attaching it to a particular group is just downright dumb. Especially since the stereotype used concerning blacks liking fried chicken has a negative connotation.
In many movies and TV shows, blacks are often shown eating fried chicken in parodies. Needless to say, they are always less-than-flattering.
People – and especially major companies – need to be sensitive to the feelings of not only minorities, but all people. We are not advocating an increase in political correctness, but with an instance such as this, the offense is painfully obvious.
Instead of an apology, Giant Food Stores should have – and still can – offer a better solution.
Giant’s apology should be more widespread. We think a formal, public apology is in order. Giant could write a letter to the editor of the major newspaper in Harrisburg. Officials from the company could also meet with black leaders to try to mend the situation.
In that meeting, Giant could also try and learn more about the true meaning of black history and culture.
In any case, a simple apology and removal of the sign are just not enough.
