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Black activists target Howard Stern ad
—Posted by Tim Nudd |
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December 26, 2005 | Permalink |
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Howard should have known better.
Posted by: Mel Logan | Dec 26, 2005 12:13:34 PM
The phrase dates back to the 1800's.
The raised fist was first used in early 1900's by the unions as a sign of solidarity.
Posted by: Emmet | Dec 26, 2005 2:13:29 PM
It’s actually another case of different audiences having different responses to the same ad. Most folks in Stern’s core audience probably think it’s hilarious and don’t even see the Black references at all. On the other hand, many Blacks read it in a completely different way. Unintentional insensitivity from Howard Stern? Hey, bleep happens — especially with culturally-clueless general market ad agencies. Given Stern’s low popularity among Black audiences, the billboard also demonstrates bad media buying.
Regarding Emmet’s comments, your historical facts may be correct. But the raised fist took on new meanings, particularly with the Black Power Movement. And even Phleger remarked that civil rights icon King popularized the phrase (versus inventing it).
Finally, Michael Phleger is technically not a Black activist. He’s a White guy who often fights for Black causes.
Posted by: HighJive | Dec 26, 2005 4:45:47 PM
Whether or not the Black Power movement popularized the phrase it doesn't grant that group a monopoly over the words.
Howard Stern has every right under the First Ammendment to say and use any words or phases he likes to promote his channel.
The Black Community's comments are tantamount to censorship, the very thing Howard Stern is Free from now.
I think special intererst groups in this country have gotten out of control.
Posted by: Webster | Dec 26, 2005 7:06:12 PM
Webster,
Don’t misinterpret my comments. I would never agree that any group has a monopoly on specific phrases or images.
The issue created by Stern’s billboard isn’t about censorship. It’s about respect. You don’t make light of someone’s revered icons right in their neighborhood to sell your own crummy product. It’s not nice.
Yes, Howard Stern has the right to say whatever he wishes. So why take offense if a group says they don’t want to hear it? And technically, the FCC won’t allow Stern to say whatever he wishes. That organization has plenty of censors too.
Regarding censorship overall, try not to be so sanctimonious. If liquor and tobacco advertisers posted billboards near kindergartens and schools, you can rest assured parents — regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, etc — would have the work removed pronto. Remember, tobacco isn’t even permitted to advertise on television. Censorship is not exclusive to Blacks or anyone else. In fact, the majority culture (i.e., Whites) probably invented censorship.
I agree with you — special interest groups are out of control. But so are folks like Howard Stern. Like it or not, advertisers need to demonstrate a certain level of social responsibility. After all, we’re not living in Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet.
All the best.
Posted by: HighJive | Dec 26, 2005 11:47:06 PM
That's it. I'm offended by people being offended by ads. Who do I complain to?
Posted by: whadup | Dec 27, 2005 10:49:00 PM
whadup,
try complaining to the AAF and 4As — they continue to create and ultimately ignore an industry whose exclusivity leads to offensive work.
Posted by: HighJive | Dec 28, 2005 5:14:57 PM
People who are offended by Howard's Ad are ridiculous. When someone wishes to express true emotion, pain, happiness, etc ... the point they are TRYING to make gets overlooked because people can not look past their own thoughts and emotions.
Think about this for a moment, Howard Stern has been broadcasting for 20 plus years, and for the past 15, the FCC has continually narrowed the speech of all those who speak from his microphones. (And somewhat with other radio shows) We are not talking about the seven dirty words here; we are talking about the same discussions that Oprah Winfrey has on her show at four in the afternoon. It got to a point about 15 months ago where Howard had to limit people farting & fart sound effects. (hang with me, The point is coming) The government is telling someone not to play fart sound effects. Is that not infuriating and oppressive to you? OK, So maybe you do not care to hear fart sounds, or the discussion of Vaginosis on the radio, but does the government have the right to make that choice for everyone? Where is the line drawn? Will they have to stop advertising Tampons & Viagra?
The point is, If you are in Howard's shoes you want to express yourself fully and at the level you feelings deserve (within the law of course, which by the way when it comes to indecency the rules are made up as they [the FCC] go along. There is no hard and fast laws about what one can and can not say, nor does one have the right to a day in court to refute allegations of indecency). I know that Howard being oppressed by the government is not quite the same as Blacks being beaten, discriminated against, and outcasted, but why can he not choose a form of solidarity the equals his emotions. (One could say some Multi-Million Ad Agency came up with the logo simply to cause controversy, but Howard has given the impression that he, and/or his camp came up with it. So I am basing my thoughts on that, besides even if it was an ad agency, he still approved it) And how exactly is he making light of the Black Movement & Dr Martin Luther King JR? He is not poking fun at the black fist, he as well as anyone who listens to him CONSISTENTLY (not 5mins a month) will tell you he takes censorship VERY SIRUSly, and this logo encompasses his feelings and emotions accurately. So Rev. Michael Pfleger (and others) where is the disrespect, is it because Howard just happens to be a bit low brow in his comedy? Well, tough, just because a person does not share your morals does not mean their thoughts are less important or should not be shared. Hmmm,...wait, on second thought, maybe the logo should be changed. Of the 200 million or so adults in the U.S., we should have Howard change the logo immediately, just for the couple hundred of people that the current logo might offend. Just a minor change, just straighten up the middle finger!
Keith
Boston MA
Posted by: Keith | Jan 4, 2006 1:55:12 PM
I was under the impression that Mr. King paraphrashed 'America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)' which was written by Samuel F. Smith back in the 1800's....
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh697.sht
First verse.
I can't however discount the similarities between the Howard Stern logo and the Power to the People symbol. They are obviously similar. Howard's logo does show an H in between the middle of middle and ring finger. They also, in a round about way, signify a similar fight. Government and personal oppression as well persecution based on belief. In this world of increasing religious and government influence I think we'll all need to band together and stand up for our rights...
Matt
Posted by: Matt | Jan 4, 2006 2:46:07 PM
I remember watching Yahoo's coverage of Howard's last day a reporter asking him about the significance of the sign. He acknowledged its roots, I believe referring to the Black Power movement. I'm pretty sure he also said that it was a conscious decision on his part because he considered his fight against the FCC and for the first amendment to be akin to earlier fights by African Americans for civil liberties. Stern aint dumb. He knew what he was doing.
Posted by: Joe Student | Jan 10, 2006 12:25:53 PM
It is the gonzo fist logo
Posted by: gonzo | Jan 10, 2006 10:44:40 PM
Free speech should be defended at all costs. Obviously, Stern should be allowed to say (or fart) whatever he wants, and since there are millions of people silly enough to listen, he's a radio star.
That being said, his use of this imagery bothers me. Howard Stern's ability to ogle lesbians in front of a national audience is not a cause with any moral force. His squabbles with the FCC are not a social movement. In fact, this man has done much to set social movements (like feminism) back decades. He has helped influence a whole generation of young men to be more crass, self-absorbed, and chauvinistic, and a whole generation of young women to believe that they are nothing more than sexual decoration.
Last Saturday night on a busy metropolitan street, I saw a young woman lean out of an SUV and start flashing her breasts to people on the sidewalk. No doubt, she thought she was being wild, feisty, and original -- but in fact, she was following a rather lame, tired script. So is Howard Stern. Just because both the flasher and Howard Stern deserve free speech doesn't mean that either have anything to say beyond "look at me!"
Look -- we just lost a major American city. At this point, we should be asking for a lot more from both our public officials as well as from the people whose voices we listen to on the radio.
Posted by: Gentian | Jan 11, 2006 10:11:28 AM
You have a guaranteed right to freedom of speech. You do not have a guaranteed right to be protected from being offended. Would you want to? Please tell me you are made of stronger stuff than that.
Don't get me wrong. I think Stern is banal and boring. I don't like his show and so I don't listen to it. End of story.
Posted by: kim | Jan 11, 2006 11:19:11 AM
Agree somewhat with an earlier post - if anything, it is a rip-off of Hunter S. Thompson's Gonzo Fist logo he used for many years. It's just different enough for him to get away with, but as a fan of both, it's clear that Howard has a kinship to Hunter, whether he is aware of it as he should be or not.
Posted by: Jon | Jan 11, 2006 12:03:43 PM
I think logo is fine , no need to make a fuss about an innocent thing ?!
Posted by: www.pipelayerz,com | Jan 13, 2006 1:05:39 AM
Jews at the communist Highlander Folk School trained the race mixing MLK, and gave the blacks the tools to destroy America's schools and neighborhoods with their presence, so why are they so mad about this gutter mouthed jew borrowing back a slogan the jews appropriated/stole first?
Posted by: Zorf | Jan 14, 2006 9:08:17 AM
Personally, I am WAY more offended by the 15 story high billboard in Times Square of freaking P. DIDDY giving the Black Power salute in order to sell his overpriced tracksuits to people who can't afford them.
Howard? Let freedom ring, baby.
Posted by: radiogirl | Jan 14, 2006 12:22:51 PM
Freedom of speech makes America strong. Let's not bash those who use it powerfully -- even if we feel they are wrong in their views, or manipulating others.
Instead, let's each of us learn to use speech powerfully ourselves, so that all of our views can be represented to the public.
Posted by: Disregard | Mar 15, 2006 1:28:53 AM
Absolute rip off of hunter thompson freak power fist which is intentional rip off of black power fist which is a rip off of earlier fist (closed hand, meaning power) symbols. Symbols mean whatever people tell you they mean. Nothing is original.
Posted by: Dan | Jun 23, 2006 10:14:32 PM
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Ms. Jennifer Williams
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www.jenniferawilliams.exploretalent.com
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5164
Evanston, Illinois 60204
United States – Corporate Finance
RE IDENTITY THEFT and PRIVACY
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Happy Holidays!
Lady Jennifer Williams
NOTE
DUE TO E-MAIL RESEARCH AND OTHER SPAM, I DO NOT HONOR REPLIES BY E-MAIL.
Posted by: LADY JENNIFER WILLIAMS | Jan 3, 2007 10:22:06 PM
It's not a gonzo fist, that has two thumbs!
Posted by: Adam AD | Jul 6, 2007 8:54:06 AM
