P.M. BRIEFING : ‘Racist’ Billboards Stir Australia
SYDNEY, Australia — Advertising billboards blasted as racist have brewed up a storm in Australia, where South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela is visiting.
Hahn Brewing Co. said today it would consider withdrawing its advertisements after complaints that they are racist and ridicule black people.
The advertisement urges drinkers to “Get Your Laughing Gear Around This.†One depicts a black person with an elongated neck adorned with rings, while another shows a wide-eyed black man balancing a bottle of beer on his lip.
“Imagine Nelson Mandela’s reaction, coming to Sydney and seeing ads like that,†a New South Wales state politician said.
Hahn Managing Director Chuck Hahn said the advertisements, which were approved by state advertising authorities, are making a humorous comment about the beer.
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