If you don't love Office Max's Rubberband Man, then there is clearly something wrong with you.
He first appeared passing out office supplies to the tune of the Spinners' 1970s funky tune "Rubberband Man" last December. He returned this summer in a back-to-school ad. The original spot has now been nominated for an Emmy award.
It is easily my favorite commercial on TV right now. Guaranteed to bring a smile every time!
History Has Its Eyes On You, Part Deux
10 months ago
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4 comments:
Then there must be something wrong with me.
I along with a lot of other African Americans, despise that commercial.
I am sick and tired of seeing black people on TV dancin' and grinnin'. This is not the 1950's, black people have come a long way in the entertainment industry, and most other parts of society, and that demeaning commercial sends us right back. This commercial is the epitome of a racial stereotype. The man had handlebars and mirrors on his cart. What's next spinning wheels, dice, hydraulics and a pick with the fist sticking out of his hair? No...how about he's taking a watermelon break before he hears someone needing a pencil...he puts his gold teeth back in and starts dancing.
Of course it's a popular and well received commercial to whites. Most white people, especially in corporate America, love sambo.
Now for those of you who don't understand what I'm talking about and think I'm being militant, check out the movie "Hollywood Shuffle" with Robert Townsend, then maybe you will understand.
Wow. That certainly wasn't a response I expected. You didn't come right out and accuse me of racism, but it's pretty close.
I apologize for any for any perceived offense, for I certainly meant none.
To be honest, I don't enjoy the commercial because I like to watching "sambo," as you put it, dancing around. I like the music and the interaction with the kids. It doesn't matter to me if the character is black or white.
For the record, I've seen "Hollywood Shuffle." I enjoy Robert Townsend (except for "Meteor Man"). I didn't see this commercial as the same sort of thing, but obvioulsy I don't have the same perspective you do.
In a response to the negative feedback relative to Eddie Steeples' work in the Office Max commercial I offer the following:
Black, white, or purple, Eddie Steeples performs wonderfully in the commercial. He is simply great. For those of you looking for some racial undertow or social sidebar, you've got too much time on your hands. The man has style and grace. These are his moves! What difference does the pigmnet of his skin really make! If you'll review the (Office Max) web site and auditions, you'll see that many caucasians were given a chance at the spot. Perhaps it would have been better to (discriminate)not have used an Aferican-American actor? Perhaps Office Max needs to consult the political correctness Gestapo before making an Emmy nominated, widely sensational and universally accepted (oops, almost)commercial. If the performer would have been white, and with the same agility, I would have also enjoyed it (although the caucasion actors in the auditions were a far cry from agile).
Moreover, consider the genre of the Spinners song "Rubberband Man" of the 70s, it was consistent with the type of moves and dress of Mr. Steeples, and what we see presented in the commercial. I was there and still don't see that as an insult of African-Americans. For those of you with a social uneasiness, feed some hungry people or help at the local homeless shelter but let this man be hip! This is a great, feel-good commercial and one of the best performances I've seen in a while (in an advertisement). Let the man be smooth, cool, and graceful without undermining his performance with some social insult on "white people".
Finally, with this kind of exposure, Mr. Steeples has developed an impressive following (all races) and can now make whatever social comment he so desires, and without consulting the political correctness crowd--of any color. That can't be too bad.
PS, I'd almost forgotten the specter of "Sambo", but thanks to your comment, we'll have that wound open for further healing a while longer.
From a busy medical doctor in western Oklahoma who loves the work of Eddie Steeples...
Eddie Steeples has genuine talent. He caught my attention the first time I viewed the commercial.
He is mesmerizing in the part of the RBM. I see some people of his race don't appreciate his talent. They are embarassed by his performance. I put him in the same category with Mr. Six of the Six Flags commercials except RBM exhibits more talent and is more wholesome. He appeals because he comes across as sweet and fun. Not angry, dangerous, obnoxious, or vulgar. Mr. Six comes across as a bit of a pervert. Too bad some people can't understand that some of the things getting in the way of "tolerance" and "diversity" are bad attitudes, viciousness, criminality, chips on the shoulder, lewdness and the like.
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