Perhaps I’m too sensitive to the legion of anti-semitic conspiracy theorists who believe that Jews own the media. Regardless of whether the intention was to send a coded message to the faithful, I think someone at the Corn Refiners Association should have taken a better look at this ad before they put it in newspapers. This picture is from the Washington Post, A16, September 9, 2008. I couldn’t find a pdf of this particular ad:
Above the bagel, in bold: “Could it be another schmear campaign?” The very first sentence under the bagel: “Lately, high fructose corn syrup has had its name dragged through the media.” I think you’re on shaky ground, juxtaposing a broadly worded attack on the media with a bagel. And a bagel with a Yiddish word in the boldface above it, no less.
The ad sends readers to SweetSurprise.com”, and I’m actually going to leave aside any thoughts about the corn-industrial complex, their battle with Big Sugar, or nutrition in general.
Corn farmers are traditionally portrayed in popular culture as paragons of white, wholesome Middle America. I’m bothered by this ad, with it’s suggestion – intentional or unintentional – that the Jewish-controlled media is trying to ruin something people have worked hard to build.
Am I reading too much? What are your thoughts?
Full text of the ad: Lately, high fructose corn syrup has had its name dragged through the media. Truth is, it’s nutritionally the same as table sugar. Has the same number of calories, too. Even registered dietitians agree that you can keep enjoying the foods and beverages you love, just do it in moderation. To get the facts, visit our website. We welcome a healthy discussion.
it’s not that you read too much…you think too much
turn off brain, rinse, reboot
Beyond the fact that high fructose corn syrup “is what plants crave”, I took a look at the photo first and then read the text. I’m with you on this one. Of all of the options they had for the poster center piece and all of the expressions they could have used, they took a bagel and a Yiddish word to make their point.
intended or not – its offensive in my opinion.
partly because I enjoy promoting controversy.
Interesting. I saw a HFCS is good for you commercial last night for the first time. No jews, just soccer moms. I guess I wouldn’t have read the ad the way you did, but now that you point it out, I can totally see it that way. Besides, I’m pretty sure normal cream cheese and bagels don’t contain HFCS, so it’s an odd choice of food to use for a campaign. The commercial I saw was for a Kool Aid type drink, that makes more sense.
Sure, draw me in to your Oliver Stone-ness. Stone-ness? Oh lord, help me. I’m up too early.