Images of President Barack Obama kissing other world leaders
have sparked controversy. The fake
pictures were released as part of a new campaign by the United Colors of
Benetton.
Alessandro Benetton, executive deputy chairman, wrote that
"The images are very strong, but we have to send a strong message. We are
not wanting to be disrespectful of the leaders ... we consider them
"conception figures" making a statement of brotherhood with a
kiss," he said.
The group says that they hope the ads will contribute to a
culture of tolerance and get rid of hate.
They are hoping young people will post the images of world leaders
kissing, "on the walls of locations symbolic of the desperately-needed
peace process: Tel Aviv, New York, Rome, Milan, Paris."
The reactions have been swift and strong. President of the Italian Association for
Catholic Viewers Luca Borgomeo asked that the campaign be withdrawn
immediately. "Is it possible that
RTL can't think of anything better?" he said.
"The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving
of the use of the president's name and likeness for commercial purposes," said
White House spokesman Eric Schultz.
No comments:
Post a Comment