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Subway Uses Urban Slang To Sell Sandwiches
Posted on October 18, 2008 with 2 Comments
As part of their five dollar footlong sandwich promotion, Subway has transformed Abraham Lincoln into a diamond earring-wearing, slang-spewing spokesperson.
The Subway website features the taglines “that’s somethin’ to holla about,” the image of Lincoln saying “five dolla footlong….that’s some serious value son,” and prompts users to “give your friends a customized shoutout” by emailing or texting a holla’.
Jared’s sandwich shop of choice is clearly trying to reach a younger, hipper, and more ethnic demographic with its hip-hop influenced campaign. And while their five dollar revamp is not as offensive as the Obama bucks, it is being criticized by the black community for promoting stereotypes of urban and street culture.
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, hip hop, Subway
Category: Advertisements, Business, Food, Media, Race Matters
If the Black community don’t want to be associated with these negative stereotypes then they should promoting them in their music and daily lives.
If they are offended, ashamed, or embarrassed by their poor use of grammar then they should address those issues within their own communities, schools, and homes. Of course, not all black people can be identified by these stereotypes, but a vast majority do and unfortunately this is what mainstream America focuses on.
It is not promoting a stereotype if one doesn’t exist. Is this how “urban and street culture” are portrayed? If it is, maybe we need to change that and focus on the bigger problem and leave high-paid marketing executives alone. They are simply using an image and vocabulary that they think appeals to their audience. If it doesn’t appeal to you, don’t eat Subway. There are more intelligent ads for far better sandwich alternatives, such as Jersey Mikes, Quiznos, Blimpies, local delis, etc.