Stereotypes Types & Race: Whats Crossing the Line?

Stereotypes are found everywhere in today's society.  It's almost like a unspoken language that is used but not accepted.  Well, at least frowned upon even though it is used commonly in advertising.  It's hard to say what crosses the line when using common stereotypes or race to sell a product.  However, I think people gravitate to it because they themselves find it true and relate to it.  We all can't deny that there is some truth to certain stereotypes.  If there wasn't, then obviously society wouldn't find a reason to keep capitalizing on it.  In my opinion, I think using stereotypes in advertising is okay to some extent, as long as it isn't used to single out on group or shed negative light on the subject in question.  For example, if a Japanese food company is trying to sell their products it most likely does not make sense to put a American in their ad, so it's only natural to put their target audience in the ad right?  The ad has to make sense but also has to have some respect for the culture in question.

Above is an ad for french fries. I find this ad an acceptable display of stereotype use.  In this stereotype it seems that  the fries are like granny's cooking but with out the cheek pinch. It makes the assumption that grandmas cook well, and for many this may be the case.  It's a innocent ad that I think everyone can relate to in one way or another, but notice it does not draw a negative light on a specific race or a touchy subject.

Now this ad is where it crosses the line.  The stereotype presented here is obvious.  The use of an African American woman to promote fried chicken is ridiculous. We all know the stereotype but it is not okay capitalize on a specific race with a negative connotation.  It is a negative stereotype that is disrespectful to that culture.  This is the type of advertising that does not need to be produced.  It is clear that racism in advertising is not a thing of the past because in reality it is used commonly like above.  Advertisers have a responsibility to have ethical morals.  We our teaching our children to accept these misconceptions, which is why we still have racism today.  If this is the best idea that advertisers can come up with to market their product by using racism and stereotypes, then obviously we are lacking true creative talent.