July 04, 2019
Italian airline Alitalia has apologized for a promotional video that featured an actor in blackface portraying former US President Barack Obama.
The video was made as part of an advertising campaign for the flag carrier's new Rome-Washington route, and was posted on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
The airline has removed the video and apologized after receiving complaints.
Alitalia apologizes over Obama blackface video
"Alitalia deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the promotional video on our Washington route," tweeted Alitalia.
"It has since been removed. For our company, respect for everyone is mandatory, it was never our intention to hurt anyone and we will learn from what has happened."
Blackface refers to darkening one's complexion using paint or makeup. In the United States, the racist practice has its roots in 19th century minstrel shows but it also appeared in Europe.
The use of blackface in the video produced a backlash on social media.
"This @Alitalia video showcasing a silent blackfaced "Obama" is reprehensive on so many levels: racism, extreme provincialism, willful ignorance of facts, lack of historic knowledge," tweeted one user.
"When your social media/ marketing team has no idea about the state of the world today. And the award goes to... @Alitalia," tweeted another.
The controversy is the latest in a string of race controversies that have landed major brands in hot water.
In February, Italian fashion house Gucci apologized and discontinued a sweater that social media users said resembles blackface because of its design.
That same month, singer Katy Perry's eponymous fashion brand also pulled two shoe designs after criticism that they featured racist imagery.
And in December 2018, luxury fashion house Prada withdrew products from its Pradamalia line after images surfaced of some merchandise depicting monkey-like figures with black faces and large red lips.
Business
Global Vehicle to Grid Market 10 Year Forecast Report 2024-2034 - Supportive Government Regulations and Financial Incentives for V2G Deployment
DUBLIN, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Market Report 2024-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. World revenue for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Market is forecast to surpass US$ 4.31 billion in 2024, with strong revenue growth through to 2034. Escalating Demand for Electricity, Coupled With a Global Commitment to Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels, Resulting in a Surge in the Adoption of Electric VehiclesThe vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by a confluence of factors shaping the future of sustainable transportation and power management. Key drivers include the escalating demand for electricity, coupled with a global commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This market is characterized by opportunities that lie in the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to meet energy demands, while also addressing challenges associated with the variable nature of these sources.The primary driver for the V2G market is the escalating demand for electricity worldwide. Governments and industries are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable and low-emission solutions, driving the widespread adoption of EVs. The electrification of the transportation sector not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides a unique opportunity for EVs to serve as mobile energy storage units. This bidirectional flow of power, where EVs can both draw and supply energy to the grid, is a key driver propelling the V2G market forward.Opportunities in the V2G market are abundant, particularly in the integration of renewable energy sources. As countries strive to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, V2G technology becomes an enabler for managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. This creates opportunities for smart grid solutions and advanced energy storage systems. Additionally, the idle times of parked EVs present an untapped opportunity for bidirectional ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
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