It’s probably fair to say that Thailand isn’t famed for its political correctness. One well-known brand of toothpaste (actually from Taiwan) used to be known as “Darkie”, and the packaging featured a stereotypical minstrel (allegedly inspired by Al Jolson).
Procter & Gamble took over the company, and the preparation is now know as “Darlie”, though still has the minstrel as its logo.
The following advertisement, for another toothpaste (which happens to be black) is both touching in its portrayal of a black man in Thailand, and quite shocking for the implicit racism.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0NU9KULHO8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
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That’s awesome, but I can’t imagine how it would sell in Thailand with their stigma against dark skin. Would love to see that on the shelves here in the U.S. 🙂