Michael: Ranjit and Chad! Love’em … !!! They rock my socks!
But I wonder: Do they rub anyone the wrong way? They are rather Simpson-esque in their approach … but that’s what makes me dig them all the more!
And Chad’s dance moves? I’m right there with his style! But I do’em on purpose! I’m a crowd pleaser!
Tara: In medieval times, that would be called a Court Jester.
Anyway, I guess these guys are mildly amusing, but don’t ya think it was a rather bold move to set up a racial profile this way? I’m just playing devil’s advocate here. I mean is Metro PCS making fun of Middle Eastern accents or television or dancing? They’re walking a slippery slope, methinks. (Wow the medieval theme continues …)
Michael: I’m with you. That’s what I meant with the “Simpson-esque” reference up there, ala Apu of The Simpsons: “Please come again!” But think about it: You know that goofy Irish dude in the Castrol “Think with your dipstick, Jimmy!” commercial? Does that indicate persons of Irish descent are flagrant physical abusers who get off whacking people in the legs and back? And what about commercials with ditzy blondes in them? Dopey husbands? Nerds? Mobile home owners? I mean … where do you stop? Those commercials aren’t harmful or derogatory unless you have it in your mind that’s how you’re going to view them. It’s just good, clean fun. Some people just have to ease up a bit.
Tara: I don’t watch The Simpsons much, so that’s why I didn’t get that reference. But I do think there’s a difference between ditzy blondes and nerds versus any ethnic group. I don’t take offense to Ranjit and Chad, but I’m not middle eastern.
Michael: It’s nothing less than a ‘bromance’ made in BollyWood! The subtle drama! … The underlying tension! … The fickle comments! … The wily side glances passed between the two within the 30 second spots! (Speaking of ‘bromance’, check out CliqueClack’s latest poll post! Love is in the air!)
How can such compact, seconds-long microcosms of adventure and intrigue be so brilliantly put on display without all of us being sucked into the subtext of this on-going thrill ride … ?!? I’m putting it out in the open right now for all to see and you can quote me on this:
The only – only – time I’ve been on board with BollyWood is within these spiffy snippets of wonderfulness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Metro PCS. *swoon*
Tara: I had to look up the term “Bollywood.” I never knew … “Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.” Hmm. As far as your use of “brilliantly put” and “being sucked in,” um. I don’t feel it. And then you gush even more, which is making me wonder if you’re getting a cut of the proceeds. If so, I want in. Or I’m telling everyone about you and the girl who plays Ariel at Disneyland that one time.
Michael: Now you’re dreamin’ … there’s no ‘Ariel’ thing … or kickbacks from my enjoyment of Ranjit and Chad’s antics.
Tara: GOTCHA!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Oct 22, 2010 @ 16:00 EST5EDT
. . . . .
“It’s a telecom-miracle …”
(ROFL) They are such goof’s, I love em!
Wow, you guys are clueless. The two guys in the Metro PCS ad are Indian – not Middle Eastern. And the “think with your dipstick” guy is Scottish, not Irish.
Buy a vowel before posting next time.
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Hmmmmmmm … well now, lessee: “BollyWood” … that’s Indian … “Simpson-esque” and “Apu” … Indian … Yeah. I’m good there.
But … that buy a vowel thing: No matter what vowel I purchase (not even a “y”!), I’m not going to be able to make “Scottish” out of “Irish”. So I’ll just admit I made an honest mistake and go on from there. I’m prone to mistakes, I don’t mind admitting.
All day Saturday I’ll be wearing an “I Made A Mistake For All To See” handwritten note on my collar as penance.
And, right this moment, I’m a tad ashamed I’m Irish.
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Hokay! I’m all better now … !!!
So, like, what are you like saying?
Uh oh, the TV Squad commenters found us!
I was going to point out the Indian-not-Middle-Eastern thing as well (but very politely of course). If you’ve never heard of Bollywood, you can’t be expected to know that India is not part of the Middle East. Okay, that didn’t come out as politely as I hoped, but you know I’m only mean to those I love.
BTW I voted for “They’re harmless” because I personally enjoy Indian stereotypes as long as they’re not malicious or so silly as to be ridiculous. (I’ve just started watching “Outsourced” – hilarious!)
Okay, on that note, I’d better mention that I’m Indian so your readers don’t think I’m evil.
HAVE YOU GUYS SEEN THE METROPCS COMMERCIALS FOR THE SPANISH MARKET. THE SETUP IS SIMILAR BUT THE CHARACTERS ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT – WITH TWO TALK SHOW HOSTS TOO BUT ONE IS ARGENTINEAN AND THE OTHER ONE IS MEXICAN (THE GUY WHO PLAYS ALISTAIR FROM “HUGE”). CHECK THEM OUT ON YOUTUBE AS METROPCS “IN LOVE”! THEY’RE WORTH COVERING THEM TOO.