Rappers to boycott Cristal champagne

[BarronVangorToth]

There are legitimate situations of racism all over the world; whenever you brand something as racist that isn't (like this) you take away attention from areas that deserve it by using the term too loosely. Then, when something happens that is actually a problem, it gets treated with the same rolled-eyes by those who cannot differentiate.

In essence, Jay-Z perpetuates racism by deeming things racist that aren't.

Like this.

[Dids]

Still lol-ing.

Cristal isn't losing any sales because it's showing up in a hip-hop video.

Ignoring race in conversations like this is just flying blind. Yes, issues of class are factors as well, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think that is plays a significant role.

[BarronVangorToth]

It's actually more racist when you think "low class" automatically has to be associated with "black people."

[Dids]

BVT,

Seems like you're trying to suggest I said something I didn't.

[P Chippa]

Isn't it true that other makers of "high class products" give their product to rappers (and other celebs) for free specifically for promotional reasons?

Also, do you think this was a question known prior to the interview and it was a thought out answer, or was the guy caught off guard and he said something stupid like a bonehead?

[Freerollin`]

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Ignoring race in conversations like this is just flying blind. Yes, issues of class are factors as well, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think that is plays a significant role.

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I think you're looking for something that simply isn't there. A company doesn't want to be associated with a genre that is often synonomous with violence, gangs, misogyny and other undesireable traits. That does not make it racist.

Edited for spelling

[Dids]

This seems on par with what the F1 guy said about Danica Patrick. I get the impression, and this could be 100% wrong, that some of those older european dudes don't actually care so intensely about public perception.

The thing about Chris is that the reason it became a big deal for rappers was that it's a symbol of high class. They were huge before hip-hop and will be huge after. That's the part that makes this so silly, it's not likely to have a meaningful effect on their business either way, so it's just so needlessly insulting.

[daryn]

not racist. see analogy of hillbillies spraying it all over each other in country videos (if that happened) and burberry example in the UK.

[moondogg]

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Cristal isn't losing any sales because it's showing up in a hip-hop video.

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What are you basing that on?

Given how much the brand name "Cristal" has become associated with rap vidoes (as shown in this thread), I wouldn't doubt that a lot of Cristal's original market would be more inclined to choose a different brand of high-end champagne.

Today rappers sing about Cristal. Next year they will sing about something else. 5 years from now, rich people will be buying Dom because Cristal will still have the stigma of being "that champagne in those offensive videos/songs".

Obviously they are going to pick up more business in other markets, but what evidence do you have that they are making more (and will continue to make more) from this temporary fad of a market than they are losing in their traditional long-term market?

This is not about race. This is about money. I seriously doubt that the owners of Cristal are basing their decisions on anything other than getting as much loot into their pockets as possible.

[CrazyEyez]

[ QUOTE ]
Still lol-ing.

Cristal isn't losing any sales because it's showing up in a hip-hop video.


[/ QUOTE ]
Cristal isn't losing any sales because black people drink it either. Cristal-guy's statement doesn't have to be racist to be idiotic.