Alabama Tanning Salon's Thanksgiving Ad Reduces Native Americans to "Sexy Color"
An Alabama based tanning salon company has apologized after posting what some are calling a controversial ad.
Club Sun Color Studio posted an ad on its Facebook page saying that Native Americans brought sexy color to the first Thanksgiving.
It showed a tanned brunette dressed in Native American costume. Next to her is a more pale blonde pilgrim. "I don't think they should have printed something out like that," said Ebony Monigan.
The ad has caused quite a stir. "I think it's offensive to the Indian culture," said Monigan.
The ad stated, The Indians brought more than just 'corn' to the first Thanksgiving. They brought "sexy color."
For as low as $7.99 customers could get and instant, flawless, sunless sprays to look like the sexy Native Americans.
"That's sad that society has to be like this," said one Mobile woman. The ad has since disappeared from the company's Facebook page. The tanning salon's marketing director apologized, stating the ad was never meant to be offensive or racist.
David Arnett said, "I myself am Native American, and I am very proud of my heritage and skin tone. The thought process behind the ad was simply a play on my own sexy 'color.' Again, I apologize for any offense and misunderstanding." Monigan said, "The words, whether he's a Native American, the words still offend people."
"It was just an innocent Thanksgiving ad," said Vice President of Sales Larry Andrews. He said the company was promoting its business, which is color. He said it is why he and the owner approved the advertisement.
Andrews believes it was taken out of context. "I think this day and time people look for something to complain about and something to stir the pot. If they would look for more positive things in life we'd have a much better Thanksgiving and holiday season," said Andrews. The company said it will be more cautious about ads in the future.
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