UPDATE: YouTube removed the video previously embedded here following a copyright complaint from Randall Ford.

Two days ago, a YouTube user posted the above video, saying it was a radio commercial for Ft. Smith auto dealer Randall Ford that had been pulled after airing in the market only a few times. In the commercial, an announcer mimicking a stereotypical Asian accent who calls himself “Japanese Joe” encourages people to buy American cars.

Advertisement

We called Randall Ford, and were put in touch with someone who we were told was the general manager, who identified himself as Bradford (he eventually refused to give his last name, but the Randall Ford website lists Bradford Randall as the general manager).

Bradford said the commercial aired “three or four years ago” but was pulled after “a few days” due to complaints. He said he saw how it could be “construed as offensive,” but said the ad’s only intent was to be humorous.

Advertisement

“We’d never tried the humor approach before, and really it was funny,” he said. “It was just about [how] all the electronics in your home are Japanese or foreign. It was a ‘buy American’ ad, and it really was not incredibly offensive unless you’re just very sensitive to that sort of thing.”

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article In case you are wondering … Next article Homicide overnight