Univision apologizes for skit with African stereotypes

Univision, the premier Spanish-language media network in the United States, apologized Saturday to Los Angeles civil rights leaders for a skit that was aired on the popular morning show "Despierta America" ("Wake Up America").

In the skit that aired Friday, hosts of the TV show wear big black Afro wigs and hold small spears. They dance to music and sometimes aim their spears at the cameras while confetti falls.

In a company statement released Saturday afternoon, Univision said it was already taking action: "It is completely unacceptable and against our policies, standards and practices. We sincerely apologize to our viewers and all who were offended."

Civil rights activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, applauded Univision's quick response. "They took corporate responsibility," Hutchinson said. "They acknowledge there was a major problem about a show on Univision promoting stereotypes about Africans."

Hutchinson said he was told about the skit and was given a copy of it Friday. "When I saw it I said, 'My God, it's far worse than what I had heard,' " he said. Hutchinson and Eddie Jones, president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association, said the sketch was a racist portrayal of Africans and were calling on the Spanish-language network to apologize.

The skit was broadcast from Miami, where the show is recorded, in honor of the FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by South Africa. Univision has partnered with FIFA to broadcast nonstop coverage of the soccer games, scheduled to begin June 11.

-- Ruben Vives

Comments

[Al Hebert]

I can't believe that in this day and time, a broadcast company can be so irresponsible and so careless! Univision's belated apology is insufficient. Someone in authority should be replaced and just any underling won't do.

[Quinton Dickens]

Al,

Apparently you do not watch much international TV. These types skits with Afro wigs and darkened faces happen all the time on TV in most countries except tyhe US and Canada.

Have you ever watched Estudio 22 where they have a guy dressed in a giant sombrero and fake mustache. Most of the world understands parody.

[BTA]

I worked there for about 6 months and I lived it.. The racism and the xenophobia made me the most uncomfortable I have ever been in my life, and I am a very tough person, I can take it and fight it, I am known for having 'a big mouth' but I couldn't fight the morale beating I suffered for those 6 months. I completely shut down, the people they have working there are ruthless heartless people that only care about their next corporate climbing move, regardless of whom they 'kill/hurt' in the attempt to get there. And the SEXISM?... that's another story... UNIVISION is the worst company I have worked (or slaved for) I have worked for great Fortune 500 companies all my life, Hard Rock Cafe, NBC, GE, PepsiCo just to mention a few. I don't regret not working there because I have morals and I wasn't going to compromise them for a few bucks

[Manufactured_Outrage]

So, Africans never had Afros or carried spears? When are these grievance groups gonna lighten up? Everyone has a spearhead to grind...

[Richie]

Attn: Manufactured_Outrage

No, Africans did not have afros. That hair style came into vogue in THIS country (The USA), amongst african-americans, during the 1960s. As far as carrying spears, no more than the Vikings, Native Americans, the Scotts or the King and Queen's Knights who defended the castle in merry ol' England, among others. The point is that, beyond Soccer and the world of Entertainment, the producers/hosts of that morning show are uneducated and ignorant, much like yourself, and demonstrated to their viewers that very fact by going along with such a tasteless and narrow-minded skit. Instead of researching and making an attempt to show the rich cultural diversity that is South Africa to Univision audiences, they limited themselves to showing that even in 2010, people can be really stupid and senseless without even realizing it.