Monday, February 05, 2007

Sunday, February 04, 2007

K-FED

I want to talk about the Kevin Federline commercial.

You saw it. It features K-fed in a music video – the typical money, cash, ho’s rap video – rapping about all his money, cash, and ho’s. Hos. Hoes. I don’t know. Anyway, it’s a spot for Nationwide, where Life Comes At Him Fast and he wakes from daydreaming of rap-superstardom to find himself helming the fryer at a fast food establishment.

As a past employee of a fast food restaurant (I would call it an accelerated dining facility) and a current employee of an establishment in the dining gray area (Papa John’s), I have to say that I was offended. Then taken aback, then overcome with rage. Then, briefly, I was consolable. But I quickly went back to infuriation.

How did this commercial make it to air? What about it is not offensive? The time-honored tradition of accelerated dining servitude comes under gratuitous, causeless, and unjustified criticism. As a previous employee of such an establishment, I felt that I, too, was under attack. Clearly they mean to imply that fast-food employment is intended for those on the bottom rung of society – the dregs, the vermin, the ragamuffins. Nationwide has succeeded at making me feel two feet tall.

Fast food work is some of the most demanding and skillful work available for anyone willing to sacrifice their own time, nutrition, clear-skin, social dignity, well-being, family, personal convictions, and the occasional $2.37 for an employee-discounted meal. How dare you disrespect this American institution?

Well, Nationwide, I am no ragamuffin. I have rights, and they have been stomped upon. This was downright unconstitutional. I am a dignified contributor to society and you should not expect me to contribute to your cause. Whether it is selling life insurance or belittling what you perceive to be the common man, I am not interested.

One Love.



Hoes