Quizno’s Laundromat Spot Features An Asian-American Woman

To promote the chain’s Deli Favorites subs, Quizno launched its new "Laundromat" spot where an Asian-American woman grabs a $5 bill taped on the wall and eats it. The VO asks “If you’re gonna eat $5, shouldn’t you get your money worth?” Then, it goes on saying Quizno’s Deli Favorites sub is just $5. It gives you more meat than a $5 bill.

To see the Laundromat spot, go to http://www.quiznos.com/commercials/2008/tvspot5dollarsub.asp

Lewis Lazare criticizes on Chicago Sun-Times that the spot is an insult to Asian American. See http://www.suntimes.com/business/lazare/946162,CST-FIN-lew13.article. I personally do not see it that way.

Obviously the spot is dramatizing and meant to be funny. While I don’t typically like the humor, I – as an Asian American – do not find it offensive. The commercial works better in a boring environment setting – a Laundromat makes sense. Since many Laundromats around the country are owned by Asian, seeing an Asian face at the cashier is – to me – natural.

Yes, the commercial made the Asian-American woman look very dumb. But it doesn't try to say all Asian American are not smart. Imagine if the spot features an African American cashier at the Laundromat instead. That would look weird.

There are several other TV spots featuring South Asians in deli and gas stations. Why? For the very same reason: many delis are owned by South Asians.

Take it easy. The commercials are just trying to mirror the diversity of the society. We live in a melted pot. Be cautious, but not overly sensitive.