Pete Hoekstra Super Bowl Ad Under Fire for 'Racist, Xenophobia' Stereotypes
Pete Hoekstra, U.S. senate candidate for the state of Michigan, has come under fire over a controversial ad that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl game that many are calling racially insensitive.
The advertisement by Hoekstra against Michigan incumbent Debbie Stabenow aired in the state of Michigan during Sunday's big game and features a young Asian woman riding a bike through a rice paddy.
The 30-second advertisement was filmed in California and opens with the sound of a gong.
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"Thank you Michigan Senator Debbie SpendItNow. Debbie spends so much American money. You borrow more and more from us. Your economy get very weak. Ours get very good. We take your jobs. Thank you Debbie SpendItNow," the girl says in broken English.
The ad has stirred controversy from Republicans and Democrats alike.
The former Republican U.S. representative for Michigan's 2nd congressional district and his camp have responded to the controversy calling the ad satirical and arguing that the advertisement is meant to point out Stabenow's policies and spending records.
"The growing dependence on China, which Stabenow's policies have fostered weakened our economy and jeopardizes out national security," Hoekstra told MSNBC news.
"Democrats talk about race when they can't defend their records," Hoekstra's campaign spokesman Paul Ciaramitaro said.
Despite Hoekstra's defense many find the ad to be deeply offensive.
"Racism and xenophobia aren't the way to get things done," GOP consultant Nick De Leeuw wrote on his Facebook page.
"No elected official or candidate for office, regardless of political affiliation, should use stereotypical imagery or language," the Michigan chapter of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote said in a statement on their website.
"The use of these stereotypes is counter to the progress our country has made over past decades to encourage respect for all communities," the statement read.
