I received a call last night, and it was from Anthony of The Hour Glass at Ngee Ann City!!
Something nice has arrived...

And look what a Chinese lady has to say about my current favourite commercial on TV in the Online ST Forum today:

Visa's advertisement is arrogant, condescending to Asians

I am writing to protest against Visa's latest advertisement featuring actor Richard Gere in India.

It reeks strongly of racial stereotyping, condescension and arrogance. The last thing the world needs is a not-so-subtle message that only a big, white American guy can free poor Asians with American financial clout by way of a Visa credit card.

Other subtle messages may be given to more negative interpretations, which surely do not dwell well in our present suspicious global climate.

Visa may want to rethink its advertising strategy if its aim is to attract Asian customers.

So far, it is only successful in offending the sensibilities of most Asians and it may be prudent to withdraw this advertisement.

Claire Chong (Mrs)
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Please lah, overreacting a bit, isn't she? It's set in India probably to show that even in such a ulu place like a marketplace in a 3rd world country, the vendors can still accept Visa, so means go anywhere with Visa still can use. And Richard Gere used his card to give the little girl a GIFT, not to rescue her from financial distress.