[Update: to view the promo in question, go to my Oct. 19 post–thanks to reader Batsheva who pointed me to the link.]
Toward the end of 30 Rock last night, Jerry Seinfeld appeared on screen to promote his upcoming animated film Bee Movie. I’m not a fan, but whatever.
Here’s how the promo goes. Seinfeld and someone who looks like Newman are crouching on the ground under some shrubbery. The camera work is half Cops, half Animal Kingdom. Seinfeld says in a whisper that they were stalking the elusive animator, a species so rare it would have to be captured as it crossed the border.
The camera pans over to a chain-link fence, through which creeps a troop of illegal immigrants. At their tail is a man dressed in a bunny costume. “There’s one!” shouts Seinfeld, and he and maybeNewman rush out with nets. When they finally pin the rabbit to the ground, the camera pulls back and shows its face. He’s an Asian man.
Okay. I get it, I think. Much of the animation industry has moved to Asia, particulary to South Korea. His occupation as an animator was signified by the bunny suit. Beyond that, though, where’s the funny? Why would he be crossing the border illegally? What does all this have to do with bees? Not to mention the racial aspect. I’m not one to notice these things, usually. But even I was offended. Come on. Asian professional as illegal immigrant? Illegal immigrant as big game?
I looked for it on YouTube but no one’s posted it yet. Let me know if you find it and I’ll post for all to share. This trailer’s not funny either, but at least it’s not offensive: