Walmart’s ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Commercial Outrages Viewers
Walmart has pulled a commercial that resembled specifics of the Eric Garner case – the man who died in July when he was placed in a chokehold by a New York City police officer.
The commercial, which markets unlimited internet use from Walmart Family Mobile, features a black man sitting on his couch giving his young daughter a cell phone of her own. In pure excitement she tightly wraps her arms around her father’s neck. He pretends to struggle and says, “I can’t breathe!’’
The commercial drew hundreds of angry complaints and tweets from people, prompting the move, according to NBC News. Shana Sanders, marketing professional from Atlanta says, “It struck a nerve in myself. It immediately made me think of the Eric Garner case…’’
Walmart spokesperson, Deisha Barnett, said she couldn’t recall whether the ad began airing before or after Garner had died.
A New York grand jury did not indict Daniel Pantaleo, the NYPD officer who put Garner in a chokehold. The Wednesday decision touched off protests across the country. Demonstrators have cried things like, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!’’ and “Save Black Lives!’’ But, after the Garner decision chants shouting “I can’t breathe!’’ could be heard throughout the crowds as well.
[fragment number=0]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com