A reader writes:
My boyfriend sent me that video because like you, he wasn't sure what to think about it. He's white, I'm African-American (technically, I'm a lot like President Obama: multi-racial, multi-ethnic, but identify as African-American). I have to say, I don't think the clip is racist or post-racist, but rather a satirical comment about the double-consciousness that African-Americans have to live with every day. Having to cut ourselves off from our natural style and soul in order to fit in and get ahead (or in this case, get a Big Mac) is trying, and this woman's poking fun at the contortions we go through to get through the day. I love that in the end she accepts who she is and rejects society's attempt to whitewash her soul. I hope this woman gets a stage show cause she's genius!
Another writes, "I took it as a satire of how Madison Ave portrays black people in McDonalds." Another suggests the video is not so random:
Perhaps you missed the minor controversy a few weeks back regarding Mary J Blige's Burger King commercial. I think it puts this clip in its proper context.
Update from a skeptical reader:
As an advertiser and social media watcher, I'm a little wary of that video. The final third features a Big Mac like I have only seen in McDonald's commercials – perfectly styled, fluffy and full. The burger you actually get never looks like that. This could easily have McDonald's fingerprints on the back end (which isn't such a bad thing, really). What's more, doesn't she just make you want to go get a damn Big Mac and a vanilla shake the way she sells it? This might be McDonald's getting a jump on the Burger King controversy and owning the issue of racial stereotyping in fast food commercials.
And here's another possible clue that some insiders are playing with us: the video comes in at a precise 4:20 in length.
Another:
I knew I knew that actress from somewhere! Remember Will Ferrell’s "You’re Welcome America"? Starts at around the 2:35 mark.
The Dish 