Ads Cheapens King Image: Critics

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.


ATLANTA (AP) _ The ad begins with footage of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech and morphs into a digitally altered view of him speaking to an empty National Mall.

French telecommunications giant Alcatel says it used the image to convey the company’s message of making connections, complete with the voice-over slogan: “Before you can inspire … you must first connect.”

But many who revere King and all he stood for blame his heirs for selling out his legacy and turning the patron saint of the civil rights movement into just another pitchman.

“The






AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in