Today´s quote will take a little explanation. I am reading Freedom of Expression by Kembrew McLeod. It is a well reasoned treatise on the madness that is our current copyright law. As he is making the point about the history of culture and how it relies heavily on building from previous works he makes this observation about the family of Martin Luther King Jr and their quest to monetize the Reverend King´s legacy.
I’ll never forget the bolt of anger I felt when I first saw the Cingular cell-phone commercial that digitally doctored footage of King delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech. As the camera pans across the Washington Mall, the entire crowd has been erased, and King is speaking to no one. “Before you can inspire,” went the voice-over, “you must first connect.” I’d like to connect my foot to whoever’s ass approved this commercial. It would be inspiring.
Exactly right.
