Complaint about an offensive ad to a government body?

rohanp16 on 14/03/2013 - 22:59

Good evening,

I have seen this ad recently and find this ad quite offensive, especially the 'Not in India or the Philippines'. It's a Southern Phone ad, here is the video

http://vimeo.com/58080942

I can completely understand,

a) Marketing the fact that there are real humans answering over those automated voices, and that the phones are answered by,

b) Australians locally.

I don't see why they have to explicitly state that line and I feel it's quite offensive. They can very well push the fact that it's answered by human beings as opposed to automated machines and these customer service reps are local.

I've never done this before, but which is the most relevant government body where I can lodge a complaint ?

Thank you !

General Discussion

Comments

        • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 25/03/2013 - 20:25

          Like I said, you're only interested in your fight with me, not the topic the OP started.

          My exact words to you that further escalated this whole personal vendetta of yours was, "Any idiot could see" and this is after numerous explanations of the information I provided and a significantly large comment by you directed towards me randomly in the thread long after our comments and replies to each other. I'd say you were on your vendetta way before I indirectly called you an idiot.

          Don't take it so personal mate. I'm a stranger to you, saying four little insignificant words.. Let it go. There's more important things to stress about.

        • perz79 on 25/03/2013 - 21:14
          -1

          Gosh .. uncool . i feel like a celebrity as my name mentioned quite a number of times today :). i came back from work and what i see is that this argument not going anywhere. you wont understand the feeling of being in minority unless you are part of it. Trust me its really complicated. i personally believe if someone try play the supremacy card without showing any quality and expect me to accept that he/she is superior just because he/she is in majority and my mind has to think the way he/she want me to than my answer is sorry. There is no place of hatred in our society. Now can you answer what is the message in that ad? Do they hire anyone who is Australian by Choice like me or Roozy ?(sorry Roozy i dont know if you are Australian by choice or by birth)? We all grew up to understand that she is referring to the white Australians. This is clear case of discrimination and i think it is a breach of Anti-Discrimination Act. Let’s leave our emotions on side and have a look at what the law says: I hope this will give us some hint(or adding more debate).
          I want you to read section 7, 20B and 20C of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and watch the ad again. I hope this may change your view by little percentage (if not fully)
          http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/aa1977204/

        • uncool on 25/03/2013 - 22:42
          +1

          You guys feel so special so easily, just a few mention is all you need :) but glad to make you feel special.

          perz, believe me i know what racism is, as i say i am a minority and a victim of racism of the more violent type. maybe you guys have gone through similar experience as me, but coming out on a more bitter side.

          my point is people can see that ad as inappropriate, and are welcome to lodge a complaint as they see fit. but there are others who does not, but this does not mean they are all racist in anyway. (or Bogan by your definition) ;)

          like you say there is no place for hatred in the society, which i agree, why dont we be the bigger person, dont get easily offended and start name calling? its like fuel for fire.

        • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 25/03/2013 - 22:51

          Hey mate, you might want to rethink this comment;

          "my point is people can see that ad as inappropriate, and are welcome to lodge a complaint as they see fit. but there are others who does not, but this does not mean they are all racist in anyway"

          There's a few developments in this thread that state otherwise.

        • perz79 on 25/03/2013 - 23:35

          Agreed. now no more comments and no further time wasting.. its monday and its gonna be busy week for me ( and all of us).

      • The J man on 24/03/2013 - 20:00

        It's almost "common knowledge", so to speak, that most call centre's/phone reps. are in India or the Philippines nowadays. That's why these two nationalities were singled out. The ad wouldn't make any sense if they advertised that you wouldn't speak to anyone from Israel/Turkey/Macedonia/USA/UK etc would it? If it did use those countries I stated instead, it'd be rhetorical.

        FWIW, my wife's Filipino. After seeing this thread, I asked my wife whether she finds this ad offensive the next time it came on TV. She told me she doesn't find it offensive. Not that it matters, but it's interesting how some people find this offensive and yet others do not.

        • The J man on 24/03/2013 - 20:07
          +1

          neg away my friends, neg away….

        • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 24/03/2013 - 20:09
          -1

          Again I think you're missing the point. There was no need to mention the countries. If what you're saying is true, just mentioning "no more overseas call centres" would be enough to make people instantly feel relieved they aren't speaking to a Philo or Indian because as you say, "It's almost common knowledge".

          They could have just said, "our call centre is in Australia, we support Australians, give me your money".

        • perz79 on 24/03/2013 - 22:11

          100 years ago it was ok to use N or B word against Africans and nobody thoughts it was racist. In Australia we have to say Sorry to the stolen generations after 40 years. It was ok before 40 years. For 180 years we did not recognise Aboriginals as first Australians and now we have to change the constitution and have accepted that they are in fact First Australians.
          The reason for pointing out all this is you have to ask the victim what he/ she think about these views being in minority. Sooner or later these xenophobic views have to change for the betterment for the humanity. It’s totally inappropriate to get monetary gain by playing racist card.

    • perz79 on 24/03/2013 - 21:53

      Chthonic. Your comment is a statement and not an opinion. The word Misinterpret is used to show that you are right and others are wrong. Now if you ask someone to interpret the ad the way you want to just because what you think is right than sorry it’s not happening here. What if I use the same statement by saying that if you don’t think the ad has xenophobic views and you have misinterpreted the ad? Do you want to accept that? I don’t think so. And btw who is bitching about Indians and philos in the ad?

  • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 24/03/2013 - 21:11
    +2

    The funniest thing about this thread is one of those who has actively defended the ad, insisted on the negatives of overseas call centre reps and indicated that race/racism is not the reason for their views, commented on a YouTube clip 3 months ago regarding Muslims in Belgium and stated, "The Only Defence Is Attack".

    Doesn't seem like they are as open minded and tolerant as they would like me and all to believe.

    Unfortunately if I post the clip they'll be exposed and I don't want to disclose their username as I don't want them to be treated negatively or effect them in any way.

    I'd just hope they won't comment, neg or positive anymore comments in this thread and hopefully retract some if not all of their votes. It just seems silly.

    • ZRXS12 on 25/03/2013 - 22:10
      -1

      Pfft blow me, I just used my daily limit of negs for you :)

      You know the funny thing is you're so obsessed that you're stalking me across the WWW.

      Both the comment and the video have no relevance to this discussion.

      • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 25/03/2013 - 22:43
        -1

        Curiosity and boredom got the better of me..

        I figured I'd find something like that and I really didn't want to be wasting my time and yours trying to talk sense into someone who has their mind set in a particular way. It was the 2nd hit on Google. Spent about 2mins in total before realising my debate with you was a waste of time on both our sides.

        I really didn't want to expose you as being responsible for inciting hatred towards Muslims as those are really harsh words to use in such volatile times.

        I would assume the relevance would be the fact of intolerance to those that are different to you but that's just my opinion and I'll leave it at that.

        It is a shame you feel that way towards muslims and I hope that one day someone is able to change your feelings towards that faith.

        • ZRXS12 on 25/03/2013 - 23:31

          LOL your explanation for searching for me doesn't hold water, I had already said I couldn't be stuffed with you any longer.

          So intolerance towards one group of people makes me intolerant towards all others?

          Did you watch the video??

          Is it about Muslims in general? No.

          Is it about a more select group? Yes.

          Do everyday Muslims say they are against these groups? I've seen many public proclamations to that effect.

          Did you also find my comments regarding Illegal Immigrants? I'm very much against that as well, there are proper channels in place for immigration.

          EDIT I'm also against people over staying their Visas, 457 Visa's being abused (example Chinese Bakers being brought here on a 457 they then end up working at the abattoirs).

        • perz79 on 25/03/2013 - 23:41
          -1

          you started something totally different once again. now by saying what you have said has shown your true character exposed. i am amazed to know how someone can have such negativity in mind like you. i must appreciate your sense of humor where you type LOL and no one is laughing except yourself. the last word from me to you … Grow up. the world is changing . for the better at least.

        • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 25/03/2013 - 23:46
          +1

          Like I mentioned, I didn't look anymore than 2minutes. I got my answer and accepted that's who you are.

          BTW, I see no problem with you being against illegal immigrants. It's your feelings towards the genuine immigrants and other races in general that I find concerning.

          You're inciting violence towards that religion. The more people that make comments like yours the more accepted it becomes. We don't need wars and hatred.

          I'm not arguing with you, just replying to your comment. I agree with Perz, it is time to wrap this up.

        • ZRXS12 on 25/03/2013 - 23:49
          +1

          Pez you yourself are negative in every post.

      • perz79 on 25/03/2013 - 23:32
        -1

        ZRXS .. you win this debate.. take it if that makes you happy.. no more time wasting here as we all have a job to do.
        just want to say one thing the time is changing and the sooner you have tolerance to other race, countries or people better for you..

        • ZRXS12 on 25/03/2013 - 23:37

          Ahhh perz79 you say everyone else is a racist yet you yourself spout racist comments along with discriminatory remarks against Australians, you also don't refer to yourself as Australian.
          You're either an Australian or whatever you are make up your mind.

        • ChmpgneTasteBeerBdgt on 25/03/2013 - 23:49

          Let it go Perz. You don't need to respond to this one my friend :)

          I appreciate your input in this thread. Take care.

        • perz79 on 26/03/2013 - 08:14
          -1

          Common champ its over. Chill out and get a life. this is my last post here.now u can go on. No one is listening.

  • No ONE on 26/03/2013 - 00:33
    +2

    Why is moderator not closing this thread.

  • Eivad on 26/03/2013 - 11:45
    +1

    Please close this thread, the discussion has become off-topic.

  • minimonti on 26/03/2013 - 19:38

    Unfortunately this persons "opinion" will probably get this add taken off the air. The company will see that its not worth having Australian staff they can' make an informed decision.

  • erroorfree on 26/03/2013 - 22:51

    theres nothing offensive about the ad. Grow up or grow some balls!

    • grasstown on 27/03/2013 - 00:08
      +3

      Says the bully to the bullied

  • grasstown on 27/03/2013 - 00:07

    Corrected

  • theblip on 27/03/2013 - 03:59

    There's probably a few other ads out there that have gathered some complaints…

    The Telstra NextG ad with the stereotypically bad Asian accent comes to mind
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBGVQvW-zsg

    • ZRXS12 on 27/03/2013 - 10:05

      Had forgotten that one, if that's offensive just think how many kids shows must be.

  • BhanuL on 27/03/2013 - 09:03
    -6

    Southern Phone Call Centre Support -

    Staffer - G'd Mate, ya called Sarthen Phone Company, hold the line for a sec, I'll just a get me a beer.

    Customer -Umm ok.

    Staffer - Burp Go ahead mate.

    Customer - Hello, Yes my phone doesn't have coverage at my workplace.

    Staffer - Yah, really? Fairdinkum?

    Customer - What?

    Staffer - Well if ya not sure its got coverage, why dont you drive 300km or so towards the nearest town and try there.

    Customer - But I'm already in my town, I'm in Wollongong.

    Staffer - Nah mate, we don't provide services to them dem big city folks like people from the Gong.

    Customer - I'd like to speak to your manager please.

    Staffer - to Pisspot Harry? He's too drunk to lift his phone right now mate, call back at about 9 in the mornin he shoulda be sober.

    Customer - slams phone - Now I understand why Mining companies are hiring Indians and Phillo's for work in regional Australia…

    • Cheaplikethebird on 28/03/2013 - 11:30

      This actually reminds me of a call I had with an offshore call centre worker and manager who both tried to tell me that 5mb/s was a good speed for my ultimate cable (qouted speeds of 100MB/s)

    • King Tightarse on 28/03/2013 - 18:53

      Hey Bhuanu,
      Who do you think you are suggesting all Australians are drunkards? Bit BIGOTED don't you think? A large number of Australians are Teetotaler's. Another large group are Muslims who don't drink at all. What is an Australian to you? A 1940's caricature perhaps. This thread is about overcoming cheap stereotypes.
      If you don't like it here, in this wonderful multicultural land that feeds and protects you, if it doesn't suit you and your smart arsed non-humor well there's the airport.

      Want a hand packing?

      • BhanuL on 15/04/2013 - 10:49
        -3

        I was born here mate, I'm an aussie. Take your tightarse and shove a big cricket bat in it and get yourself happy like you normally do.

        • King Tightarse on 20/04/2013 - 10:48

          You're and Aussie, sure your mate sure you are lol…
          I am an Indian BTW Oh yes indeed. Golly gosh, come again.
          Just dont have kids here OK.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 28/03/2013 - 09:39
    +2

    I've worked in a lot of call centres and I have to say Australian Call Centres are not necessarily any better. Most call centres are made up mostly of contract staff (usually about 70%) so when you call you're usually speaking to someone who's been in the position >3 months and are still learning the systems their company uses. Oh and there's also the fact that at most places i've worked, at least one third of the workforce are indian anyway.

  • IrishPete on 28/03/2013 - 13:27

    This advertisement was already referreed to the Advertising Standards Bureau in 2011 - see http://122.99.94.111/Cases/0006-11.pdf

    The copy posted on Vimeo has a fault in the same place each time I watch it. If it says anywhere that the call centre operators speak with "Aussie" accents, then for me that crosses the line. Because that would suggest that as an employer they discriminate against the 20% or so of Australians who weren't born here, plus some who were born here but have picked up their parents' overseas accents.

    As a Southern Phone customer, and also kind of a shareholder (I'm a Councillor in one of the Councils that owns Southern Phone Company), I was ready to complain about this ad until I discovered a) it had already been judged by ASB and b) re-viewing it several times, it doesn't seem to refer to accents, and only refers to the location of the call centre not being in India or the Phillipines. This isn't a lot different to Dick Smith's "Buy Australian" campaign.

    Incidentally, Southern Phone Company's call centre wasn't open 24/7 last time I called, whereas overseas call centres usually are. Perhaps they should put that in their advert!

    (I haven't read all the hundreds of posts, so sorry if someone has said all of this before.)

    Pete

  • bobjane on 29/03/2013 - 18:53

    I find it funny that someone can have the time to be complaining about an ad but not the 5 minutes it takes to learn how to google for themselves.

    • IrishPete on 29/03/2013 - 20:03

      It wasn't that easy to find… I consider myself a fairly expert Googler.

      Pete

      • bobjane on 29/03/2013 - 21:25

        My reply wasn't indented under yours Pete.

        It was addressed to the OP who could have spent all of 2 seconds googling along the lines of "report offensive advertisement" rather than making a rather pointless thread. 5 minutes was a huge exaggeration.

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