Permit me to offer my two cents on this Dwyane Bravo Adidas issue. Being a graphic artist for more than 30 years, I can tell you that a caricature is my favourite thing to do.
For those of you who may not know, a good caricature depends on exaggerating the features of the person. For example, if I did a caricature of myself I would have huge eyes, a big forehead and a huge space in my front teeth. It is meant to be a funny version of the person. Therefore, if Dwayne Bravo was portrayed with large lips and teeth, I can assure you it had nothing to do with race.
Come on people! Have none of you ever seen a caricature of President Richard Nixon (Ski slope nose) Obama (Bat ears), or more recently "The Donald" A toupee that looks like a dead animal and the proverbial rose bud mouth?
The reason for writing this letter is twofold. We (in Trinidad) are too touchy. And secondly, a very big opportunity has been missed here!
This is my take on it. I would have not only thanked the sports giant Adidas for recognising not only the sport of cricket, but the result of hard work by "champions."
Secondly, after reassuring the public that no offence was taken, I would invite the sporting giant to offer me an endorsement. A new and rocking design of a sneaker aptly named "Bravo."
Maybe it is my many, many years in advertising/public relations, but I find us very immature in this country at times.
Had I been bravo's manager or PR representative, I would have jumped on this ASAP. My only regret would be not the exaggerated drawing of my athlete but the fact that sadly, we could not name the sneaker "Champion" as that brand already exists.
Margaret Samuel,
Art Director,
Advantage Advertising Services Ltd