Did Ashton Kutcher’s “Brown Face” Go Too Far?

Ashton Kutcher, of Two and a Half Men , is stirring up some controversy with a recent viral campaign for Pop Chips. The clip features him as a “Bollywood producer” who is looking for a companion. Shortly after the adv went online, a number of Twitter users began criticizing the actor and company for using a white actor imitate an Indian man. Kutcher’s mannerisms are exaggerated by a shaking head and speaking with a strong accent. The “brownface” controversy quickly took hold, with prominent Twitter personalities expressing their disdain:

Hey, startups that are helping @aplusk get richer, can you tell him that racist brownface ads aren't cool? Thanks! 2.dashes.com/IUMYZM
—
Anil Dash (@anildash) May 02, 2012

Hey if you care, call popchips at 18662179327, hit 2 and register your concern, they got to pull this shit and apologize, that's it.
—
DAS RACIST (@dasracist) May 02, 2012