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B&T > Optus Removes Advertisement After Staff Threats And Backlash
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Optus Removes Advertisement After Staff Threats And Backlash

Staff Writers
Published on: 17th November 2015 at 2:39 PM
Staff Writers
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Optus has removed advertisements written in Arabic in Sydney’s south-west after shop staff were allegedly threatened and the telecommunications company’s Facebook page received islamophobic complaints.

The three posters which have been removed from Casula shopping centre translated to: “We speak your language. Come to one of these Optus stores and chat to us in Arabic.”

Optus runs similar posters in Italian, Chinese and Vietnamese translations, none of these have received Facebook complaints. Some of the complaints draw a tedious link between Arabic- the official language of more than 200 million people around the world- and ISIS terrorist group.

optus arabic
the original optus ad

Here are a snapshot of some of the complaints Optus has received:
optus attack2 optus attacl

Optus has responded calmly to the complaints, telling people the ads are meant to be engage people who may not speak English:

optus response optus response2

optus response3

A Optus spokesperson told B&T :“Optus’ customers and staff come from a range of backgrounds and speak many different languages. In some communities we actively promote the bi-lingual skills of our front line staff. We recognise that sometimes customers find it easier to understand the detail of a phone plan when it’s explained in their first language.

“Optus remains committed to minimising and eliminating discrimination through our corporate culture, marketing activities, employment practices and interactions with the community. However, yesterday following a threat to our store staff, we made the decision to remove some materials that were published in Arabic. The safety and security of our staff is paramount.”

The Optus ads and its social media response has been applauded by some over Facebook:

optus support optus supprot 2

Police are investigating the threats.

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Staff Writers
By Staff Writers
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Staff Writers represent B&T's team of award-winning reporters. Here, you'll find articles crafted with industry experience spanning over 50 years. Our team of specialists brings together a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to delivering insightful, topical, and breaking news. With a deep understanding of advertising and media, our Staff Writers are dedicated to providing industry-leading analysis and reporting, both shaping the conversation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

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