Nooyi Speaks - Sepia Mutiny

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May 20, 2005

Nooyi Speaks

Hopefully this is the last installment in an unfortunate story & we can put it all to rest. Indra Nooyi posts on PepsiCo's website -

Following my remarks to the graduating class of Columbia Universitys Business School in New York City, I have come to realize that my words and examples about America unintentionally depicted our country negatively and hurt people.
I appreciate the honest comments that have been shared with me since then, and am deeply sorry for offending anyone. I love America unshakably without hesitation and am extremely grateful for the opportunities and support our great nation has always provided me.

Over the years Ive witnessed and advised others how a thoughtless gesture or comment can hurt good, caring people. Regrettably, Ive proven my own point. Please accept my sincere apologies.

Initial SM coverage here. Manish's survey of "wingnut" reactions here.

Short

POSTED BY vinod @ 9:01 PM

4 comments

1 · Manish Vij on May 20, 2005 10:49 PM · Direct link

The apology is actually on a different page than the initial public statement, right on the home page.

It's preceded by this:

PepsiCo President and CFO Indra Nooyi delivered a commencement address May 15 at Columbia Universitys Business School.
In speaking about the powerful role America holds in the world today, Ms. Nooyi encouraged these new business leaders to make a positive and personal difference as representatives of this great country. She used the analogy of a human hand to emphasize Americas leadership position and to ensure it continues as the worlds helping hand.

Regrettably, the analogy was interpreted in some circles as unpatriotic or disrespectful. As a result of this feedback, Indra issued a formal apology.

2 · crack head on May 21, 2005 4:58 AM · Direct link

It seems Americans can give out criticism to Indians, Arabs and others, but cant take it themselves.

Hypocrites!

3 · Saurav on May 21, 2005 7:19 AM · Direct link

Funny...that was actually a fairly nuanced presentation of the functions of the middle finger :) I didn't hear the speech, but her written remarks are a lot more circumspect than her more rabid critics gave her credit for.

Oh well...I guess "with us or against us" people never were ones for subtlety.

4 · KXB on May 23, 2005 10:57 AM · Direct link

"Oh well...I guess "with us or against us" people never were ones for subtlety."

Unlike the crafty wordsmiths that gave us "Bush is Hitler" or "No Blood for Oil"?

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