So, I am told, to talk about the oppression of some Muslim women or the criminality among some black and Asian youth is to stereotype them. How convenient.This is not to say that I think generalisations are always harmless. In schools and hospitals the dangers are obvious but I don’t believe that we learn these through watching adverts. I remember watching the ultra sexy H?en-Daz ice-cream ad with a Sikh friend He was transfixed.

Later he said: “Of course our girls could never do anything so dirty. I mean things are changing with Hindi films, but our women have respect English and black girls will do anything for money. They are too free and cheap you know.” This man does not make adverts He teaches in a secondary school. I can see how his prejudices might impact negatively on his pupils. But an advert showing Madhur Jaffrey in a sari smiling over a pickle jar? I am trying to get cross but can only smile with pleasure that it is her and not Delia Smith on the screen.y.alibhai-brown independent.co.uk
More from Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. Michael Portillo has had the best possible beginning to his campaign.

The first week brought him momentum, endorsements from serious figures across the party, and the revolt of Ann Widdecombe. In her various statements, Miss Widdecombe displayed the breadth of vision, generosity of mind and political sensitivity which one has come to expect from her. It is to be hoped that she will leave the front bench, never to return.But in order to maintain his momentum, Mr Portillo will now have to clarify his position. Up to now, he has been building consensus, with some success. At some stage, however, he will have to move beyond the common ground, for he will not find it possible to agree with all his fellow Tories. If he is to define his own beliefs, he may have to take issue with two groups of fellow Tories: the fantasists and the ecumenists.
The fantasists are those who regard themselves as the guardians of the Thatcherite flame. They believe that when their party overthrew her, it not only committed matricide but was also guilty of overthrowing its principles.