Swedes boycott Absolut!

04/13/2008 | WesternCulture

[WesternCulture]

I'm Absolut Swedish but NEVER EVER again will I buy Absolut Vodka and I will, at least, TRY to avoid other products of V&S Group (their repertoire is a pretty broad one though and I kinda party from time to time..), a former Swedish company which recently was sold to French Pernod Ricard (for the sum of €5,626 billion).

I've also managed to convince my father and some of my friends to join my initiative and I'll continue to campaign!

The background is, of course, the already infamous Absolut Vodka ad with the words "In an Absolut World" slapped over a pre-1848 map showing California, Arizona and other states as Mexican territory.

What kind of severely disturbed individual came up with the idea for this ad and how come his/hers superiors approved of it?

Furthermore, is there any specific reason why such an ad appears shortly after V&S Group was acquired by a FRENCH company? I was rather under the impression France and the US presently were trying to restore their deep rooted although slightly damaged friendship. But perhaps all French aren't as insightful and intelligent as Sarkozy? (In any case, I've understood people like Chirac aren't).

Whether one wishes to view the ad in question as a Swedish or French insult against USA, I sincerely hope Americans in general are aware there are not only millions of Europeans, but HUNDRED OF MILLIONS of Europeans who do NOT hate America and do NOT wish to insult our brothers and sisters across the Atlantic - our own blood.

Europe might be more PC, more Liberal and more Socialist than the US, but this doesn't mean the average European feel sympathy with our young, spoiled, middle class "activists" who burn the flag of the United States of America and fail to understand the actual effects of their own actions.

In one way, I'm not embarrassed as a European by such inhabitants of our glorious continent, because these people, in fact, have very little to do with what Europe and Western Civilization is all about.

My country has no reason to promote stupidity. If Sweden would have done so throughout history, Sweden would not only be like any other country here on earth where basic features of civilization like showers, radiators and nuclear plants don't function, houses seem to be built by apes and people drive around in ridiculous cars instead of vehicles like Volvos, SAABs, BMWs, Audis and MBs, we would probably have been some backward part of Russia by today.

I chose to boycott Absolut Vodka out of two major reasons:

The ad in questions is an insult to USA, a country which, forever, will be one of Sweden's closest allies in the struggle for a free world.

The Absolut ad is an insult to Sweden and everything that is good about Viking culture as well as Europe at large.

Absolut boycott - on both sides of the Atlantic!

[Eurale]

Today’s “New Coke” marketing mistake. It’ll cost Absolute a fortune.

[WesternCulture]

“Today’s “New Coke” marketing mistake. It’ll cost Absolute a fortune.”

- You’re probably right.

Good thing we Swedes sold the damn thing off before this piece of marketing insanity erupted:D

[ThreePuttinDude]

As an American of Swedish and Norwegian heritage, I totally agree with all of your post.

[Pontiac]

Absolut boycott - on both sides of the Atlantic!

I agree.

It is a pity though. Absolut is very good vodka.

I guess I will have to drink Stolichnaya.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I’m still waiting for them to run the add showing the pre-1914 map of Europe depicting the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Prussian Empire and the Russian Empire.

[Conservative Vermont Vet]

A toast to Skyy Vodka, the beverage of anti-reconquistas By Michelle Malkin.

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/04/11/a-toast-to-skyy-vodka-the-beverage-of-anti-reconquistas/

April 11, 2008 07:59 PM Check this out.

SKYY Vodka responds to Absolut’s reconquista ad campaign:

SKYY® Vodka, Made in the USA, Proudly Supports Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

America’s Most-Popular Domestic Vodka Decries Absolut® Vodka’s Suggestion to Redraw North American Map

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ended the Mexican-America War (1846-1848). With the signing of this treaty, the United States gained control of what was to become the Golden West, including California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Today, SKYY® Vodka, the number-one vodka produced in the United States, spoke out against suggestions by Absolut® Vodka to disregard that treaty, as well as the joining of Texas to the Union in 1845, as depicted in Absolut’s recent advertising.

“Like SKYY Vodka, the residents of states like California, Texas and Arizona are exceptionally proud of the fact that they are from the United States of America,” said Dave Karraker, SKYY Vodka. “To imply that they might be interested in changing their mailing addresses, as our competitor seems to be suggesting in their advertising, is a bit presumptuous.”

In the ad, an “Absolut World” is depicted where the map of North America is re-drawn with Mexico claiming much of the Western United States, negating the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, as well as the Gadsden Purchase (1853), and the independence of Texas (1836).

“Don’t get me started on the Gadsden Purchase,” continues Karraker. “I think the folks in Tucson and Yuma would be rubbed the wrong way if they hear this landmark deal was somehow nullified as suggested by Absolut, a Swedish-owned brand.”

SKYY Vodka was founded in San Francisco in 1992 and continues to be produced in the United States. Premium SKYY Vodka is made from American grain carefully selected from the Midwest and 100% pure filtered water. SKYY’s proprietary four-column distillation and three-step filtration process consistently ensures exceptional quality. SKYY Vodka products include luxury SKYY90® and new SKYY Infusions™, a unique, all-natural infused experience made with premium SKYY Vodka and succulent real fruit.

Personally, I'm not a big vodka drinker, although I love my Sunday bloody mary's. However, I find they taste as good with inexpensive vodka as they do with premium brands.

NEVERTHELESS, I do (DID) keep a bottle on hand for guests and friends.

It is now gone. Yes, poured a half-bottle down the drain in symbolic protest of these foreign morons and will encourage all I know to boycott them henceforth.

Any company who has the courage to publicly challenge Absolut, (and is American to boot) deserves my respect AND my business. Its off to the liquor store to purchase a big bottle of Sky, for me.

[cowboyway]

Absolut boycott - on both sides of the Atlantic!

A done deal.

[PGalt]

Great post by a great Swede AND a great FReeper! Thanks.

[WesternCulture]

“Absolut is very good vodka.”

- It’s pretty okay, but there sure are alternatives, whether you are based in Sweden, the US or elsewhere.

The best vodka sold in Sweden is Kronvodka, but unfortunately it too is made by V&S.

Being a Swede living in Sweden, I think I’ll stick to Finnish products like Finlandia and Koskenkorva in the future.

[WesternCulture]

“Great post by a great Swede AND a great FReeper! Thanks.”

- Thanks for the appreciation!

Together we stand.

[Pontiac]

I’ll stick to Finnish products like Finlandia and Koskenkorva in the future.

If I can find them in Ohio I will try them.

With our state liquor laws the choices are limited.

[GBA]

In a world full of comparable choices, they, like many entertainers, have lost me as a customer. I tend to remember when someone or a company pees in my tent and I don't give them a second chance for my business. I now include Absolut along with Toshiba and others on my list of companies, products, goods and services I will never buy again.

[squarebarb]

Thanks, Western Culture. Much appreciated!

[jpsb]

You make be proud of my Swedish grand mother. Thank you.

[ontap]

What did Toshiba do?

[Pontiac]

“Like SKYY Vodka, the residents of states like California, Texas and Arizona are exceptionally proud of the fact that they are from the United States of America,” said Dave Karraker,

Mr. Karraker sounds like a patriot and a man I could respect.

I wonder if he is a Freeper?

[jpsb]

Sold USA submarine technology to our enemies. Quiet propeller design I think.

[ontap]

What’s wrong with Smirnoff?

[Pontiac]

What did Toshiba do?

For one they sold US three dimensional milling technology to the Soviet Union which is used to make silent propellers for US submarines in violation of US export laws.

[ontap]

No Shite! I’ll X them off my list as well.

[jpsb]

thanks for the correction

[ontap]

I heard Absolut is doing major mea culpas over this.

[Vinnie]

Quiet propeller design I think.

Yes, the computers used to run the machinery to cut the propellers.
The machines came from a German Co. IIRC

Toshiba has been on my s#$% list ever since.

[GBA]

Back in 1987, Toshiba sold CNC milling machines to the Soviets that improved their submarine propeller design making them more silent, all in violation of the CoCom agreement.

[WesternCulture]

“You make be proud of my Swedish grand mother. Thank you.”

- This week, my own grand mother turned 90 (I’m 38 myself).

Her generation will forever be heroes in my eyes and youngsters like me ought to remember where we’re coming from.

If Westerners of today are willing to understand what perspectives persons like Churchill had and furthermore are willing to defend these visions, we will be able of accomplishing nothing less than a new Renaissance.

Western Civilization is in its prime.

[Pontiac]

thanks for the correction

Really not a correction, just more detail

[Castigar]

Try Tito’s Handmade Vodka - made in Texas.

Double Gold at the World Spirits Competition.

Beat every big name vodka you can think of.

http://www.titos-vodka.com/

[WesternCulture]

“I heard Absolut is doing major mea culpas over this.”

- Your hearing is okay, but the bad taste in my mouth lingers on.

Anyhow, it’s a good thing you point this out, fellow freeper.

As a Swede I, naturally, wish brands of Swedish origin to be successful on markets worldwide.

But things like decency and honour mean more to us Scandinavians than people outside of cold Thule might be aware of.

Stupidity is unscandinavian.

[DeaconBenjamin]

Stout fellow!

[Grizzled Bear]

Oh Dane...

[CodeToad]

Let Absolutcrap sell their products to the Tequila drinking Mexicans! They ought to lose their license to sell within the US.

[Grizzled Bear]

I brew my own beer when I have the time. I switched to Australian wines a long time ago. I used to drink Glenlivet but haven't touched the strong stuff for months. Since it's a product of Absolut I won't be buying it in the foreseeable future.

[Jane Austen]

Stupid!

[WesternCulture]

“Since it’s a product of Absolut I won’t be buying it in the foreseeable future.”

- Support from Volvo-land!

[WesternCulture]

“Stupid!”

- Indeed.

However, stupidity is human.

Just like you and I.

What to do about it?

[spectre]

Thank you for posting this.

sw

[DeaconBenjamin]

Stupidity is unscandinavian.

Well, as an American of mixed Swedish and Norwegian ancestry, I must nevertheless acknowledge that the "dumb Swede" and "scandinavian blockhead" was a staple of 19th century American west literature. While some elements of the stereotype may have arisen out of the Swede's limited facility at communication in English, the prevalence of this literary character would lead me to contest your assertion.

I will not resort to anecdotal evidence of some of the stupid things I have seen done by scandinavians and their progeny.

[tarheelswamprat]

I guess I will have to drink Stolichnaya.

You might want to research that. I believe I saw in another thread a list of brands owned by Pernod, and that they own Stoli as well.

[patton]

uh-oh. the vikings are pissed.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

New ad for the German Market

In ein Absolut Welt

Of course, in a truly perfect Welt, Sweden (pronounced Schveden) would be part of the greater Reich, ruled from Germania (the Stadt formerly known as Berlin).

[WesternCulture]

“While some elements of the stereotype may have arisen out of the Swede’s limited facility at communication in English, the prevalence of this literary character would lead me to contest your assertion.”

- Haha.

Vi har ju Nobelpriset, vår export-industri + vår levnads-standard som argument.

Vikingarnas imperium var ett resultat av intelligens.

Get it?

[corkoman]

Actually, in that map Sweden is colored (depicted) as a “neutral” country like Ireland and Spain.

[DeaconBenjamin]

I don't speak Swedish, but I would guess you are saying that you have the Nobel prizes and export industries as an answer to my argument. Also, that the Viking empire was a result of scandinavian intelligence.

I was reading your argument "stupidity is unscandinavian" as stating that there is no scandinavian stupidity. You appear to view my argument as "there is only stupidity in scandinavia." I would never suggest that.

[Fiji Hill]

How about a real Budweiser?

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Schveden vas schippin’ as much iron ore to Shermany as ze Shermans could pay for.

Sweden, like Switzerland, assumed a stance of armed neutrality. Norway and Denmark had been occupied by the Germans, Iceland by the Americans and Finland was engaged in the War against Russia. I say, good for Sweden and Switzerland.

In the perverse Nazi racial ideology, Scandinavians were seen as the purest of Aryans, trumping even the Germans themselves, secure in their northern racial redoubt.

In Hitler's vision, once the War in Europe had been settled on terms favorable to the Nazis, Sweden and the Netherlands along with Denmark, Norway and ultimately Switzerland would be conscripted into Grosser Deutschland.

[JerseyHighlander]

Some Piratpartiet organizers in action outside their official capacity in the Pirate Party also have been working on a a side project campaign to slap Absolut around with a boycott, not sure they’ll put their neck on the line for something like this though.

[WesternCulture]

“Of course, in a truly perfect Welt, Sweden (pronounced Schveden) would be part of the greater Reich, ruled from Germania (the Stadt formerly known as Berlin).”

- Not so sure.

When Swedes invade, German cities tend to fall like pieces of Dominoes.

Please study European 17th century history and also the military-industrial capacity of Sweden during the end of WW2 compared to that of Nazi Germany.

“Bet, Kindlein, bet! Morgen kommt der Schwed” (Pray little child, pray, tomorrow the Swede will come here).

Sweden is a close friend of Germany and we wish ordinary Germans all the best, but in spite of this it was probably a mistake not to liberate Norway and Denmark together with our Nordic brothers when the allied forces already had broken the backbone of the Nazi war machine.

A major reason why we didn't make use of our strength was the situation in Finland. Soviet kept attacking our eastern Nordic neighbor even after the Soviet triumph over the Germans on home soil.

[sionnsar]

I tend to remember when someone or a company pees in my tent

I don't. I call it "Permanent Boycott", which means I only remember that they transgressed. It's really hard to get on the list but once you're on... that's it.

My list is short:
- General Mills (something leftwing in the late 90s)
- Sony (rootkits -- passed them up on my last camera purchase)
- Absolut

[nyyankeefan]

hope that the boycott of this company’s swill...causes the company to go under.....it would be absolutely perfect irony!!!