Posted on 04/08/2008 9:52:03 PM PDT by fishhound
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The distillers of Sweden's Absolut vodka have withdrawn an advertisement run in Mexico that angered many U.S. citizens by idealizing an early 19th century map showing chunks of the United States as Mexican. ADVERTISEMENT
The billboard ad has the slogan "In an Absolut World" slapped over a pre-1848 map showing California, Arizona and other U.S. states as Mexican territory. Those states were carved out of what had been Mexican lands until that year.
Although it was not shown in the United States, U.S. media outlets picked up on the ad, and after a barrage of complaints, Absolut's maker said on Sunday the ad campaign would cease.
Defending the campaign last week, Absolut maker Vin & Spirit said the ad was created "with a Mexican sensibility" and was not meant for the U.S. market.
"In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues," a spokeswoman wrote on Absolut's Web site.
"Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal," she wrote.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I like the bottom right picture.
2673 Comments posted since their non-apolpgy on Friday, April 4
They still have a lot of booze.
WHEN will marketers realize that injecting politics into their campaigns does absolutely nothing except tick off a percentage of their customers?
Just where is Sweden? Everytime I think I'm sure and look at at map, it's moved? Sweden Norway Finland Ach du lieber,like 3 card Monte. Lucky for you.
by Adolph......... Somewhere in Argentina
Seems so...that’s why I bolded it. I saw folks suggesting the purchase of Stoly in place of Absolut, but it seems that’s still sending them $.
Perhaps we should start trying to pay in pesos.
I was so heated about the ad and first non-apology I missed this...
We apologizeDuring the weekend we have received several comments on the ad published in Mexico. We acknowledge the reactions and debate and want to apologize for the concerns this ad caused. We are truly sorry and understand that the ad has offended several persons. This was not our intention. The ad has been withdrawn as of Friday April 4th and will not be used in the future.
In no way was the ad meant to offend or disparage, or advocate an altering of borders, lend support to any anti-American sentiment, or to reflect immigration issues.
To ensure that we avoid future similar mistakes, we are adjusting our internal advertising approval process for ads that are developed in local markets.
This is a genuine and sincere apology,
By Paula Eriksson, VP Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits
There are already 1469 Comments posted. Mostly reduced into a political debate thread.
ABSOLUT absolutely screwed themselved on this one. The Mexican vodka market pales in comparison to the U.S. market, and there's several comparable and better vodkas to choose from.
Good Lord everybody. If that map were a reality Washington state would be the fifth largest economy in the world. And Mexican people would still be sneaking in. Does any one really believe a line on a map makes a culture snap crackle and pop.
Like it or not modernism was advanced (imposed if you will for you marxists) by the USA. The little man was made a king under modernism.
Really Paula, suck it up, fire a few people and offer a real apology. If you can't than at least explain your Anti-Americanism then give us a rip snorting defense of your position.
by Frida Kahlo's eyebrow
"Really Paula, suck it up, fire a few people and offer a real apology. If you can't than at least explain your Anti-Americanism then give us a rip snorting defense of your position.
That's telling her in real plain terms what needs to happen if they hope to salvage part of their U.S. market (currently leaving in droves). Some people who've tried other brands may have already found a new favorite replacement for ABSOLUT. Personally, I drink Ciroc - distilled from grapes, but I don't drink often or much anyway.
We own a liquor store and I'm interested to see what impact the ABSOLUT Boycott has on sales. Believe me, I'm going to ask our distributor tomorrow when he comes in to take our liquor order.
*cheers* I'm going to call it a night... it's 2:30 a.m. here.
Absolut's New Campaign: Celebrate Homosexuality --Can you imagine Jack Daniels or Old Grand Dad ever advertising itself as "the preferred whiskey for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered consumers"? Neither can I.
"Defending the campaign last week, Absolut maker Vin & Spirit said the ad was created "with a Mexican sensibility" and was not meant for the U.S. market."
The damage is done. I have a long memory. I will not buy their produce. Ever.
LOL
In my mind the ad is more factually correct than a lot of people want to admit. Let’s face reality here, we’ve got 300,000 new “Americans” being born in the U.S. from south of the border along with their parents and siblings taking up residence every year. How long does this have to go on before that map becomes de facto correct? Wake up people! Stop the invasion!
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