Dumb PR Move Or A Real Threat?
By Greg L | 5 April 2008 | National Politics | 60 Comments
Since I’m constantly getting emails from readers about this outrageous ad for Absolut Vodka created by advertising agency Teran\TBWA, I’m going to take that as a hint that this is something readers want to discuss. I can’t blame them, as this is one of the most in-your-face promotions of Aztlan philosophy ever seen, and it’s being done by a commercial entity trying to market a product in Mexico.
For those not familiar with what’s going on here, the map shown demonstrates the border between the United States and Mexico prior to the conclusion of the Mexican American War of 1848. That war, which the United States won, concluded with the treaty of Guadelupe Hidlago which ceded a large portion of the Southwest to United States. This ad suggests that in a better world, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas would be Mexican territory. I’m pretty sure the citizens of these states (at the very least) would vigorously feel otherwise.
The primary result here is that Absolut has a public relations nightmare developing in the United States that they entirely deserve. Americans that aren’t that familiar with some of these far-left radical notions such as Aztlan and the Mexica Movement are getting a rapid education, and aren’t happy with what they’re learning. When previously reputable businesses start promoting these radical notions in an attempt to drive sales, this stuff starts looking a lot less like lunatic fringe and a lot more like something deserving of some dedicated concern. Americans aren’t too keen on the concept of a reconquest of portions of the United States, and the more threatening this is, the more likely it becomes that Americans might start getting off the couch and start confronting this philosophy before some might try to make it a reality.
To me this is just a dumb stunt, and Absolut will pay a heavy price for it. That’s a good thing. But if reconquista philosophies continue to gain more attention and become more widely embraced as a result of them being thrust more into the mainstream of public opinion, this starts to become a credible threat to our national security. This is worth keeping an eye on.
For more on this, Michelle Malkin has lots of details.
The opinions expressed here are solely the views of the author, and not representative of the position of any organization, political party, doughnut shop, knitting guild, or waste recycling facility, but may be correctly attributed to the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. If anything in the above article has offended you, please click here to receive an immediate apology.
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60 Comments
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Seems obvious that the company’s goal is not to market to Americans, but to Mexicans in America (or Amexico).
This thinking and strongly suggestive advertising is fuel for the fiire that is smoldering in America right now.
It is purely bad taste for Absolut to play this card to gain customers.
I am not a great vodka drinker, but I can assure that they have lost any possibility of me ever buying their products.
PS for all readers: the link to Michelle Malkin is a must read for us all.
Thanks for this coverage Greg. This is an awesome story.
(Scary, but awesome)
Give me Smirnoff any day!
You know, after reading more about this, it struck me that this is very much like the 9500 Liberty Wall.
If that holds true then I guess the thing to do is “leave it up”, ignore it and it will not harm us.
What do you think?
It doesn’t take much to get people upset these days
My guess is the person who chose the old map wasn’t aware of “how it looks” Most people unfortunately are not aware of how Mexico is taking over. Mexifornia’s already gone.
Wow, I had NO idea there were so many Absolut vodka drinkers among the BVBL bloggers. When all of them stop drinking the Absolut, I’m sure it’ll make a BIG dent in Absolut sales. Worldwide>
As El Guapo says, it doesn’t take much to get people upset (on a Sunday morning).
It’s ADVERTISING for pete’s sake.
Anyway, enjoy your abstinence and feel-good tickle, knowing you have contributed to the neighborliness we all harbor.
We DO, don’t we?
This is the response from Absolut:
The In An Absolut World advertising campaign invites consumers to visualize a world that appeals to them — one they feel may be more idealized or one that may be a bit “fantastic.” As such, the campaign will elicit varying opinions and points of view. We have a variety of executions running in countries worldwide, and each is germane to that country and that population.
This particular ad, which ran in Mexico, was based upon historical perspectives and was created with a Mexican sensibility. 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. Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal.
As a global company, we recognize that people in different parts of the world may lend different perspectives or interpret our ads in a different way than was intended in that market. Obviously, this ad was run in Mexico, and not the US — that ad might have been very different.
By Paula Eriksson, VP Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits
From one of Michelle Malkin’s readers who contacted Absolut:
“the new owner of Absolut is Pernod Ricard, USA, and their headquarters is located at Purchase, N.Y. Phone number: 914-848-4800″
The use of the words “real threat?” in the headline is only matched by the bizarre over-reaction of many of the posts. Absolut has run many very provocative ads from a very specific parochial point of view. To get upset at this is silly, both because of the source, a vodka company, and the medium, advertising. What next? Will you be miffed at the famous New Yorker cover?
http://www.magazine.org/Editorial/40-40-covers/4.jpg
History is history and I don’t see Mexicans as particularly different than other groups dwelling on the territorial or national losses of the past.
Leila,
How would you feel about an ad that would show America owning Japan and Germany and how after all the hard work of WW2 it was only right for America and Americans to keep them since it feels good and made life better? You libs would be howling in protest at this obvious sign of American propaganda and imperialism.
Or, how about an ad that showed an America without any libs and how that in general made American a much smarter Nation and a nicer place to live. Again, I think you libs would be outraged.
The simply fact that many in Mexico see this ad not as some cheap advertising, but in fact as a cause is why this is questionable. I wonder if the company plans any other type of border realignment ads such as Poland, France,etc, belonging to Germany, and if they don’t, then I think we all know the real answer behind the ad.
Absolut BS…
What a response. Being a displace Texan in GA, I would think that the majority of Texans would consider this as a call to arms. Not only did Mexico kick our collective butts at the Alamo, but we took it back to them at the Battle of San Jacinto. If they would like to rekindle this little foray, I would make the trip home and help kick every illegal alliens butt back where they belong. I’m actually getting really sick of this crap and it’s time for them to get the he– out of our country or go to jail. End of discussion. And for all you of you bleeding heart liberal a–holes who think they can stay here and misuse our government programs and health care system, why don’t you just go ahead open up your wallet and break out the cash. Otherwise, shut your pieholes.
Idiots.
As I told the BOCS, this is not about immigration, it’s about an invasion. Their weapons are their anchor babies and your sympathy. Those weapons have been quite effective so far.
I like the idea of an ad with all of modern day Mexico within US borders. The tag line could be, “In an ABSOLUT world, everybody lives in a country that is free and provides economic opportunity.”. I wonder how the liberals would like that ad?
Also, what is it about people named Moran? Is he a relative of Tweedledum and Tweedledummer?
This shows just how moronic the Mexicans are. Not only do they dwell in a fantasy world, dreaming of Aztlan, the Third World idiots don’t even realize how stupid tactically and strategically this kind of ad is to their cause.
This ad should be publicized widely.
Laila: How about this?
A “WINCHESTER” rifle ad that depicts a ‘hunting’ map of the US encompassing a large portion of Mexico!
That would not be expected to go over very well with the residents of Mexico, would it? This is the same thing as this map that encourages Mexican nationals to drink Absolut vodka and trespass into the USA!
The message: Drink Absolut and do what ever the hell you want, it’s okay!
What in the world are these people at Absolut thinking?
Of course I find this offensive. Not because I think this may happen, but because I see it as picking the scab of the open wound that is the (open) border of our country, this is a very sensative subject currently throughout the America’s.
Baseball Notsy (sure it isn’t Nutsy?)
You’re ready to take up arms for the sake of a liquor ad?
Anonymous 11:01 -
That would mean big savings for the US. No fence, no high tech towers, more military for Iraq, no expenses for keeping Mexicans in our prisons. There’d be more workers legally available for the farmers, landscapers, chicken gutterers and cow and pig cutters, not to mention five star hotels and restaurants. Not a bad idea! United Americas, as it were.
monticup 11:39
The ad is run by an American owned, originally Swedish, company. The Mexican government was most likely NOT consulted about its appropriateness.
Can’t you see that this about selling Absolut vodka, not about Mexico taking over its former land. GET REAL!!!!
Dan Cooper, for me, the operative words in your response are “not because I think this may happen.” I am glad you said them. It shows common sense. As for being offended by an ad, hell, I am offended by all kinds of advertising in all kinds of ways, political and otherwise. Certainly people should write to Absolut if they are so inclined. My own opinion is it is trivial.
I am a vodka drinker and I think that I will be sure to boycott their product…if only on principle alone.
I think their BS answer is exactly that…BS. If they wanted to invite ‘consumers to visualize a world that appeals to them — one they feel may be more idealized or one that may be a bit “fantastic.”’ then they could’ve shown images of a Mexican government devoid of corruption, or run-down areas of Mexico alive with commerce, or the city streets safe, or the drug cartels gone.
Leila, You find the ad trivial, because it falls down on your side of the fence!
TDB, no. I find the ad trivial because it is an ad. It’s an ad for the Mexican market by a company specializing in provocative ads that always focus in a similar way. The purpose of advertising is to be noticed and damn if they haven’t succeeded. It will no doubt sell vodka.
Wine, I think you have no danger of being hired as an image man/woman by an advertising company.
Leila,
How about Absolut run an ad in which portuguese people are belittled or offended, would that get you?
For you not to see the offensive content in the ad makes you part of that crowd which is un-american and insensitive to our culture. What happened to your overly sensitive nature? Does it only operate when the slant is perceived to be falling on people of south or central american extraction? I guess Americans do not deserve your sympathy in any way.
Leila, give up! These people like nothing better than to feel offended, no matter by what means. Example:
LIQUOR ADVERTISEMENTS !!!
Greg said that this is “one of your most in-your-face promotions of Aztlan philosophy EVER SEEN”. (capitals mine)
I doubt very much that the Absolut board of directors and advertiseing department sat around discussing the Aztlan philosophy and said:
“Yes, we really want to promote the Aztlan philosophy, because that’ll REALLY be a big hit with the Mexicans who can afford to buy Absolut. Yes, we can change the whole political situation between Mexico and the United States. And, at the same time, sell Absolut like never before.”
Yes, indeed, in-your-face does it every time!
From Pernod Ricard’s press release regarding the purchase of the Absolut brand, signed Mar 31, 2008:
” In the United States, Absolut is the top premium spirits brand, selling more than 5 million 9 litre cases. It has a unique brand image built around values of creativity, innovation and cultural leadership.”
This ad constitutes “cultural leadership” ??
They also had to pull their German ad which celebrated the red light district.
What a bunch of boneheads!
I’ll be contacting Pernod to express my displeasure.
Just News, I understand full well why people are offended by the ad. Sorry if I didn’t communicate that. I still think such ads are trivial. However given the level of fury here and on the net, I may have to rethink that view.
But my main point is that the question of it being a threat is a bit much. I also think that viewing the United States, my country, the most powerful country on the planet, and the world’s only remaining superpower, as a victim is strange. In addition, even for BVBL, it is rather a dramatic jump to suggest that because I am not ready to man the barricades on this attention-grabbing booze ad that it means I have no sympathy for Americans in any way. I have lots of sympathy for Americans in many ways. Do you want a list? How much time you got? I also love many things about my country, the Bill of Rights is at the top. But again, want a list? And again, how much time you got?
Don’t know about any overly sensitive nature. I do know Mexico is in North America however, as much as Canada and the US are.
I have certainly seen ads in which my politics or sensibilities are offended, but somehow I resisted the over-reaction. I am sorry if disagreeing with the prevailing level of reaction to this ad is so inflammatory to you. To me, there is nothing more American than different political viewpoints even on the most sensitive of issues.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,346964,00.html
Krustis, you’re being an ass…it’s expected of Leila.
Money talks, folks. The international business community understands two things:
1. Learn to speak English. It is compulsory in most nations. If you can’t speak English, how can you communicate and do business with English-speaking companies?
2. If you’re not doing business with the United States, you’re not doing business. Ask Cuba, Iran and Viet Nam.
I would wager a dollar to a doughnut that Absolut knew full well the controversy it would stir up given the illegal immigration issue.
Thanks, Johnson! Looks like the ads have been pulled, so the subject is closed. Michelle is powerful! Amazing!
Leili,,
You libs get your panties all in a bunch anytime your PC sensibilities are “offended”. Yet, because you are self loathing, you don’t have a problem with this.
Again, do you think an ad that showed Poland, France etc under Nazi control would be done by this Company?
Sorry, Leila
The Absolut ad sparks strong response because it is a symbol of legitimate public concern about the invasion of the U.S. by millions of foreign aliens. When millions of illegal aliens are openly invading the U.S. the issue of illegal immigration has grown into an issue of invasion, a National security issue. The scale of the problem (millions of aliens overwhelming U.S.) means that the aliens are not only “illegal immigrants” but also invaders.
Citizens are justifiably outraged that the federal government has refused to stop this invasion of millions of aliens. The primary duty of the President and the federal government is to protect the homeland from invasion. Someone needs to bring a lawsuit compelling the President and the federal government to perform its duty and defend our borders from invasion (not just “illegal immigration”).
Because of the scale of the problem (millions of invaders) and the nature of the problem (invasion), the U.S. armed forces need to replace the border patrol (ICE) as the primary defender of the border.
The invasion of the U.S. by millions of Mexicans is an act of war by the government of Mexico. The U.S. needs to issue an ultimatum to the government of Mexico to stop the invasion within 90 days, or face the consequences of its continuing act of war against the U.S.
Jorge Bush is utterly passive regarding the Mexican invasion. He does not believe the US is a sovereign nation. He can’t leave a minute too soon. History will show him to be every bit as bad a president as Jimmy Carter.
Krutis: YOU’RE the one who is perpetually offended. That’s your job as PC and thought police. Try to write something of value. Work on it.
Citizen of Manassas: I really don’t care what Leila or Krutis thinks or feels. In my opinion, they just take up space. They say nothing important or interesting. You can’t reason with this mindless pair. They are both crashing bores.
By the way, Hispanics didn’t like the “yo quiero Taco Bell” ads so they were pulled. Absolute will pull this Aztlan ad if they were smart or they will face a boycott like they won’t believe. We need to “mau-mau” them further–insist they contribute money to the Minuteman or better yet, HSM! Insensitive to our feelings, they need to pay.
monticup - I might be a bore, but wouldn’t it be boring if there were no bores adding their boring thoughts, so you have somebody to disagree with?
FYI - You should meet me in person. I’m absolutely charming and can converse on almost any subjects (no sports except real football, SOCCER i.e.) whether I know anything about them or not.
COM, I am fairly certain you are not actually interested in an answer. You have never been particularly interested in anyone’s answers. However…
1. I have to give you a prize for being a specialist. You are a specialist in generalizations. You have been wrong over and over about my opinions, yet you continue to say “you libs” and assume everyone thinks alike who doesn’t agree with you. You actually appear far more PC than I have ever been in terms of towing a party line. You never surprise. Not once.
2. Your analogy doesn’t work in terms of the Nazis and the occupations of France and Poland. In order to find an analogous historical situation you need a country that lost a great measure of its long-term historical territory to another country, permanently. While there were slivers of France that have moved between German and French control at different times, and slivers of Poland, neither country in any great measure of territory was ever German for centuries and centuries so German claims have no parallel to Mexican ones, that is assuming Mexican ones are anything more than woozy cultural nostalgia.
I can think of an immediate explosive analogy but I won’t use it because it opens another can of worms about a conflict about 1,000 times more serious than our border issues. I will offer a less explosive one. If Absolut ran an ad for Greece showing the Greek boundaries that existed just a short time ago (relatively speaking), the Turks would be livid. Anybody fond of the Turks would be livid. Yet everybody knows that the western coast of Turkey, eg. places like the ancient Christian site, Ephesus, were Greek until very recently. Everyone knows how much antipathy exists between the two countries who were at actual war fairly recently (in the 1970s over Cyprus). That is an analogy to Mexico vis a vis the US. It gets even better when you remember how Turkey under the Ottoman empire controlled Greece for a time.
Finally, I wish that you and other people on both sides of the border argument would stop invoking the Nazis, regardless of how you do it. The Nazis have no parallel in the US or Mexico apart from actual Nazi (TM) groups who are tiny and don’t affect politics much apart from showing up at certain rallies and embarrassing the more moderate right wing. I do know where actual Nazis come down on the issue of illegal immigrants, but I don’t find their opinions of any value to consider.
That’s it. I won’t comment on the topic further. Be livid, don’t be livid, drink Absolut screwdrivers, switch to PBR, feel free. You are 100% right.
Excellent points by Paul Reveere.
Self loathing, multi culti/ diversity loving, mental midget morons , the likes of Leila & co., would passivly give up the soverignty of USA, for the sake of being “PC”.
It’s all about “incrementalism”,…..like the frog in boiling water,…he doesn’t notice it until it’s too late.
Bottom line,..the add was offensive to patriotic Americans.
For those mindless morons who don’t think there is an illegal invasion going on,….they should come and take a look at “Mexifornia”,….it’s already been colonized!
Wake up people,….it’s an illegal invasion and should be considered an act of war,….just like Reveere said!
By all means boycott the company. It is your right to do so. Absolut is a Swedish company to boot.
I am not sure where the Portuguese fit in to this discussion, Just News. Is there an Absolut subsidiary in Portugal?
Dolph
the question is personal to Leila. It’s for her to answer. It has nothing to do with Absolut’s presence in Portugal. Not all portuguese are from Portugal either.
1. Sounds like maybe ICE needs to conduct a raid on Absolut offices/warehouses in the US.
2. I recently read that vodka in a spray bottle works well as a fabric deodorizer, better than Febreeze, supposedly. I recommend boycotting Absolut, however, and increasing the sales of its competitor.
Leila,
The point of course is they would not do such an add. There has been plenty of border moving in Europe over the years going back a few hundred or more to be exact, and it still causes issues to this day and people are sensitive to the issue, and so it is a good analogy. I mentioned the Nazis because that was who was in power in WW2 Germany.
Mexico, lost the land because it lost the war. It is not their land anymore, and therefore, they have no claim to it in real life or a silly ad.
I noticed though, like a good lib, you did change the subject. Do you think the company would run such an ad?
CoM,
I want to give those 2 fine Virginia gentlemen, Lewis and Clark, some credit for our current map. Were it not for the vision of Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, things might look quite differently than they do today.
El Guapo said on 6 Apr 2008 at 6:51 am:
It doesn’t take much to get people upset these days
Yea, I guess if they chose a map of the Nazi occupation of Europe it would be okay HUH?
See what I mean?
Krutis said on 6 Apr 2008 at 4:55 pm:
I’m absolutely charming and can converse on almost any subjects (no sports except real football, SOCCER i.e.) whether I know anything about them or not.
We already knew that!
Leila said on 6 Apr 2008 at 5:19 pm:
2. Your analogy doesn’t work in terms of the Nazis and the occupations of France and Poland. In order to find an analogous historical situation you need a country that lost a great measure of its long-term historical territory to another country, permanently.
This is the response from Absolut:
The In An Absolut World advertising campaign invites consumers to visualize a world THAT APPEALS TO THEM — one they feel may be more idealized or one that may be a bit “fantastic.”
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda….what is, is!
We love Krusty, she is a great debater, and very charming.
I did see her lose her cool one time when they ran out of fire sauce at the Taco Bell. She had a meltdown that was hotter than her chalupa. Scary!
I guess if you drink enough Absolut, maybe you stop caring about the maps. Si?
Greg,
I noticed down in the comments that someone is pooh-poohing this idea and said something like, “It’s advertising, for Pete’s sake!”
The Reconquista is talked about openly in Mexican publications. I’ve seen a lot of articles. I only saved one about the Amero, but can probably go back and find them if anyone is interested.
Here’s you an eye-opener for any critics of your exposing this. And this isn’t “advertising, for Pete’s sake.” It’s EDUCATION, for Pete’s sake! This is curriculum at University of New Mexico done originally by a radical professor, but now being openly done under new “Institutes of Diversity” financed by our tax dollars. I’ve seen references that it’s also being taught at the University of Michigan, but I haven’t had time to check that out. We also had it being taught here in Odessa at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, but I’ve heard the professor at UTPB has since left. These “Institutes of Diversity” are a new funding mechanism for colleges and universities so I suspect there are many more.
Here’s your link:
http://www.unm.edu/~ecdn/
Keep up the good work!
I’d like Leila, Krusty, and Guapo’s opinions on the link above, AFTER they have actually gone to it and read the articles.
Cavuto on Fox Cable is talking about this ad right now.
I’d call what they’re saying a declaration of war, wouldn’t you Faye?
Dolph,
I’m not catching onto your post…..
AWCheney,
Many people say that Mexico is conducting an undeclared war on us. From what I see, they’ve declared it; we’re just not acknowledging it. I think the most offensive of them all is Juan Hernandez. How this dud can get on national tv and come out with the statements he does and the American public still swallow it totally escapes me. He is, by the way, McCain’s hispanic advisor. There’s lots of him on You Tube. And I’m a Republican. I am also nauseated with my prospects for voting in November. If you get a chance, go over to You Tube and watch some of the videos on him. That grin and the words will gag a maggot. He actually thinks we’re stupid enough to fall for his rhetoric. He stumbles all over everywhere and expects us not to notice. His agenda is so blatant.
I drink Stoli. Absolut was trying to be funny, but not everyone got the joke. I don’t think their product is up to my picky standard for vodka, so all they’ve done is given me yet another reason to drink Stoli.
“I am also nauseated with my prospects for voting in November.”
Faye, my husband and I are nauseated by the prospects of what this country will be like four years AFTER the election, no matter which of them wins! New Zealand has never looked so good! Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll qualify under their strict immigration laws.
It was a stupid ploy to try and garner sales in Mexico (as if anyone down there drinks vodka) and it blew up n their faces, especially the initial “apology” which was more of a form letter of support for “diversity”…