Absolute Ad Reshapes US/Mexico Map & Borders

It's not just about one little ad, its the implications and the timing I think that does it for most people. This from the advertising agency:

Malkin points out the Mexico City-based firm that created the ad, Teran, says its philosophy is advocating "disruption" as a "tool for change" and "agent of growth." The firm encourages "overturning assumptions and prejudices that get in the way of imagining new possibilities and visionary ideas that help create a larger share of the future."

reply to post by West Coast


I can see their case, I think it is just a bit of an over-reaction. Your arguments for a North-American Union however are arguments for a Union between Mexico and the US. Canada has nothing to gain from such a union, well other than the rape and pillage of our natural resources, our IHO better political system, our slightly different mindset, not to mention and huge wave of immigration we don't want.

THIS JUST IN:

Absolut has issued a statement regarding the Absolut / Mexico Ad furor, here is the website :

absolut.com/in-an-absolut-world-according-to-mexico

..and their statement:

In an ABSOLUT World according to Mexico
Posted Friday, April 04, 2008, 5:26:34 PM

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

Following there copout statement, is a comments section, about 20 comments per page, right now there are 34 pages of comments!!!

Many pissed off people are weighing in and hammering Absolut right now!!!
Got the VP of Comm to respond, not too shabby.

These comments are entertaining:


4/5/2008, 3:47 AM - Quote this comment
How to Wreck a Brand 101. You can now be assured that your products will never be purchased again in my house due to your arrogance and stupidity. The lame excuses posted are not cutting it. We live in a global economy, and your company is now proven to be overwhelmingly anti-American, just admit it. Perhaps the biggest brand destruction in marketing history?

by Dave Williams


4/5/2008, 3:46 AM - Quote this comment
I'm devistated to find out you own Chivas Regal. It is the only Wiskey brand I buy, at least until today.

If you print a retraction and a proper apology I will consider buying it again but as it is now I'll have to tell my friends to refrain from purchasing Chivas for me for any occasion.

by Peter I


4/5/2008, 3:46 AM - Quote this comment
My "Absolut" world now has none of your products in it. There are way too many alternative (and superior) products to support such blatant anti-Americanism with even a penny of my money.

by Tom

[edit on 4-4-2008 by battlestargalactica]

Originally posted by Tenebrous

I can see their case, I think it is just a bit of an over-reaction.

To you it is a simple over-reaction, you still cannot quite grasp the concept of "what it all means."

Your arguments for a North-American Union however are arguments for a Union between Mexico and the US.

It is pure speculation at best, however, would canada not jump on the chance, if presented, to become apart of such a union?

Canada has nothing to gain from such a union, well other than the rape and pillage of our natural resources, our IHO better political system, our slightly different mindset, not to mention and huge wave of immigration we don't want.

This really is an argument for a separate thread, however, natural resources are not meant to last forever, what does Canada have to offer outside of natural resources? This is where Canada would truly benefit in joining the US.

Much of Canada's population actually lives along the US Canadian border. This, in part, shows a heavy reliance on the US.

I for one, am against a NAU, just speculating...

You guys should read these comments at the absolut website, ABSOLUT-LY ENTERTAINING!

Linkie is above in other post...

muhahah, some people have already alerted there local bars not to serve it, the bars will listen also, listen to the customer, something Absolut did not do.

Originally posted by 44soulslayer
In fairness, the cartographers were probably wasted out of their minds while drawing this map!

Not likely. Maybe they think Mexicans don't buy enough vodka. Flattery and the promise of a better life sells you know.

Originally posted by Essan
Obviously the 'joke' inherent in the Ad has been lost on some people

(Were they to run something similar in the US I guess it'd show Canada, Mexico and probably Europe as all being part of the USA .... )

And if Absolut runs an ad in, say, Der Spiegel, should it show the U.S., the bulk of Europe, and also North Africa with Swastikas all over them?

Hah!! Hilarioius!! Really?? Sorry, I too missed the punchline in this "joke".

reply to post by centurion1211


For once I totally agree with you.

It's not so much funny as a bit insidious to create such an ad. I don't get the makreting ploy but then again I doubt I'd see it here in the States.

Makes me wonder if all of those illegal advocates have more than a simple agenda of legalization. People don't even realize how immigrants are treated in Mexico (abused, robed, raped) let alone how many immigrants are allowed citizenship. I believe in the last 5-10 years it's been a little over 5,000 even though many more try to get it. Yet people cross the border, without any background check (and yes criminals cross all the time) and make all sorts of demands once here.

Go to Mexico and try that.

As much as I feel for those in poverty stricken drug lord ruled areas of Mexico I do believe some common sense is in order. In a fair world the most productive and honest people would be the ones to escape such places but this world is far from fair.

Ads like these just cause more trouble.

- Lee

reply to post by super-CBGB

Nice work on photoshop abilities!

This is what the Absolut ad is akin to, perhaps if shown to the corporate advertising agency, they would realize that is what their ad amounted to eh?

What a stupid ad.

Isnt their ad really implying that southwest portions of the US should be filled with poverty and corruption just like Mexico. I mean, do they think if Mexico would have won this land that it would be prosperous as it is today.

Here, I fixed their projection of an "absolute world."

[edit.. experiencing some technical difficulties.]


Basically its the same pic, just without mexico...

Ill post it if someone can give me some pointers on how to post pics from your desktop.

[edit on 6-4-2008 by West Coast]

reply to post by West Coast


You can send it to me (email or U2U) then I can post it, or just goto the following and post it there:

www....(nolink)

No need to join them, just upload it from your hard drive, then after upload, paste the link here to ats. Use codes. Hope that helps.

reply to post by battlestargalactica



That was very helpful! Thank you sir. Heres the link.


edit, you can open it with firefox.

[edit on 6-4-2008 by West Coast]

Courtesy of: ATS member → WEST COAST.


You needed to upload it to ats uploads (in your member center) or to an anonymous (or account) at imageshack or other to display it. U2U me I can explain any questions..

Nice work though, I like it

[edit on 6-4-2008 by battlestargalactica]

Heres a ad that tells the truth.

How about this one for telling the truth.

Found this article on the absolute ad its interesting read.
michellemalkin.com...

You know what has been heartening the past two days as reaction to the Absolut Reconquista ad continues to pour in? The fact that so many of you still take our sovereignty seriously and are willing to give voice to your concerns without apologizing for it. I’m including a sample of e-mails below.

But first: The advertising firm that created the Absolut Reconquista ad is Teran/TBWA. Teran is based in Mexico City. The company’s website boasts a pretentious statement of philosophy advocating “disruption” as a “tool for change” and “agent of growth.” (Scroll your mouse over the little buttons in the upper-right margin.) The firm advocates “overturning assumptions and prejudices that get in the way of imagining new possibilities and visionary ideas that help create a larger share of the future.”

Translation: The company advocates overturning borders that get in the way of imagining new maps of North America that help Mexico create a larger share of the continent.

Contact information for Absolut:

Jeffrey Moran
Director of Public Relations and Events
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
1370 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
USA
Phone, direct: +1 212 641 87 20
E-mail: [email protected]

Sarah E. Bessette, Public Relations Manager
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
401 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
USA
Phone, direct: 212 641 8653
Fax: 212 641 87 03
E-mail: [email protected]

[edit on 6-4-2008 by JBA2848]

[edit on 6-4-2008 by JBA2848]

reply to post by JBA2848

Yes I've been following her blog page, as well as the Absolut website that show the corporate response (pathetic). That site has close to two thousand response last I checked of people just 'giving' it to the company, quite entertaining.

Most say they will boycott, some say they've poured it down the drain already, check my posts for the link few posts back...

BTW good images

Since the murder of Oluf Palme, the Swedes have carried a grudge against US. We all know, it was a CIA job.

I think this ad is directed at the liberals. To show your anti-establishment sentiment you drink Absolut.

Skål!