Another Absolut Apology
Posted by The Red Pill on April 6, 2008
Absolut is giving another apology for their offensive Aztlan ad. This one is quite a bit better.
We apologize
Posted Sunday, April 06, 2008, 7:38:29 PM
During 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 The ad has been withdrawn as of Friday April 4th and will not be used in the future.
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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.
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To ensure that we avoid future similar mistakes, we are adjusting our internal advertising approval process for ads that are developed in local markets.
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This is a genuine and sincere apology,
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By Paula Eriksson, VP Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits
I believe this is a “genuine and sincere apology,” and it is one that I am personally accepting.
This all shows a part of what is truely great about America. Many Americans saw something that outraged them. We did not threaten violence in order to make our point. We spoke out against an issue and our voices brought about positive change concerning it. Our only threats came to a company’s bottom line. And in this particular battle, that seems to have done the job.
Good work, America!
sobiop said
I’m not sure I’m buying it. They have a sophisticated advertising crew, and Corporate Innocence is too much to swallow.
In my experience, Corporations keep a pretty tight reign on their image, and most likely would review a campaign aimed at a nation from a global perspective.
cv said
Dear Sirs,
It pains me greatly to have to report that I, for one, will no longer be consuming Ablolut Vodka after seeing this story in the LA Times about your Mexican ad campaign.
Try to imagine a map of Sweden with the border of say GERMANY running half way through it. Get the idea?
I find it impossible to believe that most AMERICANS would not find this ad the most offensive thing imaginable.
We are fighting out own little war here in AMERICA. There are more Illegal Aliens (mostly Mexican) living, working, straining the system and not paying taxes in the area pictured in the ad then there are CITIZENS in the entire hermetically sealed country of Sweden, where I understand Absolut is made.
The beauty of the system in AMERICA is that you have choice. Until yesterday my choice was always Absolut, but now I would find it hard to order it among the myriad of other QUALITY vodkas on the bar.
Sincerely,
cv
MJ "revoltingpawn" said
I did not find anything offensive about the ad. It did run just in Mexico yes?
cv..
You do know Germany did crave up Europe at one time yes? I assume you were for Germany being pushed back to their original borders, yes? It would seem to be a double standard to think it was all right for us to take Mexico’s land, no?
We are not fighting any war with Mexicans in America. Does anyone have any concept of what a real war is any more? Stop blaming Mexicans instead of the businesses that keep giving them jobs.
I found the ad funny and snagged it for myself…
The Red Pill said
“You do know Germany did crave up Europe at one time yes? I assume you were for Germany being pushed back to their original borders, yes? It would seem to be a double standard to think it was all right for us to take Mexico’s land, no?”
Except in the case of the Mexican-American War it was Mexico who was the aggressor. It’s not like we attacked them out of the blue, forced them into submission, and then got to keep the land we took during the fighting. Had we done that we’d have half of the current country of Mexico, including its capital.
Texas independence. Santa Ana. The Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo. This is all in the history books if people would just read them.
MJ "revoltingpawn" said
The Red Pill..
Mexico was a aggressor because felt our annexation of Texas was melding in land they owned! Southern Democrats in Congress only agreed to go to war because was thinking we would take all of Mexico and expand the number of slave states. I guess Mexico should be lucky that did not pan out.
You missed my point in the double standard. Let’s say couple years after the Mexican-American War Texas changed their mind and declared their independence again to become part of Mexico. You know that we would not allow that to happen and would go to war again. Why is ok for us to do so but not Mexico?
Talking about history do you remember the concept of Manifest Destiny that drove us west? It was believed in was our right to own all the land from sea to sea and damn the Indians, Mexicans, and who ever else who got in our way.
Sorry I see no problem with Mexicans having a grudge in that regard (or the Native Americans) and the ad just played to the market. I just can’t believe people felt the need to protest a advertisement in another country.
The Red Pill said
Yes, I am familiar with Manifest Destiny. I am also familiar with Spanish imperialism, and the fact that Mexico inherrited land only through gaining its independence of Spain.
Since Mexico didn’t offer to give any of that “stolen” land back to the Native Americans Spain took it from, I guess it are as guilty of genocide we are. It was perfectly willing to benefit from European imperialism. And they continued to kill many more people by hearding them into missions in order to force religion on them.
Native Americans have a right to a grudge, Mexico has none.
ChenZhen said
I don’t know what they were thinking, quite frankly. Sure, it only ran in Mexico, but this is 2008 for crissakes. They couldn’t have been so ignorant to think that it wouldn’t have found its way into the blogs, talk radio, or any of the rest of the modern media. Cause to a pretty open-minded guy who happens to have a degree in marketing, I cringed a bit when I saw it.