The Absolut Pander

In an attempt to be "edgy" the Absolut Vodka manufacturer created an ad that hearkened back to the 1st Mexican Empire and includes much of what is indisputably the United States of America.  The ad (seen above) place California, Colorado and Texas in Montezuma's Revenge territory, which would be a disaster for the average human smuggler; could you imagine having to cross Texas on foot just to get a decent job or drink clean water?

The eternally astonished, over at the Gawker, are quick to label anyone who is offended by the insult to national sovereignty a xenophobe.  Absolut Vodka commented that the geo-politically incorrect ad:

"In no way was it 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,"

That statement was reportedly left on its consumer inquiry phone line.  Absolut, absolutely knew the ad would cause some controversy, because they were careful to re-write history.  The Mexico of the early 19th century (as seen below) also included much of present-day Central America, but the publicity spot did not bother to place Guatemala or Nicaragua under Mexico City's thumb.

Absolut should consider changing advertising agencies, or at least finding one that can own up to publicity scandals it creates.  The Gawker acolytes should increase their cultural sensibility by learning the Spanish saying mothers repeat to insolent children: Errant flies do not enter into closed mouths.

Comments

[Bob]

Matt -- Frankly, I'm less concerned about advertisements than I am about miscarriages of justice. That said, I invite you and your readers to help me convince New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to PARDON PETER LYNCH. Lynch is the Air Force veteran who was found guilty of a crime after he removed a Mexican flag from the University of New Mexico after he found it flying alone, told officials about the violation of flag protocol and ran up against a "brick wall" before taking matters into his own hands.

[Bob]

Matt -- Frankly, I'm less concerned about advertisements than I am about miscarriages of justice. That said, I invite you and your readers to help me convince New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to PARDON PETER LYNCH. Lynch is the Air Force veteran who was found guilty of a crime after he removed a Mexican flag from the University of New Mexico after he found it flying alone, told officials about the violation of flag protocol and ran up against a "brick wall" before taking matters into his own hands.

[Justin Wagner]

it's so interesting how it's so shocking for Americans to see such as ad as this Absolute Vodka advertisement which basically states the south western U.S. belongs to Mexico. and yet, Americans see no problem with people such as those in Kosovo trying to steal land in Serbia. and even go so far as to condone the independence of the illegal declaration.

[Justin Wagner]

it's so interesting how it's so shocking for Americans to see such as ad as this Absolute Vodka advertisement which basically states the south western U.S. belongs to Mexico. and yet, Americans see no problem with people such as those in Kosovo trying to steal land in Serbia. and even go so far as to condone the independence of the illegal declaration.

[Justin Wagner]

it's so interesting how it's so shocking for Americans to see such as ad as this Absolute Vodka advertisement which basically states the south western U.S. belongs to Mexico. and yet, Americans see no problem with people such as those in Kosovo trying to steal land in Serbia. and even go so far as to condone the independence of the illegal declaration.