Absolut Vodka stirred up quite a bit of controversy with a new billboard that advertised the drink in Mexico. The billboard shows a map of Mexico that extends the Mexican territory into the Western U.S., showing pre-1848 boundaries of Mexico. While the ad campaign was intended for those south of the border, some north of the border expressed concern with the advertising campaign so it was pulled. Take a look at the ad and let me know what you think! (Click "comments" below to add your voice.)
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I am a geographer and have difficulty understanding the connection between the product and the map. At least it is not obvious unless the intention was to incite dissention from within Mexico. I also believe, and company may not concede, that the intention was to place a new and historical perspective on the immigration issue and debate-suggesting that historically the region belongs to Mexico and therefore has a right to incursion. I totally disagree with that approach and Americans were right to protest. Companies have a public and corporate responsibility to promote justice and peace.
The add is incorrect. The map is pre-1835, before Texas gained it’s independence.
What a strange billboard ad! Why would Absolut do such a thing?!? I can only think that someone in their publicity office is so far behind the times that someone must have used a very, very old map!
I love it. After all, there is a large Mexican-American population in that part of the country. As well as, many legal and illegal Mexicans. Maybe Absolut was trying to reach of segment of the U.S. population.
As all advertising campaigns go, Absolut is cashing in on a subject that is sure to get noticed. Of course, many US citizens are well aware of the border controversy and the border history; and we should have a reaction and give them some flack for stirring up animosities for their financial gain. As intended, the ad only benefits Absolut; but we can remind them to mind their manners: we don’t need added friction from a third party.
It is an advertising stroke of genius. Absolut received more FREE publicity from this than they imagined. And consumers don’t really care whose sensibilities are offended. WE buy what WE want and like. We don’t really care about others when we make purchases. Corporations know this and enjoy the freedom it brings them. It is sad but true.
perhaps those who worked on the campaign had too much of the very product they were advertising.
A companies CEO should be a little more careful and reign in political opinions before they spill out into ad campaigns. This one in particular was very effective. It caused me to understand how unimportant the purchase of Absolut Vodka was to me. …(and all 4 of my night clubs)
WHY ARE LIQUOR ADS ALLOWED TO BE DISPLAYED TO THE PUBLIC FOR ALL (INCLUDING YOUNG CHILDREN)TO SEE? BEHIND THESE “INNOCENT: ADS HIDE A STAGGERING ARRAY OF SICKNESS,INJURY,DEATH,AND SOCIAL MALAISE…ALCOHOL IS A DANGEROUS DRUG AND HAS NO PLACE INSIDE THE HUMAN BODY..WHY DO WE BAN SMOKING ADS BUT YET CONTINUE TO DISPLAY BOOZE ADS? DO I HEAR THE SOFT RUSTLE OF GREEN PAPER? RALPH
What is the connection, Absolut only wants to advertise to that (Mexico) section, why not all of America