IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD

4/15/2008, 6:49 PM - Quote this comment - Report
How does that old song go..? "They all hate us anyhow, so let's drop the big one now."
Why did we ever get away from that policy?
15961

byas Retired USAF

4/15/2008, 6:41 PM - Quote this comment - Report
Just wanted to let you know that my Jayhawk friends and I won't forget your bigotry - we choose to buy from those who don't hate America.

p.s., your telephone receptionist is one of the rudest people I have ever encountered -- even for a New Yorker
15959

byas djayhawk

4/15/2008, 6:39 PM - Quote this comment - Report
Speechless, learn how to read and write before you try scolding U.S. Citizens!

15958

byas Proud Natural American

4/15/2008, 6:29 PM - Quote this comment - Report
Old Europe,
You say "It's all an advertising joke!!"

Watch me to "jokingly" boycott the product.

How far shall we go back pointing fingers at "who took whose land"? We are now an established republic who's losing its sovereignty because of globalists' agendas and the extreme left who've occupied the government.

These are not joking times, Sir. The cluster of suits who OK'd this ad (with no regard to American patriotism) sealed their fate in what had to be the most asinine decision of their careers.

Now they think they can do a little primpy "damage control" with their official "genuine and sincere apology". Well, how very corporate of them.

Others have already stated it, but the apology is anything but genuine. In fact, the word "apology" in its original meaning means "defense" and not necessarily recognition of one's own fault. Ms Eriksson may not have even had anything to do with the ad to begin with and is just a figure-head for Absolut Corporate. Regardless, the ad and the "apology" have been reviewed by intelligent patrons and it is obvious that the apology is just a template of emptiness and excuses, with no remorse.

Whether there was intent or not, is immaterial. We Americans aren't just a bunch of whiners waiting around to be empowered by someone else's offensive speech. The fact that Absolut was negligent and insensitive makes them just as culpable as someone who had intent.

Their method of apology must invoke the same creativity for which they've prided themselves all these years.
15957

byas Alan P.

4/15/2008, 6:07 PM - Quote this comment - Report
I won't be stocking my bar with your products!
15949

byas bob

4/15/2008, 5:46 PM - Quote this comment - Report
One less product I will buy. What a shameful ad.
15946

byas Jeanne Maxwell

4/15/2008, 5:43 PM - Quote this comment - Report
Like many others, I sent off an indignant email about the Reconquista ad to Absolut public affairs. I got back a canned email, saying, yeah, we're sorry that people took the ad in a way that was not our intent. Here's what I replied:

Ms. Eriksson,
Thank you for your email. Although I appreciate the effort at apology, I'm afraid it doesn't "set the record straight", as you claim. If "the way the ad was perceived was not consistent with your intent", then what was your intent? Please tell me. What exactly was your intent with the Reconquista theme?
One other question. I suggested, as a marketing variation, that you publish an Absolut map of Europe with a nice big red section for Nazi Germany, its borders extended to include all of Scandinavia, just like 1942. Put the word "Wiedererobern" (reconquest) in the middle of Sweden. It would approximate what you did in Mexico with your Reconquista campaign. What "intent" do you think people would draw from the European version? More importantly, what would be the "intent" of a company that would put out an ad like that? Now, what was your "intent" with Reconquista?

15945

byas James Knepler

4/15/2008, 5:38 PM - Quote this comment - Report
I have kept my bar stocked with Absolut for years. This will never happen again. I'm switching to Skyy and I will no longer provide Absolut. I am putting together signs showing your ad and explaining why we no longer serve your product, as well as urging our customers to do the same. Just a thought.... In the Russian Market, will you show Russia has having control of the whole of Eastern Europe again? Perhaps you will show the former German WWII controlled areas as an "absolut world" in the German market? After all.... these marketing strategies would certainly be based upon historical perspective and would be created with Russian and German sensibility!!

Good luck and Good riddance!
15943

byas Michael S

4/15/2008, 5:35 PM - Quote this comment - Report
Many people are comparing Mexican immigrants to Islamic fundamenalists! Mexicans are not coming into this country and sacrificing their lives and the lives of others in the name of their religion! When was the last time you saw a Mexican detonating a bomb in the news? Please be aware of the statments you are making and the people you offend with these ludicrous statements, just as you are asking Absolut to do.
15939

byas Alexandra

4/15/2008, 5:34 PM - Quote this comment - Report
I am amazed at how easily and stupidly people get riled up over a stupid ad, How is this ad going to affect your daily life?

You all embarass core Americans.
15937

byas Shawn