Slublog points out that Absolut has issued an explanation of its Absolut World advertisement, which I mentioned briefly yesterday. The corporate explanation reads thusly:
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.
A world that appeals to me, eh? Alright—How about starting with this world:
Works for me.
I understand that the original ad campaign was intended to be a lighthearted joke, and I definitely enjoy seeing the excellent Photoshopped responses to it.
Imagine, though, if Absolut had issued an ad under this same campaign depicting the map of the Confederate States of America. It is Southern History Month, after all.
What do you think the reaction to an ad like that would be? Do you think everyone would be quick to explain it as being a joke?
Or do you think, like I do, that we'd be seeing Jesse and Al marching in the streets?
It's the double-standard that is so irritating here, folks. Otherwise, I'd be just as likely to laugh this off as a marketing joke as you are.
(Oh, and personally, I'd love to see them run an ad like that. No publicity is bad publicity, right? And at least it would show that they're not above holding everyone to parody, instead of kow-towing to the standardly dull politically-correct thinking. There ya go, there's an idea for my next parody of this ad:—In an Absolut world, corporations wouldn't be too petrified to use politically incorrect jokes in their advertisements. That'll be the day!)
I will be rounding up good parodies beyond the fold. If you have a photoshop of your own, feel free to post it to the comments section!Update: I literally laughed out loud the first time I saw TNOYF's first photoshop. I'm sure that somewhere, somehow, that's somebody's Absolut world. Reprinting without permission, but those silly gooses know where to find me:
Click to zoom
Update: Regular reader Cletus sends in the funniest parody:
Clicketh to Zoometh
Tags: snapped shots #FridayFun #SnappedShots
Comments:
#2 mikep 04-Apr-2008
I commented on this absolut ad in the context of the war & treaty...but I'll be honest...given all the defense of free speech that is taken up in the blogosphere, I think some may be over-reacting to the ad and explanation.
I think it's ok.
If they REALLY mean it. We can always re-negotiate the treaty ;)
I think it's ok.
If they REALLY mean it. We can always re-negotiate the treaty ;)
#3 Kevin 04-Apr-2008
#4 Brian C. Ledbetter 05-Apr-2008
Kevin,
Haha, the funniest part of your parody is the "No alcohol" symbol. ;)
Regards,
Brian
Haha, the funniest part of your parody is the "No alcohol" symbol. ;)
Regards,
Brian
#6 Kevin 06-Apr-2008
Darnit. You get the idea. Cut and paste that link into your address bar. I keep forgetting that this is a bbcode website :(.
Have you seen Absolut's non-apology apology?. It's getting slammed SO badly that I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.
It's a fairly egregious advertisement, no doubt. But boycotting them will be rather difficult. To do so effectively, we must also boycott their sister brands:
Stolichnaya vodka
Kahlua
Chival regal
[b]GLENLIVET!!!!!!!!!![/b] (this one hurts)
Seagram's
Beefeeter's
Courvoissier cognac
Perrier-Jouët champagne
Wild Turkey bourbon
I'm up for boycotting them, but not [i]happy[/i] about it. Glenlivet is really good :(. If they ever get control of JWB I'm going to cave. Just a "head's up".
Have you seen Absolut's non-apology apology?. It's getting slammed SO badly that I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.
It's a fairly egregious advertisement, no doubt. But boycotting them will be rather difficult. To do so effectively, we must also boycott their sister brands:
Stolichnaya vodka
Kahlua
Chival regal
[b]GLENLIVET!!!!!!!!!![/b] (this one hurts)
Seagram's
Beefeeter's
Courvoissier cognac
Perrier-Jouët champagne
Wild Turkey bourbon
I'm up for boycotting them, but not [i]happy[/i] about it. Glenlivet is really good :(. If they ever get control of JWB I'm going to cave. Just a "head's up".
#7 William Teach 06-Apr-2008
Not sure how to post a photo in the comments, but, I have my own here: http://www.thepiratescove.us/2008/04/05/absolut-caliphate/
#8 Pirate's Cove 06-Apr-2008
Happy Sunday! Another beautiful day in America. The birds are singing, the rain is helping my grass, the ducks have the pond to themselves, today. This pinup is by Gil Elvgren, with an appearence by Patriotic Bunny.
I’d like to thank everyone wh...
#9 Chuck 07-Apr-2008
Kevin,
Glenlivet is ok but some of the other Glen product are so much better, however a bit more expensive. Try some Glenmorangie or Glenfiddich.
Glenlivet is ok but some of the other Glen product are so much better, however a bit more expensive. Try some Glenmorangie or Glenfiddich.
#10 Brandon 07-Apr-2008
Late to the party, but here's one.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/Centurion20000/2008/ABSOLUT2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/Centurion20000/2008/ABSOLUT2.jpg[/IMG]
#11 Cletus 09-Apr-2008
I saw this on Lou Dobbs and decided to make another (I didn't feel the other absolut caliphate fully milked the idea)
so here it is:
so here it is:
#12 noob 11-Apr-2008
Your blog is very informative, I have learned so much from it. It is like daily newspaper :). Added to fav’s.
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/04/04/absolut-arrogance-and-the-advertising-agency-behind-the-reconquista-ad/