Mexico reconquers California? Absolut drinks to that!

The latest advertising campaign in Mexico from Swedish vodka maker Absolut promises to push all the right buttons south of the U.S. border, but it could ruffle a few feathers in El Norte.

The billboard and press campaign, created by advertising agency Teran\TBWA  and now running in Mexico, is a colorful map depicting what the Americas might look like in an "Absolut" -- i.e., perfect -- world.

The U.S.-Mexico border lies where it was before the Mexican-American war of 1848 when California, as we now know it, was Mexican territory and known as Alta California.

Following the war, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo saw the Mexican territories of Alta California and Santa Fé de Nuevo México ceded to the United States to become modern-day California, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. (Texas actually split from Mexico several years earlier to form a breakaway republic, and was voluntarily annexed by the United States in 1846.)

The campaign taps into the national pride of Mexicans, according to Favio Ucedo, creative director of leading Latino advertising agency Grupo Gallegos in the U.S., which was not involved in the Absolut campaign.

Ucedo, who is from Argentina, said: “Mexicans talk about how the Americans stole their land, so this is their way of reclaiming it. It’s very relevant and the Mexicans will love the idea.”

But he said that were the campaign to run in the United States, it might fall flat.

“Many people aren’t going to understand it here. Americans in the East and the North or in the center of the county -- I don’t know if they know much about the history.

“Probably Americans in Texas and California understand perfectly and I don’t know how they’d take it.”

Meanwhile, the campaign has been circulating on the blogs and generating strong responses from people north of the border.

“I find this ad deeply offensive, and needlessly divisive. I will now make a point of drinking other brands. And 'vodka and tonic' is my drink,” said one visitor, called New Yorker, on MexicoReporter.com.

Reader Paul Green goes into a discussion on the blog Gateway Pundit of whether the U.S. territories ever belonged to Mexico in the first place, and the News12 Long island site invited people to boycott Absolut, with one user, called LivingSmall, writing: “If you drink Absolut vodka, you can voice your approval or disapproval of this advertising campaign with your purchases. I know I will be switching to Grey Goose or Stoli and will never have another bottle of Absolut in my house.

“Hey Absolut ... that's my form of social commentary.”

-- Deborah Bonello and Reed Johnson in Mexico City

*No time to compose a comment on the "In an Absolut World according to Mexico" ad? Tell us what you think by voting here:

Comments

[Anna]

Well I will never buy one bottle of Absolute again. My son's have a bar and they will no longer purchase Absolute. [Expletive] all of you that wish to break up my country. I will not stand still. The USA is a great country. Mexico would not have a clue as to how to run the economy of those US States and then we would have to put up a wall from TX to MI to keep all the westerns out of our Eastern country because the Mexican government would run it into the ground. I can’t wait for that wall to be built.

******************

It is soo sad to read things like this.
It is soo sad that Americans, being part of a first world country.. think this way.
It is also sad, realizing that forst world countries also have ppl with no brains or perhaps they never opened a book or went to school in their lives.

This is just MARKETING, specific marketing for mexicans.
This add means.. "if you drink ABSOLUTE, you'll se the absolute world being yours" something like this. Plus, that was a real map 200 years ago.
Shawn said 10% of mexican population is in USA. Well... then.. there you have another explanation for the ADD.. all those states (California, Utha, Arizona, etc) are higly populated by mexicans. Which doesn't mean mexicans are trying to take over the country! LOL...
You guys should feel PROUD and not offended.
This is a chain...
Usa was part of indigens.. (natives) then british took over.. mexico was part of aztecs and spaniards took over.. then americans took over mexico... then germans took over europe.. that's the way it is and nobody should take it personal.

God bless

[Anna]

I believe this is stupid (not the ad) but the reaction.
Americans should UNDERSTAND this is marketing. That map shown in the ad, was the original map not too long ago. I read somewhere else something like "well.. those states weren't even mexican either.. they were rulled by spaniards" So.. if you think the same way, let me tell you you're wrong.
Spaniards came to America (America is a CONTINENT) in 1492. They called Mexico the New Spain. Why? Simple. It was the only place where "Smart" civilizactions were found. They found gold, chocolate, vanilla, corn, etc. That's why they stayed there. (convenience.. that's all)
After they LEFT.. no.. sorry... after mexicans WON I should say, and Mexico became Republic of Mexico or its proper name Mexican United States, and not "New Spain"... after being more welthy than the US and having all this land with perfect weather all year round, americans had the brilliant idea of fighting against Mexico and took more than 50% of its territory.
It doesn't matter who won.. it doesn't matter the reasons why and it doesn't matter who started it. It is just about HISTORY.. that's all.
History and marketing.

And I have something else to say about the argentinian Favio Ucedo and his Grupo Gallego.
How could you say that mexicans have bad feelings and we don't forget about mexican-american war... meanwhile.. you guys still crying for the loss of Malvinas Islands against England. You guys HATE Margaret Tatcher, you guys even hate americans for that, as americans helped British to fight over your island and took it from yous.
This life and this world is not fair. In order to be fair with somebody has to be unfair for anybody else.
examples: jewish vs germans.. (do I have to say who won?) Americans vs mexicans.. americans vs the world except for first world countries, of course.
Americans vs any country with OIL... is that fair? no is not...
So then.. don't cry over a silly advertisment :) and don't take offense of this.
Oh.. by the way.. not every single person that crosses the RIO BRAVO (not grande, but BRAVO) is mexican. there's centroamericans and southamericans aswell.. not to mention Iraq and iran citizens, that had the brilliant idea of crossing through Mexico and be part od the US, of course, is better to be a mexican illegal than being an iraqui illegal.
Do not pluralize, please.

God bless

[Liquor Quiz]

this powerful quiz was designed just to get everyone talking and feathers ruffled which it obviously has done succesfully

[Andrea Reyes]

It is funny to see how many US citizens (I belong to the type that says America is a continent, therefore I am also American) have little or no sense of humor not to mention the lack of knowledge in history.

It is completely idiotic: "Oh... they are showing how the political division was long time ago and I find it offensive". How can it possibly offend you? It is history, the term implies past tense, you know? Probably you don't...

On the other side of the spectrum (and of the border), the nationalism of my fellow Mexicans also lacks sense of humor and it is as pathetic as the US one.

It is just a campaign. Please... I feel embarassed for both sides, it is like watching an episode of The Office. And that some call their boycot a social commentary (while he or she is having a white moccachino for 15 dollars), that is just sad.

[Kit]

what's the big deal. The Absolut map used to be what was Mexico before we in the USA stole it out from under Mexico. An affront to the US? Give me a break!

[John Beckman]

So does that mean that the river between the US and Mexico wouldn't be the Rio Grande anymore? It would be the Red River, right? Hmmmmm, I wonder if the Red River is safer to swim across?

Don't they understand that the lifestyle and standard of living in these places aren't necessarily related to the land itself? The difference between Tiajuana and San Diego isn't geographic, it's demographic. IMO. Sorry...

[really?]

The point of the ad is to remind Mexico of a time that may have been "more ideal." Absolut does a good job with nostalgic imaging in order to sell a product. They have the U.S. ad where it shows the "absolute _____", where the trip to the moon is the absolute road trip, and the Statue of Liberty is the absolute welcome. These are nostalgic images to Americans and maybe remind us simpler times. This was their intention with the ad in Mexico. It was creative. I say bravo.

[mike]

come on, people. get over yourselves!

it's a joke, you know. like EVERY OTHER AD that they put out.

if americans boycotted everything that they perceived as anti-american...life would get really bland - really fast.

[Douglas Strother]

This is yet another attempt to brainwash us into cutting our own throats.

Where are the PC cretins who wonk about everything being offensive?!?!

Recall that Mexico fought for its independence from an incompetent and depostic Spain. Soon afterwards, the Texans and Californias fought for their independence from an incompetent and depostic Mexico. Furthermore, the United States purchased land from Mexico as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago.

Finally, Mexicans get their own house in order before reconquering my home! We would all do well to recall to forceful words from our Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and to provide new guards for their future security."

[flo]

Wow, all this publicity, now I'm curious of what Absolut tastes like...

Get it people, this is what ads are "suppose" to do!

[flo]

What is so wrong about the southwest returning to Mexico?

Then, let's give Louisiana back to France, Florida back to Spain, Alaska back to the Russians, Hawaii become an independent nation, Canada back to Britain, Quebec back to France, Central America back to Mexico, Mexico back to the Aztecs, Central America back to the Mayas, Peru back to the Incas, Belize back to Guatemala, Panama back to Colombia, Brazil back to Portugal, Latin America back to Spain, Portugal-Spain-Italy-France-Austria-the former Yugoslavia-Romania back to the Roman Empire, Bhuddism back to India and Monica Lewinsky back to Bill Clinton, Antartica back to the penguins and live happily ever after...well, back to the drawing board...reconquista lives and will always live everywhere on earth...will it ever end? Get over it PEOPLE! Take a shot of Absolut until you are flat on your backs.

Salud!

[Mazdak]

What if USA just disolve as USSR did?

By the way: "In an absolute world", it would be Apache´s States of America...

[jorge Perello]

you're all crazy, arguing over the past like you could all change it, instead of cursing at each other (both mexicans and americans), you should be cursing at Absolut, for using advertisement that provokes brawls between two countries that have been economic, military and social allies since the 19th century, the truth is, nowadays, neither one can subsist without the other. I hope we'll get past our historic differences and work hard to create a new reality in which we can all contribute to the well-being of our great nations.

[Antonio]

You need only study the true history of the Mexican American War to find the original intent of the US was to expand its boundaries all the way to the Pacific Ocean to present Central America. This is one of the reasons US military invaded and occupied major Mexico cities, including its capital. European nations opposed such an extensive expansion of US in the aftermath of the War. Fearing the US was becoming too powerful, European countries met secretly and covertly suggested the present boundary as outlined in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. So, in practice, the original doctrine of Manifest Destiny was not entirely consummated. It is very unlikely that neither country will make a "pre-emptive strike." Rather, both countries will unite in a maneuver similar to the current European Unification. That is, Mexico will not reconquer its prewar territory, nor will the US embark on another expansionist invasion, instead, they will incorporate for economic survival. You can almost hear the echo of a future Reagan type leader saying: "Tear down these walls between Mexico and US." Its meaning will clearly refer to both physical and mental barriers that have separated us for too long. I'll drink to that. Cheers/Salud/Skal - in an Absolut world!

[Ben Franklin]

This would be so great.

We could be part of Mexico and we would not be at war with the whole world. People would not hate us everywhere else on the planet, and we would have more and better food.

I wonder why the names in all these places are already Spanish? San Francisco, and Colorado are not English words! Why is that so? Could it be that these places were once part of Mexico? Could it be that the USA invaded this region like Saddam did in Kuwait?

[Lilly White]

All this rhetoric is very reminiscent of what is expressed below:

Why are patriotic Americans echoing language of tragedies past?

There's something deeply wrong with our public discourse when a reviewer like Niall Ferguson can pen a piece at the New York Times Book Review that contains, almost glibly, language like this:

The terrorists are at once parasitical on, and at the same time hostile toward, the globalized economy, the Internet and the technological revolution in military affairs. Just as the plagues in the 14th century were unintended consequences of increased trade and urbanization, so terrorism is a negative externality of our borderless world.

The difference, of course, is one of intent. The rats that transported the lethal fleas that transported the lethal enterobacteria Yersinia pestis did not mean to devastate the populations of Eurasia and Africa. The Black Death was a natural disaster. Al Qaeda is different. Its members seek to undermine the market-state by turning its own technological achievements against it in a protracted worldwide war, the ultimate goal of which is to create a Sharia-based “terror-state” in the form of a new caliphate.

I know, of course, that we're talking about the Enemy: terrorists. But it doesn't take a Dalai Lama to recognize that this kind of dehumanization is part of what brought us to this pass in the first place. And it only takes a historian to point out where it is likely to take us.

This is, in fact, classic eliminationist rhetoric: speech designed not merely to dehumanize and demonize other human beings, but to create the conditions for, and ultimately provide permission for, the actual elimination of those elements from society. As Kalkaino points out, Ferguson's description of Middle Eastern terrorists is nearly indistinguishable from from Nazi prewar propaganda about the "filthy Jewish vermin."

Of course, there is an essential difference there as well: the Jews in reality posed no threat to Germany whatsoever, and so any danger they represented was concocted almost entirely in the imaginations of anti-Semites. Middle Eastern terrorists, of course, are very much a real threat, though almost certainly not the dire existential threat that the Fergusons of the world make them out to be.

But Nazi Germany hardly provided the only example of eliminationist rhetoric and its toxic effects -- the American historical landscape is littered with them as well: the genocide of Native Americans, the lynching era, "sundown towns," and perhaps most tellingly in this case, the campaign against Asian immigrants and its culmination in the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.

Because that whole episode began with rhetoric nearly identical to Ferguson's, directed at the "filthy Asiatic hordes" and producing bestsellers like Lothrop Stoddard's The Passing of the Great Race, a warning that "white culture" was about to be overwhelmed by rapidly reproducing brown hordes (sound familiar?) from Asia. It was so powerful that when war with Japan broke out, it seemed in fact only a natural step to round up those untrustworthy Asian vermin and put them in concentration camps.

And so it goes with thinkers like Ferguson today. Later in the review, it's clear where his logic leads us:

Bush’s instinct was not wrong. In this war, we do need pre-emptive detention of suspected terrorists; we do need a significant increase of surveillance, particularly of electronic communications; we do need, in some circumstances, to use coercive techniques (short of torture) to elicit information from terrorists. The administration’s fatal mistake was its failure to understand that these things could be achieved by appropriate modifications of the law.

And of course, anyone who disagrees should be rounded up and dealt with.

[Leslie Bary]

If the U.S. had lost the war with Mexico we might not have had the wherewithal to create as much havoc as we have since, and the world might be a better place.

[dan]

If mexico wants our states then lets go to war already mexico you need population control anyway

[Pam]

In an ABSOLUT world people would people not make a big deal over something so stupid. If the ad was broadcasted in the USA, then I would be mad, but it wasn't. It's a shame that people get so worked up over an ad. I really don't think the ad was meant to offend anyone. People should be worried more about immagration and the war then an ad.

[J.Cowan]

"(Texas actually split from Mexico several years earlier to form a breakaway republic, and was voluntarily annexed by the United States in 1846.) "

There are several additional points that need to be said:
The Freedom of Texas was won by sacrifices such as The Alamo and finally by the Battle of San Jacinto .

We let the leader of Mexica (Santa Anna) return to Mexico.

After 9 or 10 years of freedom, Texas. (In 1845 AND by treaty)
DID, in fact, join the Union as the 28th State .

[Jason]

I agree America has the right of administration to Texas California etc as much as China to Tibet, Great Britain to Scotland, Serbia to Kosovo, France to Corsica, Israel to Palestine, and Germany to Alsace and Lorraine.

[jamie]

Personally I prefer Smirnoff to Absolut. Most Americans who state that they are "offended", have probably never even heard of Alta California or the Mexican American War for that matter.

Seriously. Who cares? There are many more things in life to worry your pretty heads about.

[eddiealex]

I like to consider myself a patriotic American who defends the rights granted by the Constitution. The right to free speech is protected, and so is my right to boycott a product from a company that I find has offended me in their advertising. I also have the right to let everyone else know, under freedom of speech, to also boycott this company. As far as I am concerned, no true American will ever drink Absolut again. There are many other choices for vodka so please choose another brand. Absolut has absolut-ly screwed themselves. GOD bless the U. S. of A.

[Melissa]

This is nothing but an advertisement so please ALL you people out there....GROW UP and in the process go back to school and this goes to Black Pride, KKK, Minute Man and all the ignorant people out there who missed the very important lessons in school that make up culture, history, etc. USA is a great country to live in as well as is MX and Europe. You make the best of where you are, wherever in the world you are and you people obviously are not content with yourselves. I laugh at this ad and i actually like it....Love Absolut but wouldnt change my Tequilas for nothing in the world but you have to know when to drink a good glass of wine, Tequila, Vodka or a Miller lite!

Love you all!!! Proud to be Mexican!

[Nick Sheppard]

I usually find American outrage over anything and everything not sporting your flag hilarious but even I would be pissed if they did this to one of my home countries. But boycotts? That's going needlessly too far.

[BxCx]

Mexico siempre será México... con o sin su terrirtorio.

Viva México Señores!!!

[KLK]

I would like to start off by saying that I think the ABSOLUT World campaign is absolutely genius. Playing off the clever and memorable “ABSOLUT ______” and “The ABSOLUT Vodka” campaigns, the ABSOLUT World idea is seamlessly integrated into the brand image that the company has created. The concept of allowing consumers to relish in a place of fantasy is both captivating and exciting. It also presents an opportunity for the brand to reach out directly to vastly different target markets on very personal levels. I think that this is probably what has gotten the company into so much trouble. When attempting to connect with a very specific group in such an individualist manner, you are going to have a lot of trouble not alienating your other core segments. The ABSOLUT ad published in Mexico is a perfect example of this. While it directly relates to and identifies with Mexican citizens, it can, and is, perceived as offensive to many Americans. The outrage voiced by hundreds of ABSOLUT’s own customers in reaction to this ad is a verification of the fact that a controversial advertisement carries heavy consequences. As a result, the company has lost many of its North American customers, who have vowed never to support this ‘terrorist’ brand. Following ABSOLUT’s explanation and subsequent apology to its online audiences, I am curious to hear what Teran/TBWA, the firm responsible for the advertisement, has to say. It is unreasonable to assume that either company did not predict this kind of negative reaction. Granted, the ad was intended for Mexican audiences only, but it would be ignorant to assume that it wouldn’t leak into the US market. To say that the campaign might “fall flat” in the US is definitely an understatement of the effects generated by something so controversial. It is especially surprising to me that ABSOLUT took this risk considering its sales by country in 2007 were 50% for the US and only 3% for Mexico. I am also anxious to see what the company does about its future plans to target minorities through this campaign. Judging from the controversy instigated by the Mexico ad, I can only imagine the reactions to the campaigns aimed towards blacks, Hispanics, and gay men and women.

[George]

What you people lose sight of is that this ad exacerbates the unfounded notion that the US took land once belonging to Mexico illigitamely. It was done in a trade deal, unnoposed, because the Mexican population in this area were mostly remote villagers and colonists. They welcomed the new government because it brought a promise of development and prosperity, which it did for the Mexican people in the area allready.
Mexico Norte was american indian land first. So how is that Spain...I mean Mexico, not guilty of what they are accusing the US of? Hell, Mexico was Aztec Indian before the Spanish explorers came and raped their culture and their women. They produced a society of half breed Aztec/Spaniards and call them Mexicans.
A little later the French who were settled in the southern regions of the US brought immigrants from Germany and other slovic and arian nations and the new breed of Mexicans loved to dance to their music. This is how they founded the oompa songs the mariachis are always playing. Mexico doesn't even have original music.

The BASIC fact is that this ad perpetuates an untruth, in a time when ILLEGAL immigration is such a huge problem and a drain on the United States way of life. (Legal immigrants are welcome to this country, always have been, always will be). It brings the worst people that Mexico has to offer, Not the business owners, not the successful land barons, but the people who could not make a life in their home country, which is where they would rather be. Then they came here, had children here, and are becoming a huge deciding voting entity in our democracy. They will vote for the politicians who will favor their cause and bring their third world culture into our first world America. Although they come here illegally their children are legal, often without the same Catholic hard working family values of the true Mexican society, and will overtake the US in number alone. This is a democracy...numbers are everything. Between this issue and China's buying power on the backs of their slave sweatshop laborors, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS NO LONGER A SOVEIRGN COUNTRY BUT MERELY A BORDERLESS CONCEPTUAL IDEA!! Our fathers way of life is closing to an end. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO ROME AND THOSE WHO DO NOT LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE DESTINED TO REPEAT IT!

[The Absolut American]

No offense whatsoever, I am an adult not a child. By the way I have been reading all this, it looks like only children are allowed in the blog, and children are not supposed to drink alcohol. Last night I drank a bottle of absolut with my friends and now I will buy only absolut, because I am an adult. Kids if you are reading this, please go to the Disney website.

My only concern, besides the kid stuff, is that we are getting behind the Europeans and our country is getting weaker in comparison to the European Union, thanks to all the children that are allowed to vote. At this point in life, there should be no need of passports, visas or work permits among people born in any country of the Americas. Capitalism is based in supply and demand and we can not afford to loose more than we already are against Europe. We are still in time to save this and I really don't care if I would have to learn Spanish and the Mexican culture. What is important is that we remain the best country in the world, regardless of the language or any other unimportant stuff. God Bless the USA and Mexico.

[robinia]

Here's the problem...

On one hand, on an individual perspective, I would love for all undocumented workers who are here solely to provide for themseleves and loved ones should stay for as long as they want.

On the other hand, we have written laws that should protect and benefit those who were born here as well as those who chose and waited the difficult path to be documented and naturalized.

There seems to be no middle ground in which the powers that be can form a dialogue...We are arguing on points that are BOTH valid

One is championing the individual worker...

The other is championing a system that is supposed to protect its own citizens...

That in and of itself is the problem.

[Your Mexican Dr. House]

Leaving the ad topic away (which has been largely discussed by now), i agree, illegal immigration is not the solution, for all parts involved. But take a read at this article from the NYT: "Legal Immigrants, Until They Sought Citizenship" at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/12/us/12naturalize.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Even if a honest foreign resident with a green card wants to become US citizen there are many difficulties created by the system, not the solicitants. A few examples from the article (and they are not mexicans, or hispanic people, just canadian, british, croatian, french and, oh yes, one from the Phillipines):

"“It’s no wonder there are so many illegal immigrants,” said Brad Darnell, an electrical engineer from Canada living in California who applied for citizenship but is also now fighting deportation. “The legal method is so intolerant and confusing.”

A legal immigrant since 1991, Mr. Darnell is married to an American and has two American-born sons. But after he presented his naturalization application last year, Mr. Darnell discovered that a 10-year-old conviction for domestic violence involving a former girlfriend, even though it had been reduced to a misdemeanor and erased from his public record, made him ineligible to become a citizen — or even to continue living in the United States. "

"In a current Florida case, a British-born businessman saw his naturalization derailed and was detained for deportation because he forgot to update his home address with the immigration agency, Mr. Brauwerman said. He was charged with ignoring a notice in which immigration examiners mistakenly accused him of a felony he had never committed."

" In a case that drew Congressional attention this year in Illinois, Marin Turcinovic, an immigrant from Croatia, was twice denied citizenship because he did not show up at the immigration office to be fingerprinted. As his lawyer explained to no avail, Mr. Turcinovic was a quadriplegic, dependent on a ventilator and unable to leave his home.

Mr. Turcinovic died in April 2004 without becoming a citizen, creating an immigration crisis for his French widow, Corina, who had taken care of him. In January Representative Daniel Lipinski, Democrat of Illinois, presented a bill that halted her deportation. "

"Dr. Pedro Servano always believed that his journey from his native Philippines to the life of a community doctor in Pennsylvania would lead to American citizenship. But the doctor, who has tended to patients here in the Susquehanna Valley for more than a decade, is instead battling a deportation order along with his wife.

The Servanos are among a growing group of legal immigrants who reach for the prize and permanence of citizenship, only to run afoul of highly technical immigration statutes that carry the severe penalty of expulsion from the country. For the Servanos, the problem has been a legal hitch involving their marital status when they came from the Philippines some 25 years ago. Dr. Servano’s mother, five siblings and eight of his wife’s siblings became naturalized citizens, including one brother and two brothers-in-law who made careers in the Navy. His four children are Americans by virtue of being born here. He has been a legal immigrant in the United States for 25 years."

If americans leave aside racial prejudices, resentments, cultural shocks, etc, and take just a pure objective point of view, is clearly evident that the US immigration policies need an overhaul, and i don't mean by this an open door to anyone, but an intelligent, well grounded regulated system. Remember, immigration is driven primarily by economic forces. Immigrants have always been necessary for the US economic wellbeing. Been legal or illegal immigrants, all of them contribute to the economy of the US, in some degree or another. If they weren't needed, they wouldn't be there.

US and México economies are intertwined. As well as Canadian and US economies are. It's a fact. And it's not going to dissapear, no matter how many ads or tantrums are made.

[Gringo]

The people of the United States are becoming ridiculous. I was born in the US. My families have lived here for over 200 years. I have proudly served in both the Navy and the Army. I love my country, but you have to realize that we TOOK our land from others. We bought Manhattan for a few beads and some fire water! The Native Americans and the Mexicans were here long before we were. The Native Americans have been complaining about this same issue for hundreds of years, but nobody has banned their casinos.
Stop being offended by everything you see and hear. Perhaps we need to change the name of our country to the United States of the Offended, or the United States of the Ridiculous. Relax! Live and let live! Mind your own business! The add was meant to run in Mexico, so why are the US citizens even concerned about it? Are we going to start monitoring the ads throughout the world and ban all of them that are offensive to a small handful of people who do not even live in those countries? We are not the World Television Police people! Get a grip!

[Proud American]

This is so funny how people can seriously talk about America being the bad guy in all this....How stupid can you people be. And for the mexicans its funny if we are such a bad country then get out and stop raping our boarders. And for all these people talkin about how America is bad please write our government so we can stop sending you guys everything you have in your household. You guys are all talkin about stuff that doesn't even have anything to do with the issue. The issue is the ad was stupid for making the U.S. mad you didn't intend for America to see it how stupid of an excuse is that. WoW and for all you who keep talkin about America being horrible you know you are going to keep applying for that green card so see ya in 5-10 years at Burger King!

[arsenik]

well,if USA took us our Kosovo then the Mexicans could also took their own north part of motherland. Whole world knows that,that was mexican teritory,untili yeenkees show'n up. salute from Serbia

[Carmen]

The difference between American immigrants in Mexico and Mexican immigrants in America is that Americans don't show up in Mexico and demand free services from the government, wave the American flag in everyone's face in defiance of Mexico's sovereignty, storm the streets in protest demanding amnesty, commit crimes on the general public and land with complete disregard to authority or rule of the land, refuse to learn anything about the Mexican culture and language, behave rudely and arrogantly as though Mexicans owe them something, start stealing the second they cross the Mexican border, show up empty-handed with no money ready for hand-outs and if need be take what they need, show ingatitude towards a nation which is tolerant towards their predicament and generous enough to offer them a living, form racist organizations to terrorize tax-paying citizens, take away jobs instead of providing them and send all of their income back home instead of supporting their country of residence. That's the difference between American immigrants and Mexican immigrants. Ah, and by the way, most Americans are legal immigrants in contrast to Mexicans who are mostly illegal immigrants.

[Mazdak]

"Who cares - our country is slowly turning into Mexico anyway.

Posted by: Nate | April 04, 2008 at 11:34 PM"

U.S. population: 303,832,466

http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html

VS.

México population: 108,700,891

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico

I don´t think so...

[Cid]

Hay que ver esto como lo que es, simple publicidad (muy divertida, por cierto)
Arman alboroto de todo, ni México recuperará los territorios ni EU dejará de ser lo que es por esta imagen.
Es simplemente una manera sarcástica de ver la realidad, si alguien se ofende pues que lástima.
Yo la neta me reí con esta imagen XD

-----------------

Let's see this image as it is, just publicity (really funny, by the way)
neither México will reconquer that territory, neither US will stop being what it is.
Its a sarcastic way to see reality, if someone feels offended because of that image, well, its a shame.
Personally, i laugh about this XD

[Celayense]

We need another EL ZORRO to defeat gringos in California. JAJA
We will reconquest genetically our stoled land.!!
JAJA

[southern style]

"SOON the U.S. WILL BE PART OF THE MEXICAN CONTINENT?"

Well let me prepare my family...

First I'll tell my sons to join a gang...

Tell my daughters to drop-out of school...

Then I'll tell my nephews and neices to start speaking in Spanish, and practice their writing skills on the walls of public buildings...

Gee, America can't wait to be part of the "Mexican continent"....

[southern style]

to the blogger named Rub3n,

How does it feel to be thought of as "uneducated, irresponsible, and lazy" people?

Well, isn't that how the rich and powerful in Mexico view the poverty stricken indigenous population in YOUR country?

You are right, you get what you give !

[southern style]

RUB3N;

So true, "You get what you give".

On the same token, tell the descendants of the Aztecs and the indigenous (over 10 million strong in Mexico), to say "thank you" to Spain..."You are what you got", hombre!

By the way, what does "indio" mean?

[Rub3n]

Jajajajaja que risa con esos gringos que por una cosa tan insignificante hacen tanto drama, nosotros los MEXICANOS deberiamos sentirnos ofendidos por aque Robo-Venta del territorio, lo que es un gusto saber es que para la desgracia de los Norteamericanos su pais tiene nadas mas 12 millones de Mexicanos que poco a poco hacen ese pais mas nuestro en el ambito cultural, laboral y hasta politico.

A todos esos racistas y antiinmigrantes les dejo una frase muy suya "YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE".

Soon YOU WILL BECOME PART OF THE MEXICAN CONTINENT.

[SimpleRep]

Absolut...look what you did under the banner of "freedom of speech."

You have angered and "re-fueled" the animosisty North Americans have against Mexicans (and all Latinos).

White Americans have an "insecurity" of their sovereignty being challenged.

African Americans have a "reality" of being ousted from their inner-city neighborhoods which they feel was theirs. Not to mention the tension that goes with it, exemplified in gang violence.

Americans in general blame the Hispanic community of not wanting to assimilate "fully" into the main stream, and blame them -to a degree- of lowering the quality of life in the States.

You see, on the flip side of "freedom of speech", there is such a thing called "the discipline of thought." They go hand in hand.

Some innocent soul may be at the receiving end of all this outrage. If selling a product for the primary purpose of "profit" supercedes the ramifications of what many feel is an insult, then all the unforseen negativity that goes with creating an ad without thinking of the consequences, is on your conscience.

Thank you.

[d. cal]

Look America, this is just an ad ! It's diagraming Mexico's once "glorious" history to its present pathetic state today.

The world looks at America as this big, powerful, land grabbing, arrogant nation who has no respect for other governments, right?

What is so wrong about that?

The whole world thinks all of Mexico is like Tijuana (of the 1970's, you think it's bad today...amigo please..) .

Anyone ever visiting Tijuana, you'll know what I'm talking about...Let it go Yanks...let it go !

[How does it feel?]

HEY< HOW DOES IT FEEL AMERICA?

You did the same to other country's maps,

you divided them in official meetings in the ways that served to your purposes!

AGAIN, HOW DOES IT FEEL?

[redwhiteandblue]

Celayense--
How ignorant can you be? I'm glad you love Mexico so much, becasue that is where you will be. Our borders are going to be stronger than ever!
As for Absolut-I used to be a fan. I'll switch now. If Absolut loves Mexico so much-let them welcome Mexican immigrants to their country of Sweden.
RedWhiteAndBlue!

[Giannis Zymaris]

Now Americans can get a small taste of what the Greeks go through with the Slavs that insist on calling themselves "Macedonians"!

And this is just a stupid add, mind you! Look how mad it made you. Now, imagine Mexico actually changing its name to Texas and amending its constitution to include a clause calling for the liberation of their "Northern brothers". That is how mad we are!

And the Bush administration was the first to recognize the FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA as a sovereign state - only because the Oil Consortium wants to built the AMBO pipeline through their territory...

So, if ever Texas or California get sold back, you need not look further: probably some Oil Conglomerate wants to avoid some taxes...

[bigwebsurfer]

What Absolut says is:
Mexico was this big. Once upon a time a part of the USA was mexican territory.
So what? Is that too painful? Is the truth so awful?
I am mexican and I do not want California, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado or Arizona back to Mexico. All those states now belongs to USA. Its a fact. Keep them.
But dont forget history and dont deny the truth.
A simple ad. Thats all.

[dm]

Anyone who is offended by this is an idiot.

Quit taking yourselves so seriously.

[Celayense]

Im sorry gringos. Mexico exists before that you runaway from England, we have had architecture, astronomy, mathematics, etc. You began exists with 13 colonies of IMMIGRANTS and as allways taking land that it dont belongs to you killing native people of this land. That is that you are KILLERS.
So VIVA MEXICO CABRONES!!!

[Rod]

Yes, this Absolut ad is infuriating! Everyone knows that the the current border is between Mexico and China... given that the People's Republic of China is now so heavily invested in American stock market that they are poised to impact us greater that Mexico ever would or could. What goes around, comes around.

Absolut! Never again! Give me a Patron please.

[robin]

VITO, don't cry to me...I'm black with 1/4 PUERTO RICAN blood! Do you UNDERSTAND?

Like I said, tell the 12% of YOUR Mexican population who are 100% indigenous and ask them, in NAUHTL, if possible and ask THEM, if their land, culture and language was not STOLEN from them. I don't want to hear it from someone who claims to have two ancestors. I want to hear it from a Mexican who is 100% indigenous living in poverty.

Remember, 14% of the U.S. population Hispanic (not all Mexican)...12% of the Mexican population are 100% indigenous...your TWO ancestors DOES NOT represnet them !

P.S.,

(By the way, your English is great and you don't need to apologize, it is clear as a bell, you got me a little angry, so you are expressing your point of view beautifully, so continue on my friend ! We're only enemies on this topic...)

[Magros]

To "Black Pride", I'm so sorry that you were born retarded and with a chip on your shoulder! Your comments are just slanderous, disrespectful, and in no way contribute in to the topic at hand!
Most people if called by anything other than what they are, will politely point you in the right direction. Once at a party I met a Chilean I mistook for an Argentinian, and after taking umbrage at what I had just implied, refused to talk to me for the rest of the evening! And of course, if you mistake an Argentinian with anyone other than God, they would probably get mad. That's a joke! I have very dear argentinian friends and we rib each other without starting the Third World War! And, I think a lot of people would be insulted if you mistook them for an American! Or am i wrong? Mostly, your comments are just mind drool, and sorry but you are a "dumb American!"
But back to the topic at hand. One of the largest drivers of immigration, both legal and illegal is economic supply and demand for labor, period! The tax revenues that unauthorized immigrants generate, offset the total costs of services provided to them anyway! But of course this will be forever debated by people, which of course, have fresh fruit on the table, a roof over the heads, paved roads to drive on, and skyscrapers to go work in. All which of course, were not done with the help of illegal labor.
And give me a break! When the mighty U.S. of A. wants something done, well, we do it! Like invading a country that's 6,000 miles away! If immigration, legal or illegal, was of no benefit to us, it would have been nipped at the bud from the start, many decades ago. But wink, wink between governments until 9/11, when using illegals and border security as scapegoats for the truth, our government and people, fueled by the likes of Bill
O'Reilly and Lou Dobbs, chose an easy vendetta. Did any of the terrorists involved in 9/11 cross through the U.S.- Mexico border? NO! Were any of the terrorists Mexican? NO! Has Mexico ever purposefully harmed the U.S.? NO! Has any terrorist act against the U.S.(and there have been many), ever had a Mexican involved? NO! The Columbine murderers weren't Mexican, neither was Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, nor John Wayne Gacy!
Or how about Timothy McVeigh, white as apple pie, and former decorated United States Army soldier, who blew a building with explosives, claiming 168 innocent lives.-the largest terrorist attack on this country before 9/11! Was he Mexican? Not that I know off!
Why don't we accept that Mexico is our friend and ally, and that if you check history, they probably have been kinder to us than we care to admit.
And how about finding those hidden Al Qaeda cells that are probably alive and well in this country, and their leader, you know, that tall Yemenite from Saudi Arabia?
And please, less youtube and more Chalmers Johnson!!!

[Vito]

How is possible that a men who really was the protagonist of several major events for your country, as civil war, the presidency of the United States and mainly, the "war" Mexican-American or should I say the attack gringo, how is it possible that General ULYSSES S. GRANT has said and written this:

"Generally, the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory." ULYSSES S. GRANT.

He was there. He knew the things which wrote in his autobiography named "Personal Memories". He had the time for thinking and reflect deeply his words. He wasn't a simple soldier, he was one of the mainly leadership at that time.

I think that your country has many outstanding debts whit whole humanity. And the first step to repair your serious faults should be a little more humble, like the General ULYSSES S. GRANT.

[Vito]

To the pilgrim named ROBIN:

You are to wander off the subject, but ok, I'll explain you something.

Let me tell you something about my culture: We are descendent mainly by two ancestors in equal level: 1)the many and different groups of american indigenous, not only aztecs, 2) and on the other hand the spanish people who arrived officially in 1492.

So, we have two inheritances, and in Mexico we are very proud of both inheritances. Both inheritances determine us. We have part of both inheritances. Both inheritances are quite rich and for this reason is that many people said correctly that in Mexico there is a lot of culture. Is for that in Mexico many times we refer to Spain like "La Madre Patria" because in many sense it's. Ups, sorry, I forgot that you only speak English, poor. We accept everything that was before us and which was inherited by our two ancestors, not only culturally but also property, including land, land that you stole. I repeat: you can't say that you bought this land because it's like putting a gun to someone's head and say: "Sell me your land or I kill you." So there aren't many options, right?

We are the result of an union of two bloods and two cultures and we are very proud of this. Without this union Mexico not exist. Mexico did not exist before this union. And by this reason nobody ever conquered us for the simple fact that we did not exist yet.

Yes, the things that did my ancestors Spaniards to my indigenous ancestors was very bad, really very bad and we have always condemned it, but we do not reject any of our heritages. And We had nothing to do with that by the mere fact that We not even existed yet in any sense . It is something very different that your country did not only in Mexico but other many places. And today your country continues to do so.

Hahaha! The pilgrim ROBIN try to find reasons for justify the abominables acts of his people, but let me tell you something... you never, never find something like it. Somebody never can justify all the acts that "american" people have commited agaist many peoples and whole humanity.

And you never told me how is possible that a men who really was the protagonist of several major events for your country, as civil war, the presidency of the United States and mainly, the "war" Mexican-American or should I say the attack gringo, how is it possible that General Ulysses S. Grant has said and written this:

"Generally, the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory." Ulysses S. Grant.

Not "amigou". Your have committed many atrocities in the world, and that is why you are frightened a lot and easily with this vodka ad. No matter what you say or how you want to justify things, with acts such as these may never have a clear conscience. You trust in God. But in fact, you only serve the devil.

I'll hope some day God forgive all the atrocities that you goverment and your people have commited against your own brothers. I'll hope some day God forgive you for all bullshit that you are saying.

[zammy]

Well Absolut, you have every right to advertise the way you want to...however, judging by the harsh and rude comments (a huge number may I add), the only ones who will reap the consequences are the undocumented workers who are here on the human-rights basis called "SURVIVAL".

With all this berating, how do you think those who found your ad offensive, treat and view these people walking the streets?

You see Absolut, you have the "right" to advertise...but you half to think sometimes if the "time" is right...goodness!

[Ivan M. D.]

El mapa en cuestión es un hecho historico sólido, nadie puede negarlo. Y si no van a tomar vodka, les sugiero que tomen Tequila.

The map in question is a historical fact, nobody can deny it. And if they are not going to drink vodka, I suggest to them drink Tequila.

[lina]

FREEDOM OF SPEECH,

Such a thought provoking comment. You are absolutely correct.

You see, freedom of speech with an ad Absolut chose to create is fine. You are correct, freedom of speech is imperative and nothing should change.

Answer this, I know of a woman who wants children but has a life-long problem child bearing. I have a every "right" and "freedom" to ask her, "Don't you wish you had children, lady?"...but given her circumstances, is it right?

[Freedom of Speech]

Shame on the United States for trying to impose censorship on freedom of Speech of a foreign country. Mexico has the same right to expression as the United States. If they feel that this is a common sentiment of thier land .Then let be it. It is hypocritical to make judgements and invasions to other countries, but not allow for others to express a truth about a historical event. And who is the United States to make judgments as to they (Mexicans) didnt deserve California. That would mean that I could go into your home, fly my flag high outside of it, and claim that you are unworthy and uncapbable of running this home and I kick you out and take possesion of your home. what is yours is yours, whats not is not. Cheers to Absolute Vodka for expressing a known fact. They shall not be bullied by "BIG Bully Sam" dont be concern with monetary losses. Because the most massive potent consumer market in the U.S are immigrants whether illegal and legal. Just ask Wal-Mart, Ralphs. Ford and Coca-cola who do heavy marketing in the Spanish Language in the U.S. Oucchh that hurts Lou Dobbs, Oreilly and Glenn Beck. If you want the Capitalist empire you must rely on your work force that's predominantly made up of immigrants. Cheers to Mexico, to Absolute and the human race.

[robinia]

To the blogger named HERETIC...

What is your point, honey? It all sounds "GREEK" to me, sugar!

This is between Mexico and the United States. Little do you know, that these two great countries have a "love-hate" relationship, just like two brothers liking the same woman, two sisters engulfed with jealousy with the other. But deep in their hearts, they deeply love one another but don't even know it.

This is an "American-Mexican-Western Hemisphere" thing, you wouldn't understand.

What does, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Transylvania, Mars, Pluto and Venus, have anything to do with a sibling rivalry, FOOL !

Go play with your Sparta and put it in a someone's Troy...

[black pride]

"Estados Unidos Mexicanos" is the official named of Mexico!

The United States of Mexico, how about that? I'm just a dumb American.

Question is "Estados Unidos Mexicanos", is Puero Rico, Cuba, Guatemala and El Salvador, part of your union.

Seems to me, if you call anybody Mexican, that are from these countries, I understand would be very insulting.

To call someone Mexican from Spain or Argentina is almost slanderous.

Mexico, Mexico, Mexico...it's one thing when English speaking individuals don't agree with you, but when your Spanish speaking cousins feel insulted when they are accidentally identified as Mexican, that is a whole new low even Americans don't understand.

U.S.A. Please give Mexico a break. We don't realize they are not looked upon with a great deal of respect even from their own Hispanic global community !

And I once thought all Spanish speakers were Mexicans. Someone please slap me !

[The Heretic]

Now I'm sure you guys know how Greeks feel everytime the State Dept. "accidentally" leaks maps showing Greek territories as belonging to... FYROM, Albania and Turkey. I'm sure you now will find out how Greeks feel with the expansionist maps created by FYROM radicals, who have been in power in that country for too long.

If it's perfectly OK for Greeks to have to put up with such maps, I don't see ANY reason why it's not OK for Americans to be put in such a position. If, however, it's insulting to Americans, I guess such maps concerning Greece and any other country are a BIG no-no and should be discouraged in any way possible. This practically means, in case I didn't phrase it in a matter simple enough, "no more double standards and hypocrisy; if this is insulting to Americans, its equivalents are insulting to Greeks".

[Cauthon]

That map is Mexico's worst nightmare. They can't manage the land they have now. They live on remittances sent home by the (legal and illegal) immigrants who live in the USA. If we gave them California and the rest, they would have so much internal conflict trying to put the country together, it's hard to see how they could spare any time to keep the economy going (we have enough trouble with the economy now, and we are about as good at that as anybody in the world)

[black pride]

Lets give all the land we took from Mexico...Take out all the laws, roads, bridges, hospitals, companies, industries, farms, technology, and all that developed by conquered hands. Have all the Americans move east of the Mississippi River, north of the Oregon border.

Question is, given what the world sees as Mexico and Mexican society-government-culture today, then Mexico, what the hell are you going to do with the land? Honestly, what the hell are you going to do with the land that the U.S. stole? No, let me rephrase that, what else are you going to "blame" the Americans should this EVER happen. Make Mexico into a superpower, which you long to be, but CAN'T?

Hong-Kong, and Singapore, both small island countries have surpassed you economic output, and you can't even SEE them on the map! That is if you even know where these countries exist ON a map.

Quit your yackin' and give me a frickin break ! Blame your lack of drive and efficeincy to YOU being conquered by the Spanish Conquistadors and your OWN damn government.

[robin]

To the blogger named VITO;

If this ad is telling the Americans the truth, then so be it. Then I encourage Absolut to create another ad in the same fashion.

This time let them create an ad in the Naulhtl language, which is the original language and dialects used by the Aztec empire, now consolidated in Chiappas. Illustrate a diagram of present day Mexico, and coin the phrase "Reconquista" except the conquerers are the few NON-indigenous and pure Spanish-blood Mexicans who still rule the nation with an iron fist. Have you seen the percentage of differentiating the rich and povertized. 20% of the Mexican population are living below poverty. Of that 20%, how many are pure-blooded Spanish-blood Mexicans?

Let me ask you something VITO, who stole THEIR land, culture and heritage and bastardized it? Another question VITO, why is Spanish not a co-official language with a Naulthl dialect?

The American southwest was Mexico nearly two-hundred years ago. Mexico City was the Aztec empire five-hundred years ago. They are both in the past. You justify your rhetoric because there is a fundamental difference "when" each atrocity occured? No, they were BOTH atrocities. DO NOT bad mouth one and dismiss the other ! As Mexicans still exist in the U.S., so does millions of purely-indigenous Mexicans, whose languages and cultures are now absorbed into the Spanish language and its CONQUISTADOR descendants!

Give me a break, with your Absolut truth and why Americans fear its truth...Tell that to millions of indigenous souls that make up 12% percent of the Mexican population with the same tone...How dare you! Quit your yacking, you damn hypocrite!

[Celayense]

censura, no ponen todos los comentarios

[Lairwarrior]

For those writing in Spanish. This Latina, who does not read in Spanish wants to know. Why even Blog in Spanish, if most can't even read, what you write. Your opinion is wasted

[Mary Jane McCain]

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/122537/mike_davis_on_manifest_destiny_the_sequel

Please read that article, it's happening in reverse from US to México!!! Aliens again, i thought they were satisfied.

[Dennis Sanford]

If Mexico were to take control of the US west all it would mean is another 86 million poor Mexicans. Not what I'd call an Absolute (perfect) world! We all know it wouldn't go the other way. I say come and get it!

[Mary Jane McCain]

"100M plus Mexicans in Mexico are too stupid and corrupt to take responsibility for their own people. and by the way Mexicans only controlled the "so called land" for 20 years and signed a treaty and sold the land to the superior race - THE WHITE MAN... yeaaaahhhh. The WHITE MAN has built this country into the best in the world and the lazy stupid Mexicans prove how worthless they are daily by running from their own country..." Jack.

Sorry my friends, Jack was conceived with a single testicle and was expelled of ku klux klan so he is not showing racism in his words, of course there were BLACK men also building this great nation and also a great ASIAN/LATIN community. So please, forget this incident about the WHITE MAN supremacy.

We are not divided, we are merged!

[Wayne]

I'm going to ignore all the technical parsing of history and whether this map shows a "perfect" vs. "Absolut" vs. drunkard's vision.

The bottom line is that it is divisive and inflamatory. Particularly during the American electoral "silly season", stuff like this can get out of hand very quickly. It is stupid and insensitive by Absolut.

The Falklands war - it is said - happened because a visiting fishing crew from Argentina raised their flag on the dock. That act touched nerves, and within weeks you had a full-fledged war with aircraft carriers and ecocet missiles.

Deliberately rubbing nerves raw in overly-sensitive times and issues is BAD.

[ntinos]

Ok, now, if so many US citizens are upset about an advertisement, how are Greeks supposed to feel when for years they are confronted with maps showing half of Greece annexed to the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia? Maps sponsored and published by state organizations of the aforementioned Greece's neighbour? So when Greece vetoes FYROM's NATO membership untill matters are settled, it's "Shame on Greece" by US newspapers like the NYT.

[BJ]

Born and raised in Ca, i know the history. Growing up the Mexican community always said even as children, they would take back "Mexico" meaning CA, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, etc. They may not "politically or physically" but it belonged to Mexico in the first place and now population of the Mexican once again, gives rise to the claim of an Absolut World. i think it is funny!

[Winston Jackson]

""Mexico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS. THAT'S THE TRUTH!
REPEAT.
"Mexico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS.
REPEAT
"Mexico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS. "Mexico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS. "M"Mexico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS. exico" ONLY HAD THAT TERRITORY FOR TWENTY YEARS. "

So it is ok to steel as long as you keep what you have stolen for a long time....

[Christopher (Fipher) D. Osborn]

I voted that it was stupid, but not for the reasons you might think. To me, Absolut is making fun of itself and other drunkards. The ad does not, as this article says, say that a "perfect" world would give Mexico back their land. It says that an "Absolut" world would do so, and since "Absolut" is an alcoholic beverage of the strongest kind, I'd translate that as saying only a world drunk on Absolut would give that land to Mexico.

The ad is not only saying making fun of drunkards (e.i. their customers) but they're making fun of any Maxican who thinks that land should belong to Mexico, and any American who is offended by it.

I will never drink any Absolut, just as I never have before, because I like to keep my mind clear so I can see things as they are. In this case, it's all a big joke that will probably end up just shifting some of Absolut's customers from the U.S. to Mexico because instead of thinking things through, people just react.

Smartaleck Swedes!

As a funny note, this is being posted by an American in Norway, which was once upon a time controlled by the Swedes, and before that by Denmark.

[Robert Novak]

Dear Nice People of Absolut:

I have always prided myself on my association with Sweden. I speak Swedish (Although some sounds are difficult to get out!). Most of my friends are Swedish. I was married in Sweden by a Swedish preist and in a Swedish church (even though I am Jewish.) I love saft, Frukt och Mandel and Swedish fish.

I want to one day live on Gotland. Attempt the Vasaloppet. And sit at the Nobel Prize dinner.

I swim naked in the Baltic every Summer and I cherish a good 100 gram hamburger from the Gatukok. I love Bergman, Ikea and Electrolux. I faithfully wear my wooden clogs, love Falukorv with senap and wish there really was a place called Bullerbyn. Pippi rocks, Kopps was one of the funniest movies I have ever watched and there is nothing like looking for mushrooms on a rainy day in the skogen.

I have gone as far as to create my very own Swedish alter ego - Super Swede (www.superswede.org) created in homage to Swedish civility as the World's First Non-Violent Socially Conscious Super hero. Now do I love Sweden or what?

As an American proudly married to a strong and beautiful Swedish woman for over 20 years, blessed with two children who are fluent in Swedish and having lived in Stockholm I am saddened, however, by your company's decision to run a recent advertisement depicting a very old map of Mexico highlighting California and other states as part of the Mexico territory. All under the headline "In an Absolut World."

You will hopefully realize, by the end of my ranting, why your message was not well thought out.

As a huge fan of Swedish culture, sensibilities and traditions it saddens me that your company made a clear marketing decision to try and be "controversial" - and, in the process, offended me, Sweden's biggest fan. If you can do that you have failed miserably.

As I see it, for me to take the time to respond to a "silly" advertisement - two things have happened in the world. I am definitely getting older, a bit more cynical and alot more sensitive. And second that the "Anti-American thing" I have been noticing from my beloved Swedish comrades as of late is really starting to get to me. So in this Absolut world of mine, I have decided to speak up. I am exercising my Absolut right to Freedom of Speech.

So all I ask is - Stop the hypocrisy.

Stop the bashing. Stop the complaining about the "American Way of Life" Stop trying to be so controversial. The Absolut world you are trying to depict is and always will be changing. Always growing. And always making mistakes.

However, I've experienced too much of Swedish life to know there is not much that separates us from each other. And as the dollar drops and the krona, euro and peso rise you will continue to see even less of a difference. Lets not fool ourselves into thinking that money doesn't talk. There is not a Socialist in Smaland that can argue the simple fact that now that you have buying power watch closely as those huge flat screen TVs begin to fill up those once Ikea postered walls.

Yes you recycle better than us. For sure your cell phones are awesome. And everyone knows you do not make wars like us. (Only the equipment to fight in them)

We are, however, basically made of the same cloth. At least that is what I sense from the Swedes that I know in Sweden and those who have moved to beautiful sunny California to pursue their dreams. Not American dreams - just their dreams. Which, for the record is and has been encouraged in this country for a long, long time. Yes we have our problems. We all know that. Most of us hate the war. We hate the greed. We hate the bad things as much as you do. But don't believe all you read on the blogs and websites. Or in Dagens Nyheter or Afton Bladet for that matter.

Talk to Americans. Find out how we really feel. There are alot of us out there who are not "typical Americans" Ask and you will hear a lot of different opinions. Some good, some bad. But that is what makes it so great to live here. To be Swedish here. To be Muslim here. Dare I say it - To be Mexican here. And the one thing you can always do here - is dream.

In my Absolut world I dont drink Absolut vodka but I do fancy a good Aquavit on Midsommar. Nothing personal. And in my Absolut world I ask that you just stop trying to be so controversial and get back to what you do best.

Getting people drunk.

Helping people forget how dark and cold the Swedish winters are and help them dream about the magic of a Swedish summer. Helping people get so high that they can somehow forget that at one time - the Vikings of Sweden raped and pillaged their way around the Absolut world. Now wouldn't that be a nice ad for you guys to run in an Absolut magazine. Or blog. Or website.

I will forever be in awe and in love with Sweden and the Swedish people. Even in an unperfect Absolut world. Skal!

Respectfully

Robert "Robban" Novak

[Vito]

Why many pilgrims British are anger by vodka ad?

Where is the freedom that the United States to show of always? Freedom for allegedly waged wars like Iraq.

I tell you why you are angry with this ad: Because the ad is telling you the truth and you can't support this truth. Because you are on stolen land, which is not yours and never will it belong to you because you was who robbed this land and You know that. We are the descendent of american indigenous and by that and other many reasons we are the authentic and unic owners of this land.

Are you saying that you bought this land? Yes, of course, it's like putting a gun to someone's head and say: "Sell me your land or I kill you." So there aren't many options, right?

I'll finished citing a person who you surely must be know very well... the name of this american heroe is Ulysses S. Grant. He knew the things he said because he was in the Mexican-American War and he wrote in his personal memories:

"Generally, the officers of the army were indifferent whether the annexation was consummated or not; but not so all of them. For myself, I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory." Ulysses S. Grant.

[azteca smith]

California and Arizona should make a new country: "Arifornia"

[Mr.X]

>

LOL! That is so true! I was at Disneyland the other day and guess what? There is a McDonald's stand past Tom Sawyer's Island/ Pirates' Cove and in front of Splash Mountain where they sell ONLY French Fries (no hamburgers or anything else, only french fries)!!! Oh, the shame: Something French being sold and bought all day long in America's most sacred shrine, Disneyland!

When these morons talk boycott, I know it means failure! Weak spine, small hands, smell like cabbage! LOL!!!!

[Truth will set you Free]

There should be no offense taken my this map. It is a map that depicts truthful information. It is a fact that this was the Mexican map in that time. The truth shall not offend us.
and the truth about this historical event is as follows . Jose J Herrera recognized the independence from Mexico of Texas but set its limit boundaries to Rio Nueces. The U.S refused to recognize these boundaries and occupied past the limits into the Rio Bravo. Mexico protested about this incident. Meanwhile, the U.S was occupying the territories of Calif and New Mex. There was a minimal mexican population in these lands at the time. This was partly due because there was an inability of mobility of Mexicans to the North. In 1845 Polks platform for presidency was to include the Annexation of Texas and the territories of Oregon. The sentiment of Manifest Destiny was predominating the land. John Slidell was sent to Mexico to pressure the Mexicans to sell California and and recognize the Texan boundary as the Rio Bravo. Both Herrera and Arillaga refused to negotiate with the U.S. In 1846 Zachary Taylor occupied Corpus Christi and 2 months later in occupied the city of Matamoros. This infuriated Mexico and ordered U.S to retreat to its Rio Nueces boundaries. On April 25 Mexico lost a battle to Captain Thornton . The U.S was preparing to declare war under the argument that there had been bloodshed caused by the Mexican on U.S territory. The U.S declared War to Mexico on May 13,1946. Mexico was defeated in the battales of Angostura in 1847,on the Balttle of Molino de Rey, on Sept 8, 1947 and the Battle of Sacramento and in the battle in Tamascalito.Then U.S blocked the Mexican ports of Alvarado, San Juan Bautista, Tabasco and Tampico.On Nov 18, 1846, Polk ordered Winfield Scott to take possesion of Vera Cruz and move into the capital city to take possesion by force. Meanwhile U.S Colonel Stephen W Kearny and A. Doniphan left from Missouri to occupy New Mexico on June 8th and on June 15th the New Mexico governor sent troops to prepare for defense against the U.S. Meanwhile, John Drake Sloat took possesion of the bay of Monterrey (calif) and declared the territory for the U.S On Septemeber 15, 1847, the U.S flag was waving high through the night on the National Palace of Mexico. The mexicans being weary, unresourceful in funds, and weapons grew frustrated and tired of constant defense, and Santa Anna signed the Treaty of Guadalue on Feb 2 1848 were the limits of Texas was recognized and succeeded New Mexico, Alta California and sold it for 15 million pesos.

If the U.S took these lands by means of dignity and integrity than there is nothing to be offended by.... or is it that the United States is afraid that the world know that it won this war just like all others through aggresion, violence and bullying.

[Mr.X]

Awesome job! I would love to get a poster of this ad or maybe a large decal that I can put on the back of my SUV! Viva Absolut for having the cojones to display what Americans were afraid to acknowledge and Mexicans proud to express! Always a drinker of tequila, but will now try Absolut! SALUD! (Cheers!)

[Gringo]

Get rid of welfare, electrify the border fence , 1,000,000 volts. If you apply for citizenship, I will welcome you.

[Michael Christenson II]

Yeah! Something to rile the masses and show everyone how illiterate they have really become. Doesn't anyone read history anymore. Why get so bloody upset over the truth of the past. Here's one American that's happy to see this go mainstream; even if only in jest.

[Dave]

When the US took these lands from Mexico they were undeveloped and barely under the control of the Mexican government anyways. This was a period of Mexican history where they had 37 presidents in 33 years, 7 of which were Santa Anna. This is the same country that was conquered by the French and ruled by an Austrian monarch for a year because they couldn't repay what they owed to foreign debtors.

Mexico didn't deserve California, if they'd kept the place it would be just like the rest of Mexico: underdeveloped and failing in an attempt at relevance in the world culturally, politically and economically.

[Farmer Bob]

"I consider that Americans- as most U.S born white Europeans call themselves
without taking into consideration that Latin Americans including Mexicans are
American too." --angelrod

See, here's another reason for an electrified border fence -- so that people
who have difficulties with both abstract reasoning *and* concrete reality
don't wander into countries where they're not supposed to, mumbling nonsense
about "Mexicans are Americans too." Mexicans are found on the nether end of
the North American continent. That hardly makes them "Americans" except
among the obtuse. Mexicans don't even want to be Americans. They just want
the goodies that Americans have produced.

[Farmer Bob]

"The US would be NOTHING without immigrants - it's funny you seem to have
forgotten that it was founded by immigrants!" --Mariana

Let me make it easy for you. You've got your good immigrants and you've got
your bad immigrants. Your good immigrants come in with skills, energy,
goodwill and no desire to reconquer "Aztlan." They do not despise the people
who are here, they assimilate, they learn the language, and they throw off
their allegiance to the old country. This is for starters. Oh, and they come in here legally. They would consider it shameful to take more than they give and hardly consider it their right that the native population be required to support them.

And then, on the other hand, you have the Mexicans.

[Farmer Bob]

"Of these languages well over one million speak a Nahuatl language which was spoken by the Mexica/Aztecs and these languages together with those of the Utes, the Shoshone, the Comanches, and the Hopi, originated in California. Which is why many Mexicans call LA Aztlan--the legendary--Aztec homeland. So for many Mexicans going to California is really going home." --David Anderson

Better they should call Siberia their "legendary" Aztec homeland. That's really where they got their start. Apparently they passed through California without having any idea what to make of it. Now that we've shown them, they've decide to change their minds and want it after all. I understand they do they same thing almost every time they sign a treaty, too. Maybe it's because they're not written in Nahuatl.

[Bill Swanson]

As a very white, lower middle class, quasi-semi-intellectual, neoconservative, ex-Berkeleyite, ex-Green Beret, (go figger), father of two scholars (one a physicist, one a vocalist/musicologist) and husband of a healthcare professional, I want to say: Why is everyone so freaked about this inexorable "Latinization" of the U.S.? I have been lucky enough to count a goodly number of Mexicans among my good friends (yeah, "...some of my best friends are _________" - you fill in the blank). I kinda like the idea of a little more Latin flavor in our environment - I mean, what's the big deal? I think a large number of mah fellow 'Mercans might do well to carefully pull their collective head out of their collective "where the sun don't shine", look around, and smell the tortillas, chalupas, and salsa, listen to the thrilling zing of a damned good mariachi band and enjoy! The Mexican will have her/his shot, and then it might be "Canadanization" for a few or few hundred years, and then, who knows, maybe we will beset upon by a howling hoard of berzerker Swedes! Get over it . . .

[Pepito]

well... a smile rise on my face when i see all the things that this spot did. But not a clown smile, is just the fact that i cant believe how far A JOKE can dig in very deep in some northamerican people.

The map was real en the XIX century ?

YES, and WHO GIVES A DAMN THING ABOUT IT ?

Mexico is planning recover this lands ?

OF COURSE NOT. DONT BE IDIOT.

Usa is Bigger than Mexico, and stronger?

Yes, and all of you know that.

And yeah, how many cartoons, movies, and JOKES fullfiled with xenophobia against Mexico has this country saw before ? and NOBODY moan a thing. Cause here in Mexico, people try EVERYDAY to be happy. And a laugh never'd kill any one.

Personally, Im from Veracruz. The 3 ? times that USA won mexico in wars, all the ships and soldiers get in to mexico by this city ( the most important port in mexico), and mexicans CITIZENS was killed by soldiers. But that's past and I dont mind a thing. Now, you can say many many americans on streets, and walk besides us as if nothing ever happened.

So, take it easy gringo ! Forget about vodka, came to mexico and I'll drink a Jose Cuervo with anyone who want it.

[Ken Heerdegen]

How clever of Absolut! When is their ad for Central Asia with a map showing Israel gone coming out? Or the one for the Germans that show Poland missing and Gdansk relabeled Danzig? Or how about India as a British colony again? Answer: Never, because that would be "offensive". Only white Americans can be made fun of. This ad is hypocritical. I'll never buy Absolut.

[Gman]

This map/ad is an abomination. Absolut and the ad agency that produced it have attempted to justify it by claiming that it is historically accurate and simply reflects borders that existed at the time. That is absolutely false (pun intended)! All of the countries and borders represented in this ad are CURRENT borders for all of the countries except the US and Mexico - for example, Canada didn't even exist at this time, it was British North America, Panama was still part of Columbia, and all of the countries of Central America were one country (United Central Provinces of America), etc. Why weren't these countries portrayed with their accurate borders and names in the early 19th century? Because Absolut was pandering to a political agenda. And as some have pointed out in earlier posts, can you imagine what would happen if an ad were produced for the Russian market showing the borders of the old USSR, or in Europe showing the "Großdeutches Reich" with not only modern-day Germany but most of Central and eastern Europe within German borders!

[Jack]

funny thing is this: Mexicans have done nothing with their land or country. The irony is we built this land into the best land in the world and they are jealous because Mexico can't figure out how to be successful..

100M plus Mexicans in Mexico are too stupid and corrupt to take responsibility for their own people. and by the way Mexicans only controlled the "so called land" for 20 years and signed a treaty and sold the land to the superior race - THE WHITE MAN... yeaaaahhhh. The WHITE MAN has built this country into the best in the world and the lazy stupid Mexicans prove how worthless they are daily by running from their own country...

If Mexico still occupied the land they would be crashing the borders into Washington state, Oregon, etc... Wherever they live they bring Mexico which is a loser culture of poverty, drugs, crime, corruption , and babies they can't support.

[Sandie]

Rome is falling?????

ROME FELL.....Welcome to the newly impoverished socialist states of America.

"THE ILLUSION OF ROME PERSISTED LONG PAST IT'S FALL"

We are living the illusion people!

[The Patriot]

Dear too ashamed,
Please let me congratulate you on living in Mexico. In fact, please stay there, since you are ashamed to be an American. If it is SOOO bad, then why are your fellow "countrymen" illegally crossing our borders? Surely a nice down home atmosphere like the one you describe would keep anyone there from leaving. So apparently, there is a problem. Like it or not, your economy is terrible, living conditions are not much better, and unemployment is rampant, as is corruption. I can't belive anyone would leave that type of family enviroment. As far as Mexicans coming to the states, let them. Legally! They are a very proud people who want the best for their families. And Absolut? Forget it. The ad will die, and so will sales...

[European]

This topic has been in the news here in Europe (Spain) yesterday and today, although at second or third level. Many here agree on a light smile because the thing is quite silly and also some worries because we have seen all that before.

All those 'offenses' taken and 'pride' and supposed 'past debts'... That is very worriying, very easily manipulated, and the seed of big problems if not dealt with smartly. We have had enough of that here.

I am not telling you how to deal with it, but hate reactions and the same are not being strong and only give more fuel to the radicals on the other side.

Territorial problems is more of a European (bad) thing, can't you learn now that you are on time?

[Zuzu]

~~~Sorry to break the news, but the article here is not "about California", it's about Mexico, and an ad reflecting real mexican intentions ...
Posted by: Not Pedro ~~~~

Yes, it was actually the secret pre-planned signal for 100 million Mexicans to slowly get up, stroll toward the border, and then ..... RUN !!!!

Good thing the freepers caught on to the encoded message. Nothing gets by those folks.

[Tolerance.]

I am horryfied about those National Illegal Inm. Group! What a red neck are they, totally ignorant people! Astonishing, they do not know about their OWN HISTORY; not a clue about the states that until 1848 belonged to Mexico because of the USA vs Mexico war. And now they are angry for the ad showed for Absolut! Dear gringos: please, please go to Wikipendia on internet and see with your OWN EYES that that map REALLY exists. All the planet knows that map, except you.Do not let the world laugh at you anymore for your WELL KNOWN ignorance and prepotence. Seriously, I am thinking to sell my dwell and everything in USA. IT is rather sad to live in a country where people are so XENOPHOBICS. My respects to that only 3% of well-educated people in USA, I met some of them ,and my admirationg to those Mexican people who still work dawn-to-dawn to receive miserables wages that any American would accept for a job. Society full of XENOPHOBIA is on a map!

Ps; Dear gringos: xenophobia, means:people or "organizations" who HATE people from other cultures or countries. Just in case , before get histerics again.

I think the ad was funny and of course it will offend some Americans, because the truth hurts. And, the consequences of American truths continues to hurt each day. It hurts the economy let alone national pride.

Back in the day, they called it manifest destiny, where the USA attacked the Phillipines (after the Spanish had already given up its colony), Mexico (3 times), Puerto Rico and Hawai'i. Today, we call it national security where the USA attacks places like Granada and Iraq.

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