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

[Maximiliano Muniz]

Este aviso es una obra maestra de la publicidad. Dejense de discutir tantas tonterias sobre algo que es muy claro.

[Crystal]

Awesome ad! Vodka and the stolen land? Oh yes

[John Doe]

Because of people like you, writing these posts is why the rest of the world considers you as a lot of Homer Simpson.

Yes stop drinking Absolut, we know that Duff is fine for you.

[Jenny]

I don't think this ad was meant to be offensive. But i think it would have made more sense if Jose Cuervo used this, rather than a Swedish company.

[BA]

Just imagine...Mexico could be a giant shitty country instead of a medium sized one!

[Dionisio]

How Curious! That's the map that La Raza publishes as Aztlan - the way Mexico will look after Reconquista, about 70 years from now.

[Benjamin]

Absolut just lost one other drinker in "El Norte." I bet the Swedes would love it if Jack Daniels ran an ad campaign wondering nostalgically about how great it would be if their country was a Third World basket case!

[Sarah]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Sarah

http://www.craigslistpostingonline.info

[So glad it didn't turn out that way.]

This map reminds me of the history of the old west, and how these particular States became part of the United States.

There is still some controversy over what all happened, but back then, "conquest" and lopsided post-war treaties were considered internationally acceptable. If we were to apply modern theories of territorial acquisition, it might be deemed an "illegal" act.

But then if we applied modern laws and theories about territorial acquisition to Mexico ITSELF ... well, all those people with Spanish names would have to get out. They'd have to up and leave for Spain, because they are the descendants of murderous Spanish conquerors. I don't recall the United States having committed "ethnic cleansing" and genocide against Mexcio ... but boy oh boy ... those Spaniards!

So back home to Spain with all of you, and leave Mexico to its rightful owners: Only those people who can prove 90% or more indigenous heritage. [hey, maybe Absolut will run an ad in native dominated ares of Mexico. The ad could feature a Map with Mexico no longer called Mexico. The word "Mexico" would have a big "X" through it, but rather called "Azteca" or some such, and a picture of a teeming crowd of Mexicans on a rickety ship with a sign that says "Back to Spain with you Spanish named foreigners!" :) Maybe toss in a burning Mexican flag being held up by a true Native Mexican.]

Anyway, when I look at San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix ... and then I look at Mexico City and other big cities of Mexico ... well, I'm glad we took that land.

Back then, SD/LA/SF looked a lot like Mexico City at the time. But look at how great SD/LA/SF turned out. And look at Mexico City (or God forbid, look at Tijuana and Juarez!). It is plain to see that the territory acquired by the United States is *far* better off.

[Jim johnson]

Iam personally a white american I have to say it is a good ad I like mexican people they are very hard workers yeah they might sell flowers oranges etc... But at least they are not on the corner holding a homeless poster! Like some bum white people! And besides this ad was meant for mexican people it is all about making money.

[JS]

The ignorance is immpressive... those territories were slowly filled by U.S. families illegaly, while Mexico was begging to form as an independent republic, the government was busy taking care of the country and meanwhile the U.S. took advantage going into the northern Mexican states and begging the separatist movement. When Texas became independent a treaty was signed for it never to be included in another country, in no more than 10 years the U.S. violated the treaty and annexed Texas. It then wanted more and sent troops into Mexican territory, the Mexican government gave them a ultimatum to leave, when they didn't, Mexican troops attacked them to retreat, it was then that congress allowed the declaration of war, claiming "American blood was spilled in American territory", the U.S. government didn't mind sacrificing a few young Americans for the sake of getting an excuse to declare war. When they did, Mexico was still a young country, invaded already twice by France and with many complex internal problems, because of the mixed ideals, cultures and religions in the society. The result was a quick swipe through the territory, killing everything in their way, reaching Mexico City and making the Mexican government sign the selling of the lands for a ridiculously small, even mocking, amount.

Just like today and all throughout history, the U.S. and it's manifest destiny, allows them to think they are the only ones able to be rightful owners of anything. They take refuge in their religion, but the hypocrites criticise Islam. Since they got there, as trash not wanted in the U.K., they massacred all the natives, then they brought slaves to do their work and began hating and killing them too. Then they got bored and looked to their southern neighbour, to screw them form what was theirs. Then they decided to hate communism, it was scary to give people fair treatment for their work, so, they sponsored some of the worst genocides around the globe, suppoting any repressing dictator and fascist who hated communism. They also fought their own wars, as they do today, fooling their own people into believing it's justified while they simply use them to get more money and power while exploding their own buildings, killing their own citizens. The U.S. government is the most effective organization in history in disguised exploitation, money and power acquisition through deceipt and pure evil, selfish ambition.

I am a Mexican student, in Mexico, and proud to be part of the global generation which will see the U.S.A. implode and fall. This won't take more than 10 years, this crisis is the first step.

[Alanna]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alanna

http://www.craigslisthelper.info

[Steve]

Read the current headlines? It says stay out of Mexico as it is extremely dangerous. The drug cartels are running amok and the Mexican government cant seem to get rid of them. The United States does not need illegal Mexicans coming to this country and starting that crap here. It wouldn't surprise me that Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora are behind all this corruption. Americans are believe that more and more. So bye bye to the American dollars amigos. You folks can sit in your own stench since you cant seem to organize your country.

[ggrods]

I'm appalled at how some of these posters are so judgmental of one nationality and/or culture. For some US citizens it burns them that ALL of that territory belonged to Mexico. at one time. That is a fact. It just shows you how paranoid people can be. Afraid of an advertisement ? OMG ! what's next ? People we are in bad shape. Man.

Would some of these posters criticize or disparagae other American heritages like African Americans, Asian American or any other ethnic sector ? HELL NO. What a bunch of Hyprocrites ! ! ! !

[Antonio]

The real thing is that these territories were part of Mexico. The United States made war to Mexico because they wanted to have them. Mexico was a very young country, starting to organize. BUT IT WAS A COUNTRY. This war was not fair in the ethic meaning. You won because were stronger, we lost. That’s it. But the fact is that you have feelings about Mexicans in a peculiar way. You treat us so bad in movies, books and magazines. Since you won the war, wouldn't be logical to Mexicans to have these feelings but you guys? Jess, what do you think Polish feel about Germans? or Chinese about japs?
I live in Mexico and I never saw this ad.
You have a bad opinion about Mexicans. But not all of us are the low-intellect stereotype.
Guess what.... I showed the ad to several fiends. They smiled and did only a few comments. "funny" (chistoso). Do not worry; Mexicans are not looking forward to rip your territory.... as you did to us.
This is just an ad. Can't you take a joke?

[Deepak]

Once mainly a smuggling corridor for drugs heading to the United States, Mexico is grappling with the effects of a fast-rising addiction rate as relatively cheap versions of cocaine and methamphetamine find a market south of the border. Experts say the supply has increased as U.S. enforcement on the border has made it more difficult to move illegal drugs north.

[Vmtz]

I am part Mexican and part Ame. I am going to tell both you people what I think of you. Americans have little class and are lacking in a sense of camaraderie and family, but you’re basically well-meaning, honest, fair and caring people. Some of you have a distorted opinion about Mexico and are on an ego trip—usually it’s stupid white trash, the only people on the face of the earth I’m prejudice against. Mexicans, you are good friends and have a lot of love in your heart….FOR PEOPLE CLOSE TO YOU. Everyone else you try to take advantage of. You have no sense of social responsibility whatsoever and inconvenience everybody, particularly Americans. You drive with no consideration for others and you scatter things around a store, some steal, block the aisle and always impose on others wanting them to give you something or do something for you. You ask for favors that are too big. PEDICHES. You tend to be mooches (aprovechados), unreliable, irresponsible, you lie to get out of taking responsibility for your actions-- even if it means an innocent person suffering the consequences of your actions. Bunch of chapuseros for everything---sports, parking spaces, at work. You blame the US for your poverty, exaggerate the racism in the US, though they bend over backwards to do right by you. Yet you know damn well Mexico is poor because of the lack of organization, precision, and the attitude of “Hay se va” You have a double-standard that says it’s okay to be down on Americans, but racism if they’re down on you. You have a rivalry and resentment toward Americans that has more to do with envy and your low opinion of yourselves. Pore so estamos como estamos, that’s why we are the way we are, people say in reference to how Mexicans are so disorderly. The truth is that Americans are not so racist. Also, every country in the world has borders and immigration quotas. Even Mexico has controls over who can go into their country, why all of the sudden after hundreds of years, does Mexico have the right to do away with borders? It belonged to another generation of Mexicans far removed from the present one. It’s not the land you’re after, you’re after the opportunities. Those opportunities are the result of American know-how, discipline, and organization. A culture that has not been able to make use of their vast resources now wants to take from one that has. Not all immigrants, legal or not, pull their own weight. I live, and have always lived among Mexicans. I know plenty, some who don’t even live in the US who are mooching off the system. Mexico is jealous of its territory, wants to preserve their culture, why shouldn’t Americans want to do the same. Stop the double standard. Mirate en el espejo mexicano. Estas enojado contigo mismo. Civilizate.

[Anthony]

First off, it was Spain who colonized the California, New Mexico. Spain colonized Mexico. Mexico never really owned any part of the US. It was Spain. When Mexico broke from Spain, the US paid Mexico and forgave its debts in exchange for that land. It was US money, skill, labor that created the oil that was found, the gold that was dug, and the highways, technology, and military that is now the US. NEVER did Mexico own it as its own country, it was Spain. Furthermore, Mexcio didn't mind the 15 million dollars back then it received and spent and all the monies of debt that was forgiven. It is like selling a car to someone who then takes their own money to fix it up and sells it for more money. Then you complain because you they won't share it with you. Stop complaining and fix Mexico just like how we had to fix this country. It is hard, but it can be done. Lazy need not apply.

[Rodo mexicano]

hahaa....
IT so Funny....
La verdad es muy gracioso...los GRINGOS creen que son dueños de california,texas, NUEVO MEXICO....
pobresitos....ellos no saben que estamos regresando a nuestra tierra y no va a faltar mucho...para tenerla de regreso y mas con la economia como esta horita en ese pais....hahahahaa....
pobresitos....
GRINGOS be scare be very scare California its gona be Mexico again.....
you just wait....
ADIOS...
absolute se la rifa....jajajajaja

[JORGE]

antes que todo felicito a V absolut, por recordarnos que ese territorio sigue y seguira siendo nuestro ,el temor del gobierno americano es eso, lo que ellos mismo propiciaron poblar ntro territorio para despues ROBARNOSLO, que temes tio Sam ?, tus propios pecados..(filipinas,kuwait,cuba,y el daño que sigues haciendo con tus supuestas luchas "humanitarias")tienen miedo que se llene el territorio no solo de mexicanos , sino tambien de todo latinoamerica... EL QUE MAL EMPIEZA MAL ACABA.......y tu ciudadano que habitas en estos territorios , sientete y date el gusto de vivir como mexicano libre y soberano, pues es tierra de mexicanos y de todo el que se quiera sentir como mexicano

[Mike]

I find it funny how everyone gets all historic over an alcholic ad! The only people who are mad are those losers who spend all their life figuring out how much they hate Mexicans.

[Brian]

So, how about for their next bright idea, Absolut starts advertising in European countries with maps of their borders from two centuries ago? How about trying a new campaign, 'Absolut England', which shows a map before the Irish got their independence? I bet that'd go down real well in Dublin.

I suppose everyone has a right to their opinion, and I have the right to buy another brand of Vodka.

[JESUS ALBERTO MIRANDA]

La verdad, nunca nos quitaron el territorio, se los dimos para que nos lo urbanisaran , y le metieran infrestructura,(y que acabaran con los apaches) solo que los girngos no se dieron cuenta.....
Estamos regresando a lo que es de nosotros, y si los gringos hacen tanta alaraca por ese anuncio, nosotros nos deberiamos de sentir orgullosos, y no dejarle todo a los demas, el que una empresa europea, si tenga el coraje de recordarnos lo que algunos se nos esta olvidando, Mexico, es nuestra patria, y no me refiero a un pedazo de tierra, que solamente es eso, sino a nuestros padres, madres, hermanos, amigos, y todo aquellos que nos representa , porque la patria es aquello que nos formo y por lo que somos como somos, son nuestras traiciones, nuestra cultura, nuestra forma de ser, y de actuar.
Por eso cuando quieres destruir a un pueblo, no solamente le quitas su territorio, sino que empiezas, a cambiarle su forma esencial que los distingue, su lengua, religion, sus costumbres y tradiciones....
A nosotros nunca nos pudieron quitar eso, y ahora no saben como quitarnos de encima.....
VIVA DIOS, VIVA MEXICO, VIVA LA VIRGEN DE GAUDALUPE

bucentauromir@yahoo.com.mx

[Cordon]

Never... EVER will I, my family or friends buy this product again.

I have NO problem with LEGAL immigrants entering this country to benefit themselves AND the Unitied States of America.

I will NOT condone racism. THIS IS RACISM... and for profit. Good luck, you'll need it.

If the "gringos" leave California, who will pay for the "food stamps," the medical care, the "free" education that the children of illegal aliens get? Okay, go for it. I take my family out of California, you turn it into... what? A squatters camp... another staging area for drugs?

[John Williams]

Well as a Brit.. sorry a small colony of America as some of you like to put it. I find your comments staggering. Mexico are not invading your country, you (sorry we) merely killed off the native populations of that area and re-settled it by forced land purchases and massacres on both sides. I don't even know where to start but read up on your own history and let go of your jingoistic blind patriotism, haven't you realised it gets you into a lot of trouble across the world yet. How is it rude? You invaded Mexico and annexed their land. Again how is that rude its history!!

[ernest]

the education system in the USA is very low, it is obvious by peoples racist reactions to the ad . Mexican territories were sold only 150 years ago this is just a fact then americans can't figure out why mexicans live in california please if you have to educate them by selling them greyhounds and vodka martinis do it! bottoms up.. for those of you that don't want to support absolut you may as well drop mexican tequila, cuban rum, russian vodkas, french wine, etc.. don't worry you have that delicious coors light

[Luis]

WOW! That sure hit a raw nerve... idiot gringos don't like doing on to them as they like doing unto others. Hypocrites... they don't have a clue of their own history.

[Luis]

That is the most stupid boycott I have ever heard in my whole life.

Do you really think Absolut is promoting separatist movement?

Do you understand the Absolut world concept or teasing ADs in general?

[pepe]

why did you get so angry with this announcement? be thankful, if it wasnt for this vodka you wouldve never known that all those states were from Mexico long ago... you know about franklin, you know about washington, but do you know about THIS? you dont have any idea of history people, read your books once in a while.... but who cares? that territory has been always ours...its full of mexicans, everybody speaks spanish, the money owned there is sent back to mexico and in green bills, tsss, its better for us mexicans that it stays likie that, we get lots of money from there =) cheers

[Mexicano / Mario Hdz.]

Excelente Campaña, para empezar uds no deberian reginalizar el nombre de Americanos.

Americanos somos todos los de "AMERICA" no EU.
Uds son Estado Unidenses.

Aparte ese territorio siempre a sido nuestro, o no se han dado cuenta que tenemos que estan invadidos?

Viva el Vodka...! jajaja..! por cierto, que tal La Corona ?
UPs Tecate ???

LOL...!!
Get a Grip Gringo Loco!

Estoy en tu patio desde hace mucho timpo, no estes llorando ahora... jajaja.. como tu comida y gozo tus zorritas..! :D Por cierto sigan llegando a nuestras playas, que siempre seran bien recibidas tus zorritas... :D

VIVA MEXICO CAB$%"$#%...!

[Ruben Murillo]

I seriously think that this ad is great. It inspires a much needed conversation on who americans really think they are. Judging by the reation of the many zenophonic, vociferous and ignorant white folks having a problem with this ad campaign. It is no surprise that we not only have marked the decline of the United States as a leader in the free world but also have just realized that our inflate beleifs of superiority are now being challanged and we are now the laughing stock of the free world because we feel threatened by this discussion. Meanwhile we are being taken to cleaner by our own government that has allowed the major oil companies to fleece us at the pumps. Twice there has been hearings on captial hill asking the oil companies how they can justify the extortation of American's at the pump and twice they have bitch slapped our legislators with their convoluted logic and outright lies. Why dont we focus on what is really relavent. Great a life. Better yet pay attention to your politicians who are on cruise control sucking up public funds as they occupy office but produce no releif for the American public. Cheers!!!!!!

[popa]

For all these "higher than tho" in their pretentious attempts to digress about the "American" reaction...I say:

If you don't like the reaction you should not have pissed Americans off. (you really have not seen us pissed off in the last 50 years...thank god)

It tickles me when silly little residents of the American colonies around the world pretend they have some kind of cultural advantage over the most powerful, culturally dominating nation on earth.

I think it says far more about the idiot armature advertising person who thought it would be "cute" to piss off the people running the largest economy on earth.

Absolut is finished in America...that is for sure.

[SKY only]

Looks like SKY/ Stoli just conquered Sweden.

This act of stupidity just cost Absolute it's biggest, richest market. Americans will have the last laugh on both fronts...LOL

[patrick]

americans are simply idiots! look how they get so worked up over an advertisement from mexico. don't they even realise that it was intentionally made to rile them?

[Walter Morales]

As a pokomam Maya tribesman and American citizen, I am stupefied by the ignorance some well intended, as well as ill-intended American and Mexican bloggers have posted concerning the history of the Americas in general.

Anglo-Americans, Mexican Americans, and other Americans, excluding American Indians hold several historical inaccuracies as absolute truths; the truth; however, is that truth is relative. American Indians were not conquered as is often believed, rather, before the Spanish ( and other European fleets) galleons made it to shore; diseases did ensure via contaminated air and water, not superiority of arms, our warrior numbers dwindled an hence could not provide a formidable defensive or offensive role. The problem with my North American and South American brothers lies in their dogmatic insistence of their self-fulfilling prophesies that are based on their Christian absolute truths(lies).

Let's talk for example about the Christian work ethic that paved the industrial revolution in Europe, where were the Christian zealots at when greedy businesses sought to undermine the ecology and well being of the less fortunate, why was it that collectivist work was more accepted with the laborers and not the elitist who were individualistically interested in themselves. Why did the founding fathers country emulate American Indian democracy while still including less than perfect democracies like those found in Europe(France, Britain, Switzerland, and Greece)?

Was it because, Americans wanted the Christian work ethic; coupled with greed, envy, hardheartedness, and coercion that came with it to be part of the American culture, of course it was, since now that manifest destiny (self fulfilling prophesies) was executed, nature and humankind became the enemy of Christian progress.

I am not implying that progress is wrong since my people the Pokomam; Mayan, accomplished great feats in science, math, astronomy, and biological engineering; take corn for example; yet, when we traversed the North American continent we did not impose our beliefs on our North American Indian brothers.

The current crisis facing American hegemony is our authoritarian and imperialistic views towards others. In an ad such as this, we should encourage our southern neighbors to overthrow their evil governments instead of criticizing them.

[Goldstein]

"then germans took over europe.. that's the way it is and nobody should take it personal."

Well, pardon me but I'm Jewish and I took it VERY personal...just as I do today. Huge sections of the American southwest are part of America in name only and many find this extremely upsetting.

[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!