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

[duuuudes]

Dudes, chill out.

You're such nutcases, no wonder America is the # 1 nation hated in the world.

And, guess what. Most people DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN AMERICA.

Americans just love to look at the millions that do and figure "geez, look at how popular we are", forgetting there are BILLIONS, not millions of human beings on the planet.

[KC]

No reconquista? Oh, yes there is. Illegal Mexican immigrants to the US are having babies faster than any one else in the US. They are taking back the southwest by sheer numbers. Some day the whole country. They not only escape the poverty in Mexico but they import the crime as well. Haven't you heard of MS-13? They make the mafia look like Disney characters. Absolutely no more Absolut for me!

[Alan]

Am I missing something here? Did I miss a post or two? I've read practically every post and no one even mentions the fact that there's literally a real Mexican agenda, sponsored by Mexico, to retake the U.S territories that Absolute is showing in green.
This is an older article, but still true to this day. ( http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/march2006/200306Mexico.htm )
Who are you morons that are calling us idiots for being offended by this affront to our sovereignty? You are ignorant, but hopefully not stupid. Go read the article. It shows a national agenda to flood our nation, have babies, send U.S. money back to Mexico and eventually overtake the voting population of these areas of the nation.
At the current pace, we'll have 100% pro-Mexico, anti U.S. government officials running these states in less than a few decades, if we can't stop this. They literally are flooding our country with multi millions of illegals. Those states would still be a part of the United States, but in name only. They would will be the Newest of New Mexico's.
We made these territories wealthy. They would be just as corrupt and impoverished as the rest of Mexico if they were never a part of the United States of America. Now we've built them up and now Mexico wants them back. If we don't act, those state will basically be annexed, by proxy of the U.S., Mexican citizens, back to that backwards dung pile of a neighbor that can't even use it's own vast resources and take its' place as a first world nation.
You people that think that things like this Absolute Vodka ad are okay and we're overreacting, obviously have no clue about the past. Not standing up these types incendiary attack ads, that lend credibility to government sponsored attacks on the U.S., no matter how innocuous they currently may seem, is irresponsible. There is a point where the damage becomes irreversible. The threat is real and this country needs to wake up before it's to late.

[fairtrial]

Speaking of not knowing history, the authors need to learn the date of Texas annexation and the Mexican American War. Anyway, the Texans didn't take Texas away from Mexico. The Mexicans never had it. Mexico had been utterly defeated by the Comanche Indians, who regarded the isolated Mexican settlements holding on in Texas as a nice source of loot, horses, and captives. Mexico lost the Southwest because it had a corrupt government that burdened its people with a repressive social system and denied it's citizens the right to improve their lot.

[Fred]

Here is the email for Pernod

media.relations@pernod-ricard.com

[Bob]

Their SWEDES, folks - ABBA and Volvos! Name anything that Swedes have felt strongly enough to fight for and won. Bunch of geldings! And their golfers dress really weird in skin-tight shirts and pants with white belts. Geldings!

[Jeronimo Banuelos]

The US did not win the land fair and square. After signing a treaty with the big powers of the world at that time, Spain, England, and France, that they would not conquer any more lands, they broke the rules by instigating a war with Mexico so that the US could take away the land. The politicians in power new the benefit of having two coasts on both sides of the land, and they knew about the gold and other benefits. To add to the insult, the US did this at a time when Mexico's combating forces were weak from just having fought a major war for independence against Spain. No way this was a fair fight. This was just imperialism at is worst.

[Bryan]

Jason, you're an idiot and a bigot. Just because we don't allow wholesale invasion by another country doesn't make us white trash you no-spelling [expletive]! Grow up and learn to spell. If you like socialist policies so much, move your sorry ass down to South America already.

[Warren Nadler]

Might has well give NYC back to the Indians. Mexico is a 5th world country. If not for their tequila, they would be totally worthless. They provide nothing of value to the world. Oh yeah, I forgot those cool Mexican blankets and hats.

[Marc]

No more Absolut for me. If they don't respect my country, why shold I respect their product?

[ChrisNYC]

The Swedes sold the brand to the French dogs at Pernot-Richard whi thought this up for their lousy swill.

Loosers.

[Warren Nadler]

Might has well give NYC back to the Indians. Mexico is a 5th world country. If not for their tequila, they would be totally worthless. They provide nothing of value to the world. Oh yeah, I forgot those cool Mexican blankets and hats.

[OSweet]

Hey Absolut, how about an ad campaign for Utah? The Mormons and their leader Brigham Young planned to have their own country there, called "Deseret," until evil Washington sent troops to quash the idea.
Deseret was destined, according to the church's prophet, to encompass all of North and South America.
"The Absolut world of Deseret." Make the map, and watch sales in Utah soar!!
(What? They don't? Oh .... )

[El Tigre]

I hate Vodka, but I guess I'll have to buy Absolut now.

[artemis]

I will never drink Absolute vodka.

[trent guice]

is the brown area suppose to be the native americans part?

[Chuckie]

So we're getting lectured on a 160 year ago war from Swedish Nazis just 60 years ago?

Ja, her Fuhrer.

[Mireya Ayala]

Next: Absolut's campaign for Muslims showing an entire world (including Europe and America) dominated by militant Islam.

Slogan: Absolute rule in an Absolut world.

[DOUG]

THIS IS ANOTHER COMPANY THAT WILL NOT GET ANOTHER PENNY FROM ME. I HOPE ENOUGH OF YOU AMERICANS DO THE SAME.

[adam]

WORTH REMINDING: absolut is a huge, international brand, and the guy who came up with the ad is from Argentina. Let's keep the fire where it belongs, not so much on Europe's shoulders as South America's, in one little ad office.

[Smiley]

"You people are sick. America, #1 hated nation in the world, due to idiots like all of you.
Posted by: Catalino | April 04, 2008 at 11:43 AM"

Dear Catalino,
If what you say is so, then why does virtually everyone in the world want to come to the USA? Just think, if we were to stop all aid to the nations/people of the planet that receive it, what would the the outcry be then? Hell, we've even sent aid to our enemies (Iran earthquake 12-26-2003), so you should rethink your attitude. Oh and by the way, Mexico never "owned" those portions designated in the Absolute ad. Establishing a few Catholic missions in a territory does not equal ownership.

[Malcolm Kass]

What is funny is how ignored native americans are in this. Who cares if they were first, this is between US and Mexico. Besides, all Mexicans hate anyone browner than then, just go to Mexico City nightclubs.

[jdog]

www.vsgroup.com
it is not enough to stop drinking Absolut. You need to stop drinking all the brands owned by vsgroup. When you write them... remind them how the US (not Mexico) bailed their wooden shoe wearing asses out in WW2 and it was American Blood (many of which were from CA, AZ, NM, TX, CO, NV, OK, UT, and OR) that kept Germany from crossing their borders as they hid behind their Vodka Stills in their Wind Mills.
AMERICAN ALCOHOL!!!
Also... for those who truly believe in this imaginary concept of AZTLAN. If you want it back... take it back. Dont be a pussy about it. Sack up and Step up.
For those of you who dont take Aztlan seriously... you better start. American hatred is being taught real time in Chicano organizations in our country... like MeCHA. This is the same thing the Palestinians are doing with their children and with their hatred to Jews. The suicide bombs and race killings are coming. Shut it down now.

[ALT]

Anyone else notice that it says:

"In an Absolute World"

in English. Shouldn't that be in Spanish for the "Mexican audience"?

Stupid Swedes. Stick to swimsuit models.

[HaloGuy81]

It never ceases to amaze me how rabid and ignorant people can be on these comments. I guess everyone has to unload their aggressions somehow, and for many this must be the perfect outlet. However, I bet that half the people making these pledges to quit Absolut forever will be ordering it within a month or two.

For the record, I think Absolut sucks. I just have plenty of faith in the stupidity and wastefulness of the populace of our great nation.

[Joe]

Its pretty crappy vodka anyway. and in a perfect world, there would not be so many people leaching off the United States then bad mouthing it at every turn.

[SkitheRockies]

Here is the email address for the ABSOLUT (Bull sh*t)
PR Firm in Mexico.

bolsadetrabajo@terantbwa.com.mx

[Jason]

Mexicans were in the southwest before Americans... so you White trash [expletive] need to consider what you say about imigration...

[Danny]

As soon I I (hic) sober up, I'm swearing off this stuff.
Absolutly. BURP!

[Master Shake]

Can't wait to see the Swedish Absolut Ad for an "Absolut World" running over a Sweden map with a Nazi flag on it from 1943.

Somehow, I doubt we'll see that, though it was only 60 years ago instead of 160 years ago when they declared "neutrality" and allowed the Nazis to truck right through them, even supplying them.

[cv]

Thanks Absolut for creating a memory that will ALWAYS remind me of why I should never again drink your vodka or any other beverage made by your parent company (Pernod Ricard http://www.pernod-ricard.com/en/pages/106/pernod/Brands.html ).
THANKS!

[Pat O'Durkin]

We stole land across the continent from the native Americans.
Then we stole land from the Mexicans that the Mexicans stole from the natives.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL.

[Fred]

Here is the email of the ABSOLUT PR person in NY. Send her a note and tell her how much more Absolut vodka you are going to buy. Got this off their website

sarah.bessette@absolut.com

[David X]

Gee, thanks Absolut. As a Mexican American you have made my life harder: this sort of inflammatory imagery is just the sort of thing fueling the fires of xenophobia here in, um, the Arizona territories. At least now I can justify the cost of buying a bottle of Ciroc, which makes Absolut taste like diesel fuel in comparison anyway.

[Kalibr]

Half of Mexico is already in the US (illegally I might add), so what more do they want???

As for Absolut, I will make sure to purchase anything else on the shelf. I wold guess that the morons at the ad agency that came up with this bright idea will soon be waiting on the unemployment line.

[Tronist]

I am a Native American. I was born in America. Anyone born in America is just as much a Native American as those who the politically correct refer to as "Native Americans". In fact, since the other "Native Americans" have their own sovereign nations and don't feel our laws apply to them, they are not true Americans.

Anyway, I absolutely will not purchase Absolut products in the future.

[bob]

count me as another "bye bye Absolut" former customer. where do you get off pulling this kind of crap? i would think you have a pretty good idea of how much money you make in the USA and i'm willing to bet it's quite a bit more than you make in mexico. you want to snub the USA like that? good luck with that, you ungrateful morons.

[Rocky814]

I know we are not perfect here in the US. But to insight anger and possible violence from other countries is a little much just for a little extra revenue. I can only hope that you will never need the US people or thier military to ever help you in the future. One thing you forget is, the AMERICAN people are not what you know as our goverment. "We The People" never forget and will come together at a time of need.

I have sent this link to all of my friends and when I get home, will mass email it to as many possible sources I can. May GOD bless your fallen souls!

[Minuteman Supporter]

Americans, tell those decadent Eurowimp Swedes where they can shove their vodka! Here is their US contact:

Sarah E. Bessette, Public Relations Manager
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
401 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
USA
Phone, direct: 212 641 8653
Fax: 212 641 87 03
E-mail: 1. sarah.bessette@absolut.com

And here's their press contact:

http://press.absolut.com/templates/PressContacts____256.aspx

All REAL Americans should flush every last drop of Absolut down the toilet where it belongs.

[SkitheRockies]

ABSOLUT bull sh*t

[Gus]

This ad is awesome!!! I love Absolute. I'm just buying Absolute vodka from now on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JonVoid]

Chill-Out. It is just a F@#$^()! Ad. What's American is American and the same with Mexico.

Obviously the Vodka won't be doing well here in the US, and Absolute should thank its ads dept: it may sale more in Mexico but it may lower its sale here (us).

[Brady R.]

"We have enough racial division caused by their invasion of our country"
We have racial division because of ignorant [expletive] like you. Pride of nationality makes me sick.

[Jeronimo Banuelos]

Almost all of you are a bunch if ignorants. When will you wake up and begin acting human instead of like animals. It is no wonder why our world is the way it is--too much stupidity. Please understand that there are many perspectives when it comes to history. Educate yourself well on these opposing views and, then, you may submit your unbiased comments.

[hatesmexico]

this company is now owned by a latino. it was sold by the Swedes.

[jose]

Those pesky Mestizos need to stop whining about how they lost the land they stole from Spain. Get over it already. Mestizos are the most hated people in the world, next to the Eurotrash

[Eric T]

An even bigger border to defend against illegal aliens? More people under a corrupt government? Sounds like a bad idea.

[Jeff]

Funny how the article say Texas was an independent state "several years" earlier. It was in 1836 that the Texas war for Indpendence ended. That is 50 years!

[Jenny Bea]

Anyone wondering why the ad that ran in Mexico is in english and not SPANISH? Perspective my ass.

Remember how disco ended? All those albums going up in flames? Well, alcohol lights better than vinyl. And I can afford to burn it. (Unlike Mexicans...how many pesos would it take to buy a bottle? Maybe they're drinking the airplane size bottles...)

[Edav38]

If a Swedish company THINKS that is ok, I would like to see an Advertising company brave enough to run an Add showing the Nordic penninsula as it was Originally before Swedan pulled away from Norway, when Norway enocmpassed what is now Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Far NWest Russia.