The Absolut Vodka advertisement which ran in Mexico showing a map of where the North American border stood before the Mexican-American War of 1848 (released by the Mexican advertising firm Teran/TBWA).Although it was not shown in the United States, US media outlets picked up on the ad, and after a barrage of complaints, Absolut's maker said yesterday the ad campaign would cease.
Defending the campaign last week, Absolut maker Vin & Spirit said the ad was created "with a Mexican sensibility" and was not meant for the US market.
"In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues," a spokeswoman wrote on Absolut's website.
"Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal," she wrote.
Absolut's blog site has received more than a thousand comments since the ad campaign was launched a few weeks ago, with many calling for boycotts of the Swedish company.
"I have poured the remainder of my Absolut bottles down the sink," one blogger wrote.
A war between Mexico and the United States from 1846 to 1848 started with Mexico's refusal to recognise the US annexation of Texas and ended with the occupation of Mexico City by US troops.
At the end, Mexico ceded nearly half of its territory to the United States, forming the states of California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Sorry, what is the big deal here? That is what the map looked like back in 1846 did it not?