Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's. It's true, we are leaders, but at Citroën the revolution never stops. We are once more going to put in motion all the machinery of our technological ability, in order to repeat in 2008 the successes obtained in previous years.
So reads an advertisement for Citroen.
Chinese Internet users expressed their disdain for the ad by commenting that "Chairman Mao is the symbol of China, and what Citroen did lacks basic respect to China" and "It is not only insulting Chairman Mao, but the whole Chinese nation."
Clearly, Mao is still revered as a god to many in China, and they will not tolerate his image being used to sell cars, especially in an advertisement that features a manipulated photograph of him that currently hangs in Tiananmen Square.
Understanding this reverence a bit too late, Citroen stated that it "reiterates its friendship with the Chinese people, and highly respects China's representative figures and symbols."
It's interesting to note that one Internet user remarked on American's acceptance of poking fun at President Bush. "But our traditions and customs must nonetheless be respected," the writer added.
References:
Foreign Policy PASSPORT, a blog by the editors of Foreign Policy, Citroen eats crow after dissing Mao, http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/7740
BBC News online, Citroen regrets Mao ad "insults", http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7190249.stm
Reuters, Citreon apologizes for scowling Mao ad, http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughnews/idUSN1549505420080115?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&sp=true
2 comments:
I also find it fascinating that the image of Mao seems to remain "off limits" in many public displays (displays by foreigners, perhaps) with the exception of the work of avant-garde Chinese artists. In this world, the Chairman gets any number of different and distorting make-overs! Thanks for bring us this bit of news, Lisa. Jamie Anderson
I love all of the images you gathered. As I read the article you posted, it made me think about our readings so far in this unit. I have found it interesting how Mao is preserved with such respect by the whole of the government, even though there would be many, especially in the international community, who feel that Mao led many to die...
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