Wiping away a smirk

Here is a newspaper ad in Spain that has created a stir. When French automaker Citroen took out this ad in Madrid, showing a computer-generated Mao Zedong with a scowl before a hatchback car, some Chinese residents in Spain took offense.

The ad says in part: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s,” then adds that at Citroen, “the revolution never stops.”

Now Citroen has stopped the ad campaign and apologized for altering the iconic Mao image, which is a variation on the portrait of the Great Helmsman hanging in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Read here and here to learn more.

Reuters quotes one internet user in China saying: “It is not only insulting Chairman Mao, but the whole Chinese nation.” It also noted that the Global Times newspaper had picked up the cause.

Citroen pulled the ad and sent a letter to the Chinese paper apologizing for the campaign.
 
“Citroen expresses regret for any displeasure caused by the advertisement and apologizes to all who have been hurt by it,” the Global Times quoted the letter as saying.

Comments

[ALEX M]

THATS ALMOST AS BAD AS MATTEL APPOLIGIZING TO CHINA FOR THE LEAD BASE PAINT PROBLEM. WELCOME TO CHINA-MART WORLD ECONOMICS AND GET USED TO THE TASTE OF CHINESE BOOTLEATHER.

[A B]

I wonder if anyone noticed what an insult it is to have Mao featured on every bank note?

Here it is, the great communist leader is now pawed by every money grubbing capitalist, merchant, trader, and their running dogs.

Talking about an insult to Mao's legacy.

[LC]

Ha ha ha...the pic had me in stitches...

[LC]

Ha ha ha...the pic had me in stitches...

[chinese buddhist]

Here I go: Citreon & Co. are COWARDLY, SWINES & mon ey-grubbing boot-lickers. Not good enough for China's Chairman to SPIT upon -- crappy cars & all.