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The Controversial V-W Super Bowl 2013 Game Day Advertisement

by My-Island-Jamaica.com

Recently, Volkswagen (VW) released an advertisement that has sparked much debate about it's use of the Jamaican dialect- both locally and internationally.

It centers on a typical workplace where everyone except Dave (who speaks like a Jamaican) is bummed that the weekend is over.

Entitled "Get Happy," the sixty second advertisement highlights the Beetle as the ultimate cure for the Monday blues.

The debate is whether or not it is demeaning or racist. For the record, My-Island-Jamaica.com certainly doesn't think so.

And in fact, according to the Gleaner, over 90% of Jamaicans surveyed believed that, not only is it not demeaning, it shows the impact of Jamaican culture and that the world is finding creative ways to profit from brand Jamaica.

So what's all the fuss about? Where was it started anyway? Lol!

The ad will air during the second quarter of the game on Sunday.

Anyways, here it is... What do YOU make of it? (Click To Play)



Please leave your comments here

Reference:
The Gleaner

Comments for The Controversial V-W Super Bowl 2013 Game Day Advertisement

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 05, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		good vibes
by: joy

I thaught that this was a positive change to regular advertising. Why should there be such a problem to relate to people with a smile. This comercial brings out almost a warm comfort feeling when they feel the vibes given out.
Feb 04, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VW ad
by: Anonymous

LOL, My comment is this, Volkswagon, rememeber Sinclair's Volkswagon in Kingston. Volkswagon Beetle (VW Bug) and VW minibus have a long history in Jamaica. Mek dem go siddung an lef we alone. Nothing is wrong our patois, I reaaly miss Miss Lou right now.
Feb 04, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VW ad
by: Anonymous

LOL, My comment is this, Volkswagon, rememeber Sinclair's Volkswagon in Kingston. Volkswagon Beetle (VW Bug) and VW minibus have a long history in Jamaica. Mek dem go siddung an lef we alone. Nothing is wrong our patois, I reaaly miss Miss Lou right now.
Feb 04, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jamacian Dialect
by: Valrose

In response to the controversial Volkswagen add, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. For all the negativity that is generally associated with Jamaican this is a trickle in the bucket. In essence it prominently displays the dialect in a humorous fashion. Additionally, it brings awareness to the language in a positive manner.

Furthermore, years ago, a prominent business based in Canada, that is Swedish based, used a similar fashion to advertise their business. It was well received and in addition, individuals of that culture see that there is absolutely nothing wrong with advertising a bit of their culture internationally.

Remember the Jamaican motto, 'Out of many one people'. If the add was done in Jamaica would it be surprising coming from that individual it?

Feb 03, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Joke or Not?
by: sarah


it's funny. What's the fuss all about?
Feb 02, 2013
Rating
starstarstar 		That 'Jamaican' Ad
by: Lorna

The least they could have done was get a black guy to speak the part, then it would have looked even halfway authentic!
Feb 02, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Over thinking things
by: Anonymous

This is too cool!! sorry to say but (not to be racist! LOL) but some people just don't get it. Jamaicans have no problem with this because we think its flattering that others know that we have a lot of influence on the world.

We are huge for such a some island. Before they knock the ad, they should have done their research on the island and see that we have all colors that make up our island. As the ad said "chill winston!!"
Feb 02, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The influence of a people !!
by: Errol Sinclair

This video,speaks volumes of the influence of the Jamaican culture on the wider society.
Controversial yes,but the effect is clear,the message is getting traction in the marketplace.
The product (V-W automibles) is getting international attention as a result of the ongoing uproar,sales will follow !!!
Others are looking on,they will follow soon!!
The Jamaica Tourist Board will benefit also!!
Feb 02, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Demeaning? NOT!
by: Anonymous

Shows how powerful the "Brand Jamaica" is.
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Proud to be jamaican
by: Anonymous

I love this advert, putting Jamaica on the map, proud to be Jamaican.
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		volkswagon commercial
by: elizabeth colefield

I think the commercial is one of a kind. How often do you see a Jamaican dialect in any commercial.It's beautiful!
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		volkswagon commercial
by: elizabeth colefield

I think the commercial is one of a kind. How often do you see a Jamaican dialect in any commercial.It's beautiful!
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		They Forget
by: Anonymous

Part of the problem is ignorance. Jamaica is multicultural, hence our Court of Arms "Out of Many One People". If people understood our history they would realise that almost every jamaican has a mix of German, Enlish, French and Spanish in us!

I think it is Great that the Jamaican culture has such an amazing impact on the world!!

Friscifey
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		vw
by: shaleena

Love this ad, let's big up JA XXX
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VW ad
by: Pippa

They should have said, 'That's the power of German engineering and a Jamaican disposition'.
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It's a cool and irie ad. I find or see no problem man.
by: Jguishard

I didn't find anything racist about this ad. I think he did a very good impression of the Jamaican accent. It put a smile on my face fi real. :D
Feb 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It's a cool and irie ad. I find or see no problem man.
by: Jguishard

I didn't find anything racist about this ad. I think he did a very good impression of the Jamaican accent. It put a smile on my face fi real. :D
Jan 31, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I love VW and Jamaicans
by: Julaine

So glad to hear that you approve. I do too! I think it is great. Jamaica may be lacking in many things, but happiness and optimism is not one of them. The people I have met from all walks of life have the best outlook on life. Go, Jamaicans, and Go VW. T'ank yu, mon....
Jan 31, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		soon come
by: Anonymous

"bun come soon" or is it soon come?
Jan 31, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VW AD
by: Janet

When I first saw this ad I had to laugh.
What is the controversy about? A white man talking like a Jamaican? How ignorant people who say this is racist have become! The ad is showing that the Jamaican people are happy, carefree and outgoing!

What is wrong with that?

And as for the accent? When we speak French we talk as close to the accent as possible, as with German, as with Italian, as with Spanish as with any foreign tongue and the fact that the Jamaican language is basically English well, so is Welsh, Scottish and Irish but no one says its racist when these accents are copied.

I'm English living in Jamaica with my husband for the past seven years and I'm a resident and we have our our own businesses and guess what? I have a Jamaican accent! Not strong but its still there! And people love it!

I feel those who say this ad is racist should go and take up macrame to give themselves something better to do with their time because they're obviously bored!!!!!
Jan 31, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Commercial reminds me of Jamaica - and that's good
by: florida wendy

I love Jamaica and this commercial just made me think about one of the most wonderful vacations I ever had. What's the big deal? (And yes, I am normally exceptionally politically correct - but I like humor.)

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