UPDATE: Check Out The 'Racist' VW Super Bowl Ad Everyone Is Talking About
Update: read Volkswagen's official statement at the bottom of this page.
It's that Super Bowl time of year again, which means one thing. Manufacturers have been hard at work crafting car adverts that will get everyone talking. Back in 2011, Chrysler went all out with theirs, enlisting help from some white guy called Eminem, while VW chose a more low-key approach using a pint-sized Darth Vadar to get the world on its feet.
This year, the German giant has replicated its 2011 success, thanks to its VW Beetle advert, which has been slammed by the press and some viewers as "racist". The gripe with many is that the main actor in the piece - a white man - puts on a Jamaican accent throughout, encouraging his colleagues to 'turn the frown upside down'.
Take a look at the advert and let us know your thoughts.
elliot019I'm Jamaican and i take no offence to this ad, as a matter of fact i find it hilariouussss
HandjesBredaI like how a country filled with racism can get so worked up about an innocent ad
altrntiveknifestylesI came into this with an open mind and yeah no it's pretty racist
MrTheRanebSo bringing Jamaican happiness is racist? /facepalm?
robkamandaI'm Black!!! This joint Is the Funniest I have seen in a forever.... I watched it like 20 times today already.. Big Ups VW....
UPDATE
Volkswagen has responded to the advert's controversy with the following statement:
The concept of Volkswagen's ‘Get Happy’ advertisement is to put a smile on your face, and continues to build upon the heritage of ‘human stories, told simply.’ The protagonist in the commercial is intentionally meant to portray an upbeat perspective and intelligence as he influences his coworkers to ‘Get Happy.’ His accent is intended to convey a relaxed, cheerful demeanor while encouraging a positive attitude as the antidote to a tough Monday. Everyone can relate to being in an office and being ground down by the pressures of work and ‘Get Happy’ brings an optimistic, bright spirit into an otherwise mundane day.
While speaking to Business Insider - a U.S. business/entertainment news website - a VW spokesman added:
"We actually talked to about 100 Jamaicans in the research, and we had a speech coach on site to make sure it was authentic as possible."
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