New York - ADL Says Billboards For Cheap Vodka Reinforce Anti-Semitic Stereotypes |
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vodka billboard on the west side highway by fairwayNew York - The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the company responsible for a series of billboards in New York promoting discounted Vodka with the message “Christmas Quality, Hanukkah Pricing” to remove the ad, which it said was “crude and offensive” and “reinforces anti-Semitic stereotypes.”
The sales pitch for Wódka vodka features the image of two dogs, one wearing a Santa hat, the other wearing a yarmulke with the message spelled out in large, capital letters.
“In a crude and offensive way of trying to make a point that their vodka is high quality and inexpensive, the billboards evoke a Jewish holiday to imply something that is cheap and of lesser value when compared to the higher value of a Christian holiday,” said Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director. “Particularly with the long history of anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews and money, with the age-old notion that Jews are cheap, to use the Jewish holiday in dealing with issues of money is clearly insensitive and inappropriate.”
The billboards for Wódka vodka, which have appeared in several locations in New York, including one at a well-traveled location along the West Side Highway, have generated a barrage of calls and complaints to ADL in recent days.
The League has expressed its concerns with the marketing company responsible for creating the campaign and is calling on the purveyors of Wódka “to consider a more appropriate message for the holidays.”
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Read Comments (43) — Post Yours »
1
Nov 22, 2011 at 01:51 PM MosheM Says:Report as Inappropriate
ADL, time to stop with your stupidity!
2
Nov 22, 2011 at 01:58 PM PinnyMeir Says:Report as Inappropriate
Can you count the number of anti-Semitic incidences (just) in the New York area in just the last few weeks?
Can ANYbody here get the message BEFORE it is BEATEN into you?
All we learn from history is that we learn NOTHING from history.
3
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:11 PM sasregener Says:Report as Inappropriate
their vodka is good for dogs not humans
4
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:31 PM kvetcher Says:Report as Inappropriate
The ADL does NOT represent me. I think the ad is hilarious.
I will make it my business to support this company by purchasing its products. I will also be emailing and calling its customer service representatives to inform them that the ADL represents jewish community like Al Sharpton represents the African American community.
5
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:31 PM cresthill Says:Report as Inappropriate
How ironic. It's the goyim who trample each other on "Black Friday" in their quest to save money. And it was due to B'nai Yisroel's uncomprimising search for and insistence on shemen tahor that initiated Chanuka (see Sefer Higiyonei Halacha)
6
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:32 PM enlightened-yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
I laughed hard at this. ADL needs to relax.
7
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:41 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Of course it's offensive. I know which vodka I won't be buying.
8
Nov 22, 2011 at 02:55 PM Moish Says:Report as Inappropriate
I am quite certain that these folks that run the ADL and similar organizations were the biggest cry babys in school. No backbone or sense of humor. Take everything to heart. What a bunch of whimps
9
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:00 PM Phineas Says:Report as Inappropriate
A little offensive but not worth complaining about
10
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The company is Polish owned. Nuff' said.
11
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:02 PM realistic Says:Report as Inappropriate
oh, give me a break!
i don't see anything offensive with this, and neither do 99.9 % of the people. it takes the ADL 2 paragraphs to "explain" why this is offensive, which is a joke for itself.
there are people who'll always find what they don't want to see. years ago there was someone from London who came to NY and where ever he went he saw tzelumim such as cross streets etc. He tried to make a fuss about it but was simply ignored by all rabonim.
i say that this article in itself is offensive to humanity.
12
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:04 PM Aryeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
Nobody is upset with the dog in the kipa? Serioiusly? Personally, I think that the idea that Jewish people are more financially shrewd is an indication of intelligence, not at all offensive to me.
13
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:07 PM Butterfly Says:Report as Inappropriate
I do not drink vodka but I suggest that if it is kosher, do not buy that brand!! The fact that nthey can even advertise this way is -- just TERRIBLE!!
14
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:15 PM HaNavon Says:Report as Inappropriate
I think it's funny! So good, Jews are more careful with spending money, it's a kiddush Hashem!
15
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:39 PM Reb Yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
For those saying this is OK, how far would you go? What if it said, for example, "don't Jew me on the vodka?
16
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:43 PM Chaim Braun Says:Report as Inappropriate
Seriously?!
Where's ur sense of humor!
This is not anti semitic its advetising with humor.
ADL get a life!
17
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:49 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ oh, give me a break!
i don't see anything offensive with this, and neither do 99.9 % of the people. it takes the ADL 2 paragraphs to "explain" why this is offensive, which is a joke for itself.
there are people who'll always find what they don't want to see. years ago there was someone from London who came to NY and where ever he went he saw tzelumim such as cross streets etc. He tried to make a fuss about it but was simply ignored by all rabonim.
i say that this article in itself is offensive to humanity. ”
Don't include me in your made up statistic of 99.9%, I'm offended and I can see that others are too.
18
Nov 22, 2011 at 03:56 PM Alex R Says:Report as Inappropriate
Having seen this billboard before reading this article, i was offended and planned on complaining to this vodka brand, than came across this article, im glad to see that the ADL is on the watch.
19
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:01 PM shredready Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ How ironic. It's the goyim who trample each other on "Black Friday" in their quest to save money. And it was due to B'nai Yisroel's uncomprimising search for and insistence on shemen tahor that initiated Chanuka (see Sefer Higiyonei Halacha) ”
if i would be a gentile I would be offended is they sign saying that only gentile and even on Christmas. I am deeply offended
anyway this is in NY and meant to be funny and it is
20
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:11 PM TheRealJoe123 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The ADL does NOT represent me. I think the ad is hilarious.
I will make it my business to support this company by purchasing its products. I will also be emailing and calling its customer service representatives to inform them that the ADL represents jewish community like Al Sharpton represents the African American community. ”
other then the fact that its a polish owned company I agree with u 100% the ADL are a bunch of self appointed spokespeople for the Jewish community its funny how the secular community laughs at our system of political fixers/askanim while they take that to a new level
21
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:21 PM ALLAN Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Nobody is upset with the dog in the kipa? Serioiusly? Personally, I think that the idea that Jewish people are more financially shrewd is an indication of intelligence, not at all offensive to me. ”
I would say that showing a dog wearing a kipa is in questionable taste.
22
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:37 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I was more offended by the dog with the yarmulke than the thought that yidden are frugal, especially when it comes to schnaps. In the current economic hard times, the stuff they serve at kiddush in shul (especially after the morning minyanim) is vile and not somthing I would serve to a dog (with or without a kipah).
23
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:50 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The ADL does NOT represent me. I think the ad is hilarious.
I will make it my business to support this company by purchasing its products. I will also be emailing and calling its customer service representatives to inform them that the ADL represents jewish community like Al Sharpton represents the African American community. ”
Good to know that you do not give a care about overt antisemitism. Did you like the hannukah reference as being cheaper and less dignified that Christmas? Is that your sense of humor that hannukah is a funny holiday? What will you do someday when you are confronted with antisemitism of another variety where you are the one denigrated for being cheaper than the rest of the population. Say in an elevator or at the mall. Perhaps your lovely hannukah vodka sign will be in the collective memory of the soul that is your accuser and your harasser. Maybe that will be a funny day too. Dont support the ADL? You might as well support hell. good luck.
24
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:56 PM Open Your Eyes Says:Report as Inappropriate
I am NO fan of the ADL, and I am NOT one to see anti-Semitism everywhere, BUT - this campaign clearly has an anti-Semitic tone to it. How anyone can be so blind as to not see it, amazes me. What the ad is saying is, this vodka has the good quality that goyim want, and is CHEAP, which is what (cheap) Jews want. How can anyone not find that offensive?!?
25
Nov 22, 2011 at 04:59 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
While the ad is silly, it should be noted that these advertising companies have performed similar tactics in minority neighborhoods, where large billboards advertised cheap malt liquor; also, when cigarette advertising was allowed on billboards, the cigarette companies would target minority neighborhoods. There have been other silly ads on tv, which mocked Russians, and Japanese. Also, there was an ad in the 1960's, which showed a Mama Fredelis, advertising an Italian product. The ad was removed, because Italian groups complained that it raised negative stereotypes. What about the ad about Taco Bell, showing a dog with a Spanish accent? Also, there used to be an ad in the NY Subway, which stated "You don't have to be Jewish, to enjoy Levi's, real Jewish rye bread".
26
Nov 22, 2011 at 05:27 PM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
Oh brother! As a friend to the Jewish Nation, I sometimes am a little sensitive to anti-semitism as well. Always seeing it around the corner & all that...
But this advertisement seems, well... genuinely funny! (lol) I don't think this vodka company meant to disparage the Jewish Nation at all!
But, I think it matters more how the Jewish community that *lives* around the billboard feels about it- and judging by the comments on here... I don't think too many people are offended!
(:-D
27
Nov 22, 2011 at 07:20 PM Babishka Says:Report as Inappropriate
Scottish people are also portrayed as very frugal with money, but Macallan Scotch is the most expensive mashka in the world.
28
Nov 22, 2011 at 06:14 PM YJay1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Hey, it's quite funny. It's no secret that the stereotypical Jew is frugal. The ADL should save their criticism for more important issues. No doubt, antisemitism has to be crushed but this ad is just plain funny. If you cry "antisemitism" everyday, nobody is going to listen to you when it's REALLY antisemitism.
I'm quite Jewish myself and I never appointed the ADL to be my spokesman.
29
Nov 22, 2011 at 06:21 PM shredready Says:Report as Inappropriate
The company announced via its Twitter feed that it had decided to pull the ads. The company tweeted: "Although rarely serious, we apologize to anyone we may have offended through our holiday campaign and are removing our billboard immediately."
30
Nov 22, 2011 at 06:43 PM shredready Says:Report as Inappropriate
other adds by company one I will not mention here
“Movie Star Quality, Reality Star Pricing,”
Hamptons Quality, Newark Pricing.
31
Nov 22, 2011 at 08:19 PM curious Says:Report as Inappropriate
I am with the ADL on this one. The ad is a disgrace. The message is clear in its anti-Jewish message. I can't believe they would try this in NY. I would expect it from a non PC comedian but not a company interested in boosting sales.
32
Nov 22, 2011 at 08:27 PM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
Oops.. I wrote my post too soon! I didn't realize so many ARE offended by this.
My apologies...
(:-(
I still stand by my earlier statement however, that I don't think any offense was intended! It seems to me, that the company genuinely wanted to express the fact that Jewish folks are good with their money! They spend it wisely, etc.
However, some of the posters on here, brought the fact that it's a dog wearing the Kippa to my attention! I did not think about *that* aspect of things.
I am wondering... would it have been better if they had used a different animal, perhaps? Or... do some of you think it's still pretty offensive regardless?
I just hope that *I* haven't offended anyone! I really don't think the company meant any harm by it at all. However, I can admit when I might be mistaken... and I could be mistaken about this one!
33
Nov 22, 2011 at 09:32 PM yaakov321 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Hey, it's quite funny. It's no secret that the stereotypical Jew is frugal. The ADL should save their criticism for more important issues. No doubt, antisemitism has to be crushed but this ad is just plain funny. If you cry "antisemitism" everyday, nobody is going to listen to you when it's REALLY antisemitism.
I'm quite Jewish myself and I never appointed the ADL to be my spokesman. ”
I again take offense with your candor here on VIN. The thought that some antisemitism is ok and other forms are not just because there is humor and not violence is about as ignorant as wearing your jacket backwards because it does not hurt anyone and maybe someone will think you are an easy going self depricating soul. The ADL and Simon Weisenthal and the Holocaust Museums are about the only defense that a Jewish community has between outright discrimination and a life of healthful integrity and peace.
34
Nov 22, 2011 at 11:07 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Oops.. I wrote my post too soon! I didn't realize so many ARE offended by this.
My apologies...
(:-(
I still stand by my earlier statement however, that I don't think any offense was intended! It seems to me, that the company genuinely wanted to express the fact that Jewish folks are good with their money! They spend it wisely, etc.
However, some of the posters on here, brought the fact that it's a dog wearing the Kippa to my attention! I did not think about *that* aspect of things.
I am wondering... would it have been better if they had used a different animal, perhaps? Or... do some of you think it's still pretty offensive regardless?
I just hope that *I* haven't offended anyone! I really don't think the company meant any harm by it at all. However, I can admit when I might be mistaken... and I could be mistaken about this one! ”
Sherry,
I think that you are mistaken.
Would you think that there was no harm meant and it was just cute and funny if someone had put up a billboard advertising tutoring services that said "Harvard Education - Polish Stupidity"? Of course not! Negative racist stereotypes are just that. They are not cute and not funny.
35
Nov 22, 2011 at 11:49 PM volfie Says:Report as Inappropriate
until # 10 mentioned that the company was polish-owned -i thought that it was more hype than anti-semitism.and # 32 you are beginning to get on my nerves with your constant sugar-coating jewish wannabe comments.get a life in your own community !
36
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:26 AM kvetcher Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ until # 10 mentioned that the company was polish-owned -i thought that it was more hype than anti-semitism.and # 32 you are beginning to get on my nerves with your constant sugar-coating jewish wannabe comments.get a life in your own community ! ”
I understand that we don't have great memories of Poland and that Polish soil is saturated with jewish blood, however, I doubt this ad was created by Pollocks. In fact I'd say that it is more likely that a jewish person created this ad then an antisemetic Pollock.
37
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:28 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Hey, it's quite funny. It's no secret that the stereotypical Jew is frugal. The ADL should save their criticism for more important issues. No doubt, antisemitism has to be crushed but this ad is just plain funny. If you cry "antisemitism" everyday, nobody is going to listen to you when it's REALLY antisemitism.
I'm quite Jewish myself and I never appointed the ADL to be my spokesman. ”
I find the ad quite offensive but I wouldn't go so far as to call it antisemitism. Possibly whoever thought up the ad is an antisemite but that's neither here nor there.
38
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:31 AM LiberalismIsADisease Says:Report as Inappropriate
cute ad!
ADL get a life!
39
Nov 23, 2011 at 07:04 AM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Sherry,
I think that you are mistaken.
Would you think that there was no harm meant and it was just cute and funny if someone had put up a billboard advertising tutoring services that said "Harvard Education - Polish Stupidity"? Of course not! Negative racist stereotypes are just that. They are not cute and not funny. ”
"Would you think that there was no harm meant and it was just cute and funny if someone had put up a billboard advertising tutoring services that said "Harvard Education - Polish Stupidity"?
No, I would definitely think there was harm intended- excellent point.
I think your analogy is a little more mean-spirited than what this company intended... I really think they were trying to be friendly to both Jewish & Gentile holiday shoppers, but...
I do see your point, my friend. Shredready mentioned they were going to be taking down the billboard as soon as possible, which is probably for the best it seems.
Thank you so much!
(:-D
40
Nov 23, 2011 at 07:09 AM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ until # 10 mentioned that the company was polish-owned -i thought that it was more hype than anti-semitism.and # 32 you are beginning to get on my nerves with your constant sugar-coating jewish wannabe comments.get a life in your own community ! ”
"...get a life in your own community!"
Well Volfie.... it's a good thing the VIN moderators told me it was ok for gentiles friendly w\Israel to comment on here... or I wouldn't have had the pleasure of driving you so NUTS this entire time!
Mwah ha ha ha!!!**
(evil laugh)
**sarcasm intended obviously**
In all seriousness though... you folks who get so IRATE at my very presence on here show me two things:
(a) That it's probably YOU who needs a "life" pretty badly, if somebody posting on VIN is able to make you THIS angry... over nothing! (lol) and...
(b) Some Jews have a SERIOUS problem with gentiles. This is obvious. And when you act the way you do towards me on here... your baseless hatred for all things NOT Jewish pretty much comes shining through!
Perhaps this is why G-d sent me to VIN! Who knows?? To test you perhaps??
And... are you passing that test, my friend??
Just curious...
41
Nov 23, 2011 at 09:46 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
So some of you like seeing frum Jews portrayed as dogs? That's humorous to you? How sad.
42
Nov 23, 2011 at 10:51 AM A Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ "...get a life in your own community!"
Well Volfie.... it's a good thing the VIN moderators told me it was ok for gentiles friendly w\Israel to comment on here... or I wouldn't have had the pleasure of driving you so NUTS this entire time!
Mwah ha ha ha!!!**
(evil laugh)
**sarcasm intended obviously**
In all seriousness though... you folks who get so IRATE at my very presence on here show me two things:
(a) That it's probably YOU who needs a "life" pretty badly, if somebody posting on VIN is able to make you THIS angry... over nothing! (lol) and...
(b) Some Jews have a SERIOUS problem with gentiles. This is obvious. And when you act the way you do towards me on here... your baseless hatred for all things NOT Jewish pretty much comes shining through!
Perhaps this is why G-d sent me to VIN! Who knows?? To test you perhaps??
And... are you passing that test, my friend??
Just curious... ”
I, for one, welcome your input, it's refreshing to read the viewpoint of someone from 'outside' our community. Doesn't mean I agree with everything you say, but then this would be a terribly boring site if we all had the same opinions.
Frankly, I'm impressed by your ability to remain civil in the face of some of the comments posters have made towards you.
43
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM YJay1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I, for one, welcome your input, it's refreshing to read the viewpoint of someone from 'outside' our community. Doesn't mean I agree with everything you say, but then this would be a terribly boring site if we all had the same opinions.
Frankly, I'm impressed by your ability to remain civil in the face of some of the comments posters have made towards you. ”
Agree! Round of applause for the Noahide!