The long reach of random censorship
According to the BBC (via), Citroen has withdrawn an ad featuring a doctored portrait of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, after complaints from Chinese chatroom users.
In the ad, carried in Spanish newspaper El Pais, Mao scowls at a hatchback.
“It’s true, we are leaders, but at Citroen the revolution never stops,” reads the text below the portrait.
Another writer pointed out that other national leaders - such as US President George W Bush - had also been made fun of in the media.
“But our traditions and customs must nonetheless be respected,” the writer added.
As a result, Citroen pulled the ad and regretted any “displeasure” caused. But that still leaves one question: Why should a French company, advertising in a Spanish newspaper, be expected to “respect” a Chinese leader any more than they respect any other leader?
Sunday 20 Jan 2008 | Paul | China
