Another “Unconventional” Ad From Sony – UPDATED

The fourth of July is an special holiday instated that Americans might never forget the struggle for independence and freedom, as such it’s somewhat ironic that this little beauty should come to our attention this morning. Behold, and bask in the glory of the most recent in Sony‘s spate of horrifically ill–advised ads.

Just to be sure I wasn’t being hypersensitive, I showed the picture to my girlfriend, her reaction, “Oh my God!’ Then I showed it to my brother, who looked at it for a second, and then his eyes widened, “What the…!?!” So what do you guys think, is Sony just naively innocent, or are they just looking for attention any way they can get it?

UPDATE 1: Some new images have been found on the Dutch PSP homepage, which would seem to lay out the rest of the ad:

     

So they both get to have a go at each other, that makes it ok right? Not really, personally I still think the ad smacks of irresponsibility, and it’s an underhanded and a sneaky attempt to cash in on public sentiment. Is it bold advertising? Yes, but as an artist who has done a lot of work in the advertising field, I have to say it’s a very cheap move. Thumbs down on this campaign Sony.

For clarification, I feel that I should point out that while the ad itself is not necessarily racist, or promoting racism, its implications are of a questionable and tasteless nature.

The fourth of July is an special holiday instated that Americans might never forget the struggle for independence and freedom, as such it’s somewhat ironic that this little beauty should come to our attention this morning. Behold, and bask in the glory of the most recent in Sony‘s spate of horrifically ill–advised ads.

Just to be sure I wasn’t being hypersensitive, I showed the picture to my girlfriend, her reaction, “Oh my God!’ Then I showed it to my brother, who looked at it for a second, and then his eyes widened, “What the…!?!” So what do you guys think, is Sony just naively innocent, or are they just looking for attention any way they can get it?

UPDATE 1: Some new images have been found on the Dutch PSP homepage, which would seem to lay out the rest of the ad:

     

So they both get to have a go at each other, that makes it ok right? Not really, personally I still think the ad smacks of irresponsibility, and it’s an underhanded and a sneaky attempt to cash in on public sentiment. Is it bold advertising? Yes, but as an artist who has done a lot of work in the advertising field, I have to say it’s a very cheap move. Thumbs down on this campaign Sony.

For clarification, I feel that I should point out that while the ad itself is not necessarily racist, or promoting racism, its implications are of a questionable and tasteless nature.