Does This ‘United States of Awesome Possibilities’ Ad Campaign Offend You?
- Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:37pm by
Becket Adams
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How do you feel about Congress getting involved in a U.S. tourism campaign?
How do you feel about the campaign actively seeking to “rebrand” the U.S. because those in charge of the effort believe the country is considered too “unwelcoming,” “arrogant” and “brash”?
That’s precisely what Brand USA (formerly the Corporation for Travel Promotion, or CTP), created by Congress in 2010, is doing with what is reportedly the “first worldwide marketing campaign to promote the United States,” reports The New York Times.
The United States made $134.4 billion from international tourism in 2010, with a record 60 million tourists, according to figures from the U.S. Commerce Department. Knowing that tourism counts for 2.8 percent of gross domestic product and 7.52 million jobs, according to the New York Daily News, Washington sees the industry as a relatively fast and easy way to inject some money into the economy.
Know what the tagline is? “The United States of Awesome Possibilities.”
No joke.
The budget for the campaign, estimated at up to $200 million, will reportedly come from sources “other than taxpayer dollars,” funded through a combination of private sector investments and funds collected by the Department of Homeland Security from international visitors who visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, reports International Business Times.
“It is not about patriotism, flag-waving or chest-beating,” said the corporation in a capsule explanation of the design, according to the Daily News. “It is meant to be welcoming, unexpected and inclusive.”
A good deal of the strategy behind the campaign is based on the fact that “the United States is facing heightened criticism around the world,” reports Advertising Age.
Recent Pew studies show America’s image has declined in Latin America and Europe, as well as places like the Middle East where there’s increased anti-American sentiment, reports My Fox Tampa.
“We’re rebranding America for the first time,” said Jim Evans, chief executive of the Corporation for Travel Promotion, according to the New York Daily News. “Over the last 10 or 12 years, people have seen America as unwelcoming as we’ve focused on security . . . and our competition (from other countries) is more fierce than it’s ever been before.”
According to Zachary Roth of The Lookout, the Brand USA campaign website offers foreign travelers some useful tips about American life and culture including:
- “Health care is superior in the U.S. but it can be very expensive because there is no universal health care.”
- “. . . some banking networks charge fees of $1-2 per transaction,” for ATM withdrawals.
- “Be aware that Americans are fanatics about showering and hygiene.”
“We have to rekindle the romance with the United States,” said Chris Perkins, according to AFP.
“It pains me, as a proud American, but we’re viewed as arrogant and brash, and we’ve never been out there saying: ‘Please come.’”
Could’ve fooled me.
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Comments (138)
Honest_E
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:40pmFrom your article it sounds like they are promoting tourism by saying “come on down, we know we suck, but come anyway.” despicable.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:16pmSo we need to turn cartwheels because the MEDIA, domestic and foreign, has given us a bad image? It’s a media image war. I have nothing against those who create the false image trying to correct it– as long as they don’t try to make me feel guilty about what damage they have done. I have lived overseas both to the East and to the West, and have only seen media-produced-somehow-politically-useful anti-Americanism. I spent my November 11 at a commemoration service and town hall meeting in a European town hard hit by both World Wars… no anti-Americanism for miles and miles around– indeed, quite the contrary.
Report Post »Pigpen
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:32pm“United States of Awesome…?“ Is that anything like ”The Key of Awesome” ???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4RU94zm9wY
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:02pm“…funded through a combination of private sector investments and funds collected by the Department of Homeland Security from international visitors who visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.”
The “Visa Waiver Program” is basically a simplified electronic visa program. I am sure that the tourists who bought their “visa waivers” would love to know how the money is being spent….
Comedy of errors! Money for nothing! Foreign power will continue to use foreign media to spew anti-Americanism for political purposes. The American left and the MSM does the same! Most people know enough to want to see for themselves.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges04
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 6:11pmDid anyone notice if you view this image with those blue-red 3D glasses, a hidden message reads:
Report Post »JOHN IS A DEAD MAN MISS HIM MISS HIM MISS HIM
?
bry
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:24pmLol!
Report Post »JohnGalt
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:46pmGot to love it,
Report Post »“We have to rekindle the romance with the United States,”
Ya right, you don’t like us, LEAVE!
Why cave into the rest of the world, I’ve been to the UK and “abroad” they are much more “brash” than any American I know.
Who ever is doing this thinks that America should be like the rest of the world, frankly I would hate it if we were like the rest of the world.
Servant Of YHVH
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 7:57pm@Honest_E
Report Post »I really does look like they are saying that! What gets me is that the overall hostility that we are feeling from people around the world now is primarily because of obama and his thugs. While there was a lot of people around the world that didn’t like us or was jealous of us or whatever, it has gotten a lot worse with obama. I would have to say that what I see to explain that is that unlike the OWS nerds, the people in the rest of the world KNOWS that the economic problems and such that we have now are a direct result of obama’s bailouts to his “special friends” and attempts to bring America down is affecting the whole world and the whole world knows that. The last thing that they should do is use money to try and trick people into coming here and they make it even more inviting by having them get groped and molested when they get here, yep that would really make me want to come and bring my wife and children to get molested. If the people of the world were to actually stand up and demand that the US fixes the economy and a lot of the “ailments” of the world, the first thing they would do is DEMAND the removal of obama and his thugs from the White House and for us to get rid of the laws that are allowing and protecting the union leaders that hurt maim kill people from any prosecution. This is what the people around the world would demand!
Founding Father2
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 8:09pmGOP Debate has just begun: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2011/nov/gop_presidential_debate_10.html
Report Post »NC-Roy
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 6:24amThey are trying to get tourism turned back on, after “Homeland Security” basically nuked it. (It’s difficult to get a tourist visa to come here.. Very difficult.)
Florida has lost millions in revenue, and tourist dollars are their biggest industry. Scare away the Europeans, and you lose. Scare away the Asians, and you lose.
They still have the Canadians… Only problem for those in food service: They seem to assume the tip is part of the basic charge for the food..
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 12:10pmWhat bologna! The Federal Government imports tens of thousands of “immigrants”, mostly from islamic nations and mostly people using “refugee” status or “asylum” as their cloak, some from other nations, but by far and away muslims out number anyone else.
They are PROVIDED, along with their airfare, a SSAN, a Drivers License, a topped off bank card and money for an extended period, housing and other benefits that may include an interpreter, liaison, concierge, or community guide, vehicle, food, utilities and various and sundry other aid. All at tax payer expense.
This commercial or ‘ad’ is, as so many are intended to be these days, a disgrace and an insult to Americans.
Report Post »ICanComment
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 9:42pm“It is not about patriotism, flag-waving or chest-beating,” said the corporation
Aww, man! I was hoping it was at least about one of those things. Especially the chest-beating part.
Clearly they’re missing the quintessence of Americana.
The only thing better than pompous foolishness is the kind of pompous foolishness you and your kids are forced to pay for. Government is great!
Report Post »Rightsofman
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 10:52pmThe whole thing , including creating another highly paid bunch of bureaucrats paying big taxpayers money to the biggest ad agency to donate to the Obama machine is a waste of money. People come here by the millions WITHOUT ads. We can’t keep them away fool.
Report Post »Bill in Texas
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:34pmCmon down to Texas and I’ll Re Brand something for you!
If it aint broke, don’t fix it! Got it?
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:34pmMaaybe we should start with more attractive leaders,, especially at homeland security and the state department.
OMG
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:35pmAirHeads come in all Shapes and Sizes!
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:32pmTo quote an old movie, “frankly my dear, I just don’t give a damn”, if people don’t like us-STAY HOME!
Report Post »Gumbercules
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:40pmFrankly, we don’t need the advertisements. Despite everybody hating us, it is still their dream to come here. Hence our illegal alien problem.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:27pmWe feed, clothe, defend and provide medicine for more people on this planet than any other nation. They might think we are arrogant but they sure don’t mind taking our money or our charity.
Apparently too many foreigners have been watching the anti America garbage that Hollywood has been spewing out for decades now.
Only in these last three years has America been shamed but America is still the greatest country in the world.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:24pm“To whom much is given, much is required” Because we are the wealthiest, most powerful nation on earth, we are held to a MUCH higher standard than everyone else. When we slip up and make a mistake the hammer falls harder on us than anyone else.
Report Post »Mtremblay
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 11:05pmYou are so right. I was deployed to Haiti and was spit on by the Haitians we were trying to get out of a c building. I have traveled the world but Obama has made us look even worse. The French always hated us in their snobbery but I could always explain my Commander in Cheifs actions. I cant anymore
Report Post »thered
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:10pmAmerica has managed to shame itself innumerable times. It’s part of our charm at this point.
Report Post »smartgirl
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:24pmWe don’t need to beg people to come. As for being “brash and arrogant”, the Europeans have far worse opinions of their EU neighbors. The English are drunken louts; the French are arrogant; the Swiss are upright prigs, etc. This is a waste of money and the government shouldn’t be involved.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:42pmDon’t forget… the Germans are the Porn Perverts of Europe… or the Italians only make Kitchen Staff…
Report Post »In other words, there is no Country in the World that really likes another!
steveh931
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:17pmThe budget for the campaign, estimated at up to $200 million, will reportedly come from sources other than taxpayer dollars, funded through a combination of private sector investments and funds collected by the Department of Homeland Security from international visitors who visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
If Homeland Security is involved they become Federal Funds. Homeland Security is not a separate entity from our Federal Government, the people fund it. No Federal Agency should be involved in the private sector. If some left wing lunatics want to travel around the globe apologizing for America, let them, maybe they will find a new home and enjoy their socialist state.
Report Post »ZAP
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:13pmThey would of loved the AMERICA I once knew
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:27pmIndeed .. what we need is a RESTORATION not a revolution!
TEA!
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:05pmZap and CatB
You are right.. I believe Obama is the one that has destroyed
Report Post »our image. Once he is gone and we can eventually become again
what we once were. Right now I am satisfied if no one else comes
in.
wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:20pmAmerica has never fully embodied the principles the Founding Fathers stood for. Jefferson lamented that the constitution did not go far enough to safeguard the liberty of the people against the growing power of Banks and Corporations. He also believed that the Supreme Court would be used to “reinterpret” the Constitution and erode the liberty of the people. Jefferson believed that because of these things, another revolution was inevitable.
I don’t want to the Constitution of 1776, which only allowed wealthy, white, landowners to vote and permitted slavery. I do want to restore the PRINCIPLES: Freedom, Equality Under the Law, Separation of Powers, Democratic Elections, Representative Government, and Inalienable HUMAN rights.
Report Post »tweet
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:13pmDead man in Salt Lake City…
Tuberculosis in Atlanta…
‘Zuccotti Lung’ on Wall Street…
Suicide in Vermont…
Murder in Oakland…
but..
•“Be aware that Americans are fanatics about showering and hygiene.”
•“Health care is superior in the U.S. but it can be very expensive because there is no universal health care.”
Keep Branding!
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:03pmMaybe they should run the add around the OWS areas. It might encourage some of the Marxist protesting to take a shower or maybe even brush their teeth….Naw no chance.
Report Post »brickmoon
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:23pmCould rebrand OWS as The Human Zoo. “Keep those windows rolled up, folks!”
Report Post »chips1
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:10pmWe aren’t here for tourism. We are here for FREEDOM. Don’t believe Obama. WE DON”T!!!!!! Freedom is our product.
Report Post »Give Me Newt Or Give Me Death
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 12:46amExactly
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:09pmThere is no “romance” with America now, and there never was. People came here to keep from being killed or tortured or to make money and better their lives.
The whole “melting pot” and willingness to take anyone came from the increasing knowledge that we did not have a large enough population to create a proper sized military and defend ourselves from attack.
Report Post »Texas Hills Patriot
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:06pmSure, welcome tourists here to see all the protests in our major cities. What a wonderful way to impress people from around the world; show them our unwashed kiddies protesting their expensive college educations and the fact that they cannot graduate and immediately get a $100K job. Yeah, that will make us look good in the world’s eye.
Report Post »Give Me Newt Or Give Me Death
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 12:46amagreed
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:05pmIn Tourism you are selling an IMAGE. The goal is to create an IMAGE that others are willing to buy. Pepsi and Apple sold themselves as “hip” and “cool” to attract younger buyers. Banks portray themselves as “solid” and “established” to attract those looking for a safe place to stash their money. Right now America has a negative IMAGE worldwide–brash, arrogant, and self-absorbed.
Regardless of whether you agree with their perception of the USA, this negative IMAGE harms tourism. If we want people to come here, open their wallets, and spend their money we need to create an IMAGE that appeals to them. How far we go to be appealing will depend on how much we want their MONEY.
This is an ECONOMIC decision, not a POLITICAL one.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:09pmVisit DETROIT!
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:04pmIt is a stupid unfounded decision is what it is. It is based on dimwitted false conclusions from idiots like you and idiots like the liberals found in many ad companies. The negative image of America stems mostly from 19% of our nation (liberals) hating their own country and spreading their negative views of America to other idiot liberals/socialists around the world. Who hates America? Retarded liberals living in America and retarded liberals living in other countries.
WBALZLESS is part of the problem, not part of the cure.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:46pm@Kmichaels: personalize, demonize, marginalize…been reading Saul Alinsky? I haven’t been called BALZLESS since elementary school…it was juvenile then, and even more so now. Before anyone goes around pointing their finger at “the problem” they need to take a hard look in the mirror.
I don’t hate America. I despise what our political system has become. I hate the fact that it has abandoned the free market for Crony Socialism. I hate the fact that we engage in foreign wars and “nation building” that our Founding Fathers told us to stay out of.
The nations of the world have every reason to be critical. We have violated our most basic principles, abandoned our morals, and THEN have the gall to tell everyone else how to live their lives. When we (as a nation) behave so hypocritically, Is it any wonder we have a negative image worldwide?
If we change our (national) behavior, then there will be no need for a Public Relations campaign. But since our leaders are too corrupt, propaganda is the only tool they have…
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:03pmTourism… is an individual State issue… and not a National or Federal issue. Tis true… I have been arrogant and brash when consulting upon Technology with Foreigners… but in Egypt when a Tractor was provided to plow the fields of 5 owners, all 5 road upon it in the plowing. I am just saying that our image is: because of who and what we are… and what the real world is like! And, the Obama-like apologists can kiss my…
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:50pmA question to consider: When actions at the Federal level impact an industry (tourism) across state lines, does this not qualify under “Interstate Commerce”? Does our national image then fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government rather than the states?
Report Post »B_Obama
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 5:54pmWbalzley- You are wrong. The federal Gov needs to fix there Image!
Report Post »More over USA is ***Red-White-Blue***not some pastel rebrand.
How about Home Land Security buy American Flags for Everyone in the USA And make it illegal not to proudly hang them in front of there house! AND..AND every morning go outside and Recite the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE!!!!!!
copatriots
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:03pmBoo Becket, no H/T??? I tipped this yesterday afternoon. Just kidding…..I’m sure you found this on Comcast like I did.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:02pmCome on over, and if your here on election day, you can register to vote for BO…….NOT!!!!!!!!
Report Post »stage9
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:57pm“It is meant to be welcoming, unexpected and inclusive.”
LIBERAL RADICAL LANGUAGE ALERT!
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:58pmThey should read the plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty. I think it sends the message they are going for.
Report Post »Give Me Newt Or Give Me Death
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 12:48amYeah, whatever that’s supposed to mean. Although I got to say that pretty much everything from this current adminstration has been unexpected. that is in how bad it is
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:56pmWe are viewed as arrogant and brash, not through causes of our own, but from foreign propagandic medias run by their jealous, bankrupt governments.
Report Post »whatisay
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:55pmOne word: Sucks!
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:53pmA second term for obama is not an option.
Report Post »mkurbo
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:52pmThe Fed. Gov. should NOT be advertising anything – period. No more damn Fed. Gov. spending on propaganda – good or bad. No more Fed. Gov. ad campaigns…
Report Post »bestartist
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:51pmthis is incredibly stupid.
Report Post »I think there are plenty of tired, poor, huddled masses in every OWS group in the country.
America, especially once we get get rid of Obama, continues to be exceptional and it is embarrassing, and unnecessary, to beg.
not funny
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:50pmI guess no one ever wanted to come to the USA because of our merits–are we losing our minds? We are most welcoming to LEGAL immigrants–that always gets lost in the immigration discussion. Just try to enter and stay in another country illegaly and see what happens to you. We are bearing a heavy load financially and in PR because we are not handling the issue the right way.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:50pmOh this sounds bad from the get go Yeah people thats what we need more CHANGE to freakin have to fix. Dang im exausted just hearing about these loons, every single day its more crap,do these dopes EVER sleep?
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:46pmApparently Congress is running out of things to screw up. What’s next?
Report Post »IntegrityFirst
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 1:44pmYou can come to our country, but I’m not changing SHEET for anyone. If you don’t like us, stay home.
Report Post »Vechorik
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:23pmIt’s going to be hard to portray Americans as “welcome on in” as long as they‘re sticking their nose in everyone’s business globally and making them hate us. Maybe they should consider foreign policy changes rather than advertising campaigns.
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 3:07pm[VECHORIK
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 2:23pm
It’s going to be hard to portray Americans as “welcome on in” as long as they‘re sticking their nose in everyone’s business globally and making them hate us.]
I have noticed that there is virtually no difference between liberal socialists in America that hate and blame their own country and idiot Ron Paul supporters that hate and blame their own country. Both should just ship out to some other country of their choice and see if they can develop their self-serving utopia to their idiotic satisfaction.
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