Moto Poll: Does Repsol's Iwo Jima Spoof Offend You?
Monday June 15, 2009
Repsol-- the Spanish oil company known for their megabuck MotoGP sponsorship (replicated in this street-legal Honda)-- has ruffled a few feathers with the image that promotes their Twitter account. The shot recreates the famous Pulitzer Prize-winning photo by Joe Rosenthal immortalizing six U.S. soldiers' flag raising at Iwo Jima, an evocative image that has become associated with the valor, struggle, and bloodshed of American forces during World War II.
Originally referenced on Two Wheels Blog and Hell for Leather, the image of racing leather-clad figures raising a checkered flag seems to inspire either outrage or indifference-- and not much in between.
That said, does Repsol's Iwo Jima Spoof offend you?
- Absolutely. The original Iwo Jima photograph is sacred, and no oil company has a right to spoof the iconic American image.
- No big deal. Repsol's reinterpretation of Joe Rosenthal's historic war photo isn't offensive, and stuff like this happens all the time.
- I don't care either way; it doesn't affect me directly, so it doesn't matter.
>>Click here to view poll results without voting<<
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Photo © Repsol; click to enlarge
Comments
The questions being justified make it difficult to make a choice.
It doesn’t bother me so much, as I consider it a cheap shot. when you understand that the advertisement is taking advantage of a conqueror by the conquered by demeaning an American iconic moment.
This kind of insensitivity would turn me away from them as fast as a mushroom cloud might turn them away from me.
It was surprising they picked one of the most recognizable moments and photos since the camera was invented…merely for commercial purposes. I doubt it was a deliberate shot at what it represents, rather a lack of appreciation for what it represents.
I read as well that they noted – after the criticism started – the well published photo was one of several takes. While that is true, it’s still a very tacky thing to do.
Yes it ticks me off! The Iwo Jima moument should not be used for commercial purposes. It insults all that it stands for and the great sacrifices that it cost to raise the flag for that photo.
It really is a shame that people do not respect those that fought for the freedom of so many so long ago.
The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of this grateful Nation’s esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775.
The flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman: Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon H. Block, Pfc. Franklin R. Sousley, Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, and PhM. 2/c John H. Bradley, USN.
Also a common make that people who have never served in the military make is to classify all military members as soldiers. Those that serve in the Army are soldiers, those that serve in the Navy are sailors, those that serve in the Air Force are airmen, those that serve in the Marine Corps are Marines.
Maybe I take it a little to0 serious because I am a retired Marine and fought in a few wars and had brothers and sisters fall in battle.
Spoof! interesting choice. This may not have been a gaff for a laff, but a mimic! Reminding us all that there are noble moments in racing usually by a team effort united in a single goal sponsored by a strong leadership venture.
I wasn’t there during WWII neither was Spain yet we are not laughing at the bloody losses to life at Iwo Jima! That would be immensely cruel BTW!
It is amazing how poll questions are so leading in negative venues than seeking of the true opinion from the reader.
I understand there were a couple more people other than US Marines involved in WW II, and some of them didn’t come home again either. Yours can also be interpreted as an offensive attitude.