Francophobia Still Sells, Apparently
By Taylor Marvin
Possibly the worst thing, ever:
- Casual xenophobia: check.
- Gratingly stereotypical American know-nothingness: check.
- The classic “too cool to use a clearly superior product” advertising trope: check.
Look, I know Maxwell House has a tough mission here. Coffee from a french press is simply better, and unlike a drip brew coffeemaker a well-made french press uses no electricity, produces less waste, and lasts essentially forever. Difficult messaging aside, the ad’s the most grating I’ve seen in a long time.
Also, who knew that Francophobia was still relevant nearly a decade after the invasion of Iraq? Popular disdain for the French is an occasionally reoccurring narrative throughout American history, but it’s still surprising to see it so obviously stated.