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.