New advertisements by the car maker Volkswagen have generated a wave of homophobic attacks on the brand’s social media posts. Featuring the Polo vehicle with a gay couple in one of the pieces and the flag of the LGBTQIA+ movement in another, the brand received offensive comments on social media.
In one of the advertising texts, the brand asks: “Do you know what has evolved along with you? The Pole. What was already good got even better, with much more security and technology. You access your vehicle without the use of keys, enjoy the 6-speed automatic transmission and connect with everything via VW Play.”
The play is illustrated with a photo of two men looking at each other with the car in the background.
The homophobic responses follow similar lines, with questions about “impartial marketing” or about the “sealing over the car” and criticism of the company’s marketing.
Some users even talked about selling the brand’s car after the inclusive advertising. In a statement, Volkswagen says that “diversity enriches, respect unites” and that is why the brand “celebrates sexual diversity and gender identity.”
The automaker claims that the pieces are not part of a specific campaign, but of a series of brand diversity posts. Also according to VW, posts of the type began in June 2021 with more than 30 photos released with this theme.
Volkswagen also claims that offensive and disrespectful comments are deleted from the pages.
There were also those who supported the brand and its advertising, with some mocking the negative comments: “Anyone who wants to get rid of their VW can pass it on to me”, said an internet user. Others criticized the homophobic comments.
Check out one of the automaker’s posts below.
Do you know what evolved along with you? The Pole. What was already good got even better, with much more security and technology. You access your vehicle without the use of keys, enjoy the 6-speed automatic transmission and connect with everything through VW Play. #Pole #VWBrasil pic.twitter.com/I9SMv65tg2
— Volkswagen do Brasil (@vwbrasil) May 6, 2022
Below, read the automaker’s note in full:
“Difference enriches, respect unites. Volkswagen do Brasil celebrates sexual and gender identity diversity. Promoting Diversity & Inclusion is one of the strategic pillars of the brand. The brand’s premise is to ensure respectful and inclusive behavior, inside and outside the company, with direct or indirect business partners. Volkswagen launched a Diversity & Inclusion booklet for its entire supply chain and dealership network in Brazil and, continuously, develops debates with its employees, in all hierarchical spheres. We believe that each person, of different races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation and age/generation, has unique experiences, which together contribute to strengthening not only the company’s culture, but also the environment in which we live. It is our responsibility to continue learning how we can contribute to the fight against any form of prejudice, as we consider it essential to reconcile differences for the construction of a fair society for all. Regarding interaction with users, offensive and disrespectful comments are duly deleted from our pages.”
Source: CNN Brasil
