In the commercial (advertising a hybrid Toyota Camry) the conversation starts when the son asks, “Papa, why do we have a hybrid?”
The father replies, “For your future.” He then goes on to explain that the hybrid is “good for the air” and that it saves them money by using both electricity and gasoline.
The boy then says, “Like you with English and Spanish.”
(Smiling) Papa says, “Si.”
His son then asks, “Why did you learn English?”
Papa says, “For your future.”
Given the attitude of so many in the “bilingual” movement which seeks to preserve Spanish as the primary language and advocates for long-term instruction in Spanish thereby depriving many youngsters the opportunity to become proficient in English, I was surprised that Toyota was willing to weigh in on the issue. Their statement, promoting the idea that learning English is in the best interest of one’s future is both a correct and, in my opinion, bold statement. It is bold only because those who oppose the idea of English as a primary language almost always engage in labeling any dissenters as racists and xenophobes. Usually, corporations like Toyota seek to avoid any circumstance that might be deemed offensive.
I encourage you to watch the advertisement yourself.
3 comments:
that was an interesting message from toyota. i'd missed the superbowl this year as emasculating as that may be to watch a church broadcast. having said that, i appreciate you linking this advertisment here and commenting on it. commercials are an interesting form of journalism really. they are written and produced for the sole purpose of convincing their audience to purchase or buy into their product. in this commercial the product appears to be three-fold. first lets convince the auidence hybrids are good things. second, toyota makes hybrids. and third, the point which you blog article brings up. this commercial seems to be more idealogical rather than the torrent of materialistic commercials we're used to being inindated with.
i've been watching this blog for a while but haven't really had the chance to comment on anything yet ... now that i live in idaho, i don't keep up on california politics much these days -- hopefully arnold is doing a good job...?
I think this blog is a very cool one, and I really like this post. I watched the superbowl too, and I thought that it sent a really good message, and I am glad to see it on your blog.
Blackjack,
You are obviously a very bright and articulate person. I am glad to have you as a reader and commenter on this blog.
Post a Comment