German adverts take jabs at Scottish "thrift"
La N
'Racism' claim over mean Scots used in German adverts
German companies have been accused of racial abuse by using the phrase
Schotten Preise, meaning Scottish prices, to advertise discounted goods.
By Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor
Published: 2:27PM GMT 01 Nov 2009
The Scottish National Party is to lodge an official complaint with Germany's
advertising association, arguing the long-established marketing technique is
offensive.
Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said the phrase promotes
an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean and advertisers would not
dare make the same association with orthodox Jews.
'Schotten Preise' is used in Germany to market products ranging from fast
food to low-cost holidays, while the names of many discount stores contain
the prefix "Mac".
Mr Robertson, the son of a German, said it was unacceptable to portray Scots
in such a pejorative way. "It doesn't have to be this way," he argued.
"You wouldn't do it with orthodox Jews, so why do it with Scots? The
constant association of our country and people with meanness and cheapness
is beginning to hit at the borders of defamation and insult."
"Schotten Preise" may derive from the 15th century when many Scots lived in
German-populated areas of the Baltic and are believed to have offered goods
at competitive prices.
David McAllister, leader of Germany's governing Christian Democratic Union
party, who is of Scottish descent, warned it would take years before Germans
dispense with the stereotype of Scots as skinflints.
He said: "Germans are generally careful not to employ national stereotypes.
But there seems to be one nation exempt from that, and that's Scotland."
Geizkragen, one of the country's most popular price-comparison websites,
uses adverts featuring a Scot wearing a kilt and tartan hat chasing coins
and advising Germans how to save money.
Travel agents regularly advertise "Schotten Preise" for bargains and last
year the ADAC, a German motoring club, sent an email to 15 million customers
featuring a kilt-wearing Scot pushing his car to save petrol.
Oliver Flaskamper, who founded Geizkragen, said the mean Scot on his website
was intended to be endearing.
He said: "We have never had any complaints, even though we are near a
British army base with a lot of Scottish soldiers."
Alex Johnstone, a Conservative MSP, accused Mr Robertson of indulging in "a
kind of political correctness we could well do without", saying he should
act "in a more light-hearted and engaged way".
Last year a Scottish cultural society in Hungary complained about Burger
King launching a "Scottish menu", arguing it portrayed Scots in a poor
light.
In 2002, Kenny MacAskill, who is now Scotland's justice minister, branded a
Ford campaign in Austria as racist.
The advert showed a mechanic opening a bonnet, at which point bagpipe music
started playing. A voice-over then stated: "Experience the saving potential
of the new Ford engine."
HardySpicer
> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean...
>
> 'Racism' claim over mean Scots used in German adverts
The Germans, Racist?? never...
Josiah Jenkins
wrote:
>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean-Scots-used-in-German-adverts.html
>
>'Racism' claim over mean Scots used in German adverts
>German companies have been accused of racial abuse by using the phrase
>Schotten Preise, meaning Scottish prices, to advertise discounted goods.
This next paragraph has been moved to the top of the article . . . .
it puts a whole different slant on the usage !!!
>
>"Schotten Preise" may derive from the 15th century when many Scots
>lived in German-populated areas of the Baltic and are believed to have
>offered goods at competitive prices.
Check on the Hanseatic League and trade with Scotland.
>
>The Scottish National Party is to lodge an official complaint with Germany's
>advertising association, arguing the long-established marketing technique is
>offensive.
>
>Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said the phrase promotes
>an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean and advertisers would not
>dare make the same association with orthodox Jews.
What a load of bollox !!
More Political Correctness !!!
<info>
Angus Robertson was born in London and brought up in Edinburgh.
I'm not 100% certain that he qualifies as a Scot ?
He's also a North-East MP and, as we all know, it's the Aberdonians
who are tight-fisted !
</info>
>
> 'Schotten Preise' is used in Germany
and Switzerland !
>
> to market products ranging from fast food to low-cost
> holidays, while the names of many discount stores contain
>the prefix "Mac".
One of the biggest motorhome rental companies is called
McRent : http://www.mcrent.de/en/html/home.jsp
>
>Mr Robertson, the son of a German, said it was unacceptable to portray Scots
>in such a pejorative way. "It doesn't have to be this way," he argued.
>
>"You wouldn't do it with orthodox Jews, so why do it with Scots? The
>constant association of our country and people with meanness and cheapness
>is beginning to hit at the borders of defamation and insult."
>
>David McAllister, leader of Germany's governing Christian Democratic Union
>party, who is of Scottish descent, warned it would take years before Germans
>dispense with the stereotype of Scots as skinflints.
>
>He said: "Germans are generally careful not to employ national stereotypes.
>But there seems to be one nation exempt from that, and that's Scotland."
I might even take that as a compliment !!!
In all the time we've spent in Germany, it's never bothered me.
It should be noted that the Germans *DO* know there's a difference
between Scotland and *ngland . . . they like the Scots !!!
>
>Alex Johnstone, a Conservative MSP, accused Mr Robertson of indulging
>in "a kind of political correctness we could well do without", saying he
>should >act "in a more light-hearted and engaged way".
Sheesh, I'm agreeing with a Tory !
--
La N
"Josiah Jenkins" <josiah-jenkins@somewhere_else.invalid> wrote in message
news:rrgte5p1cq8cj0r09...@4ax.com...
I kind of wondered about this issue. With only *one* exception, I have been
able to tease my Scot relatives and friends about their alleged
"thriftiness", and they took it goodheartedly and in the joking sense that
it was meant to be. Only one person, a gentleman, was extremely offended
when I made a teasing remark on the issue. I really *did* feel like a
"racist" when I listened to his indignant retort.
- nilita
Karl-Heinz Efkemann
> In all the time we've spent in Germany, it's never bothered me.
> It should be noted that the Germans *DO* know there's a difference
> between Scotland and *ngland . . . they like the Scots !!!
:-))
--
Gru�,
Karl-Heinz
Mike MacKinnon
> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean...
>
All old hat! I lived in Germany in the mid 90s and that ad was running
then! Like it or not, the "mean Scotsman" myth persists. Harry Lauder
has a lot to answer for!
Robert Peffers
"La N" <nilita20...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MpDHm.51226$PH1.30280@edtnps82...
would be joker who has just exposed their ignorance. You see the real joke
is this -
The word, "Canny", in Scots means several things and it is one of those
Scots words with no real true translation in English.
It goes along these lines -
The Scottish word -
canny - from the Norwegian - cunnig=knowing.
1 cautious;careful;prudent;astute.
2 skilful;dexterous.
3 favourable;lucky;of good omen.(in the negative - unnatural;supernatural).
4 canny+man;canny+wife;canny+woman a person who deals in the supernatural.
5 frugal;sparing.
6 gentle;quiet;steady.
7 pleasant;good;kind.
The English word -
canny // adj. (cannier, canniest)
1 a shrewd, worldly-wise. b thrifty. c circumspect.
2 sly, drily humorous.
3 N.Engl. pleasant, agreeable.
However, the meaning was wrongly though by some English speakers to be,
"mean", rather than, "thrifty", and the Scots were wrongly tarred as mean
ever since.This was then helped along by Harry Lauder who made the, "Mean
Scot", the basis of his act. Strangely Sir Harry was a rather generous giver
to charity.
The truth of the matter is shown to be wrong every time a UK wide charity
appeal takes place. The Scots are always the most generous givers on a per
capita basis and the least generous are invariably the Londoners.
--
Auld Bob
Josiah Jenkins
wrote:
Is he a Jewish Aberdonian ?
>
>- nilita
>
--
Adam Whyte-Settlar
> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean-Scots-used-in-German-adverts.html
> Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said the phrase
> promotes
> an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean
Oh thanks for that Mr Robertson.
Now we'll be cast as mean *and* petty-minded.
What a typical Aberdonian.
Deirdre Sholto Douglas
Don't worry, Adam, he wasn't talking about Englishmen
so you're safe from the aspersion.
Deirdre
________________
Backup not found: (P)anic (P)anic (P)anic.
Josiah Jenkins
wrote:
Pay attention at the back there !!!
I already told you . . . He's not an Aberdonian.
Born in *ngland and raised in Embra !
--
Cory Bhreckan
Bruce only learns from a good thrashing, said so himself.
--
"For the stronger we our houses do build,
The less chance we have of being killed." - William Topaz McGonagall
La N
> Josiah Jenkins wrote:
>> On Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:13:43 +1000, "Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> "La N" <nilita20...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>> news:5VtHm.50207$Db2.20964@edtnps83...
>>>> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean-Scots-used-in-German-adverts.html
>>>
>>>> Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said the phrase
>>>> promotes
>>>> an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean
>>>
>>> Oh thanks for that Mr Robertson.
>>> Now we'll be cast as mean *and* petty-minded.
>>>
>>> What a typical Aberdonian.
>>
>> Pay attention at the back there !!!
>>
>> I already told you . . . He's not an Aberdonian.
>>
>> Born in *ngland and raised in Embra !
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> http://www.ian-stewart.eu
>
> Bruce only learns from a good thrashing, said so himself.
Cool!
James Silverton
> Josiah Jenkins wrote:
>> On Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:13:43 +1000, "Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> "La N" <nilita20...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>> news:5VtHm.50207$Db2.20964@edtnps83...
>>>> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean-Scots-used-in-German-adverts.html
>>>
>>>> Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said
>>>> the phrase promotes an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean
>>>
>>> Oh thanks for that Mr Robertson.
>>> Now we'll be cast as mean *and* petty-minded.
>>>
>>> What a typical Aberdonian.
>>
>> Pay attention at the back there !!!
>>
>> I already told you . . . He's not an Aberdonian.
>>
>> Born in *ngland and raised in Embra !
>>
>> --
>>
>> http://www.ian-stewart.eu
> Bruce only learns from a good thrashing, said so himself.
i've heard that charitable collections do very well in Aberdeen and
stingy, thrifty jokes are very popular there.
--
James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland
Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not
Adam Whyte-Settlar
"Josiah Jenkins" <josiah-jenkins@somewhere_else.invalid> wrote in message
I know. I saw that/
He's still a typical Aberdonian.
Cory Bhreckan
I suppose Neb's gone for his torch and pitchfork now.
Adam Whyte-Settlar
"Cory Bhreckan" <coryvreckan@nospam_verizon.net> wrote in message
news:hculrb$6qc$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> Adam Whyte-Settlar wrote:
>> "Josiah Jenkins" <josiah-jenkins@somewhere_else.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:rh73f5hl3kposvs5e...@4ax.com...
>>> On Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:13:43 +1000, "Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> "La N" <nilita20...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:5VtHm.50207$Db2.20964@edtnps83...
>>>>> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6479980/Racism-claim-over-mean-Scots-used-in-German-adverts.html
>>>>
>>>>> Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, said the phrase
>>>>> promotes
>>>>> an unfair racial stereotype that Scots are mean
>>>>
>>>> Oh thanks for that Mr Robertson.
>>>> Now we'll be cast as mean *and* petty-minded.
>>>>
>>>> What a typical Aberdonian.
>>> Pay attention at the back there !!!
>>>
>>> I already told you . . . He's not an Aberdonian.
>>>
>>> Born in *ngland and raised in Embra !
>>
>> I know. I saw that/
>> He's still a typical Aberdonian.
>
> I suppose Neb's gone for his torch and pitchfork now.
They wouldn't waste the batteries. I'm safe until the full moon.
Oh - wait a minute. Just peeped outside.
[barring the bus windows]
The Phantom Piper
>
> They wouldn't waste the batteries. I'm safe until the full moon.
I wasn't aware they made battery-powered pitchforks!
Comparing Prices Online,
The Phantom Piper
Cory Bhreckan
He might have them confused with personal vibrators.
The Phantom Piper
wrote:
>
> He might have them confused with personal vibrators.
Ouch.
You make an important Point;
perhaps it's a sign of the Tines.
Forking Off,
The Phantom Piper
The Phantom Piper
>
> I expect Adam is confusing 'torch' with 'electric torch'...
Why, *thank you* Fred, for that important Tip.
No one here in this Scottish newgroup would
ever have had a clue about that if it weren't for
your insight into things.
> See why we use different words for these sorts of things?
Again: without your guidance explaining these
matter to "us," how would "we" ever know what
we were writing or reading here?
Ever So Grateful,
The Phantom Piper
The Phantom Piper
>
> You apparently needed the help, which is why
> you snipped out your silly remark.
The "silly" remark would have been to say:
"I wasn't aware they made battery-powered torches!"
which of course I didn't say.
The *funny* remark was to say:
>> I wasn't aware they made battery-powered pitchforks!
which of course I *did* say.
The _STUPID_ remark was to say:
> I expect Adam is confusing 'torch' with 'electric torch'...
which, of course, *YOU* said...
(It's all very clear; do try to follow along.)
Explaining A Fool To Itself,
The Phantom Piper
The Phantom Piper
>
> And yet even with all the explanation, you fail to 'get it'.
We've got smaller fish to fry.
Have you read Heid's post regarding the events at Ft. Hood?
Doesn't MachoMachoFred know anyone in the Teams who
might like to go on a surfing or sailing holiday in Kiwiland?
(And if not, just what good *is* MachoMachoFred?)
Failing that, you were in ASW, yes? What about those
SharksWithLasers™ they were working on - can't you
at least have a few of them sent down there?
Or are you only good at stuffing your face and ripping-off
taxpayers?
Let's See Some Action!,
The Phantom Piper
Adam Whyte-Settlar
"The Phantom Piper" <ThePhan...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:43ed64fa-d9b3-46b3...@m33g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
(It's all very clear; do try to follow along.)
I don't know why you even bother.
*Obviously* I was just making a whimsical little jest about the word
'torch'. Similar to at least a thousand other hackneyed whimsicalities I've
produced over the years.
I'd be the first to admit it wasn't even very funny ( which was part of the
more subtle trademark joke) - but if one has to spell out the part that
wasn't even subtle?!
I mean good ****ing grief. Just how purblind can he get.
Part of the reason I suffer the fools in this group is because, living in
the desert of OZ, I miss the Scottish sense of humour.
I need to read that sort of obtuse dim-wittedness like I need a fan-heater.
The Phantom Piper
>
> I don't know why you even bother.
Remember Sisyphus?
(BDF is apparently my SissyPuss; I have to keep rolling
him along - you know, like that dung-beetle did with that
*other* Turd in that *other* Greek Comedy - only to have
him backslide right back to the starting point. It's a dirty,
thankless job, but _someone_ has to do it...)
> *Obviously* I was just making a whimsical little jest about
> the word 'torch'.
And equally Obviously (to the non-braindead at least), I was
making a similar play on *your* comment. But no: from his
perspective, neither one of us was aware of what the word
"torch" meant, so we had to be informed by him.
> I mean good ****ing grief. Just how purblind can he get.
Very Simple Wiring on that model. Very Simple...
> I need to read that sort of obtuse dim-wittedness like I need a fan-heater.
LOL! How's Christmas in summertime? Watch out for those
UV-OZ rays; I hear they can be quite intense!
Staying Cool,
The Phantom Piper
conwaycaine
"Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
news:N5ydnUsL-bBVaG_X...@westnet.com.au...
>
> They wouldn't waste the batteries. I'm safe until the full moon.
Not "Torch:, you dummy, "Torch"............
conwaycaine
"Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
> Part of the reason I suffer the fools in this group is because, living in
> the desert of OZ, I miss the Scottish sense of humour.
So do the Scots..................
Adam Whyte-Settlar
"conwaycaine" <conwa...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:29ednRR-O7hdpGnX...@giganews.com...
I think you'll find it's called a flashlight in your country.
conwaycaine
"Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
Oh, Jaysus.
THAT was MY little joke.
Adam Whyte-Settlar
Yes I KNOW you total pillock
Sheeesh!
How many more times do I have to explain things to you.
Look - just take it for granted that I 'get' you're pathetic attempts at
humour every single time OK?!
They are obvious, transparent and completely unsubtle - I GET them.
conwaycaine
"Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
> "conwaycaine" <conwa...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message They are
Which is exactly why I write them that way.................
Cory Bhreckan
And it was every bit as funny as Bruce's little 'joke'.
conwaycaine
> conwaycaine wrote:
>> "Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
>> news:lqSdnarz-d-sV2nX...@westnet.com.au...
>>> "conwaycaine" <conwa...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>>> news:29ednRR-O7hdpGnX...@giganews.com...
>>>> "Adam Whyte-Settlar" <ador@ble> wrote in message
>>>> news:N5ydnUsL-bBVaG_X...@westnet.com.au...
>>>>> "Cory Bhreckan" <coryvreckan@nospam_verizon.net> wrote in message
>>>>>> I suppose Neb's gone for his torch and pitchfork now.
>>>>> They wouldn't waste the batteries. I'm safe until the full moon.
>>>> Not "Torch:, you dummy, "Torch"............
>>> I think you'll find it's called a flashlight in your country.
>>
>> Oh, Jaysus.
>> THAT was MY little joke.
>>
>>
>
> And it was every bit as funny as Bruce's little 'joke'.
You have no sense of humor, bluebelly.