are you Jamaican?

Are you?

yes

Now, the Muppet Show's "Swedish" Chef, that's offensive: spouting all that Swedish Jive talkin'.

Lighten up people! I've vacationed in Jamaica and I agree with Matt that you can't help but think happy when you hear the Jamaican accent!

I'm a proud Jamaican, born and bred. I don't see what all the fuss is about. This isn't even close to being offensive because it hasn't an iota of any negative stereotypes, anything demeaning or derogatory. I think America has become too hypersensitive and has taken political correctness too far! I could understand if the ad were mocking Jamaicans, or highlighting or perpetuating some unflattering imagery of our people. It simply doesn't. What the ad seeks to do is to evoke the "no problem", easy going, viscerally gratifying happiness that Jamaicans and vacationing in Jamaica has branded itself on for many years. The Jamaica Tourist Board itself ran ads with the slogan "Jamaica, No Problem!" for a while. Jamaicans will be the first to tell you that, despite the nation's impoverished economy, the land is green and the sun shineth (which is the symbolism behind the green and gold in our flag), and the people have a wealth of optimism. By the way, Jamaicans love their VW's with a cult-like passion! Big up Jago (Excuse me Americans. Jamaicans know what I'm talking about here).

I've been going to Jamaica for twenty years and it certainly captures the spirit of that fine island paradise and its warm hearted positive people ! It's an uplifting ad, not racist, RUN IT VW!

How would this be offensive? It depicts nothing negative about Jamicans as far as I see, and its a commercial people lighten up, geez...and on the color, define black now a days....pretty sure Jamaican's come in different skin tone so for all we know, that guy could be from Jamaica until it was revealed...LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!

To embrace other cultures we should be open with humor and acceptance--not so uptight with constant "racists" remarks. I loved it! My daddy bought Mother a new VW on Christmas Eve 1970 & I have great memories of that VW & the adventures it brought us. Great commercial!

Matt is keen! This is not at all offecsive, it's HILARIOUS! It brings me back to the "Don't worry, be happy" days. If I hade a volkswagon in my life, I would immediately be uplifted, and have a happy, carefree attitude. It's sad that some people have nothing better to do that to try to bring higher people down to their misery level.

I don't find this ad offensive at all, and WAY too many people are WAY too sensitive or "touchy" about stuff...

I think everyone needs to undo that very top button on their shirt and loosen that tie a bit cause it's cutting off your sense of HUMOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

RELAX!!!

There is absolutely nothing offensive about this commercial. I understand where they are coming from .. the car leaves you feeling "Irie". I am from the Carribean and I am married to a man is was born and raised in Jamaica and he thought the commercial was hilarious.

Get a grip people.

And for the woman that they had as an advertisement expert who said that teh commercial gives you the thought that "all black people are happy" .. she could not have been more wrong or far left.

First .. not ALL Jamaicans are black!! there a white jamaicans, japanese, chinese, indian even some of latino culture. Jamaica has many different types of people.

So everyone just relax, as the commercial suggests, and have a good laugh!

Apparently, Ms. Lipppert hasn't been to Jamaica, the Jamaican culture is made up of Blacks, Whites, Indians, Chineese. To say that Jamaican accent is a black accent is wrong and racist statement. Everyone talks that way in Jamaica, even a visitor who stays a while. I am a white Texan/ American and has lived in Jamaica off and on for the past 20 years as Christian Missionary. I thought the commercial was funny and made me miss my second home. Matt right it makes you think driving this car reminds one of the fun and happiest of Jamaica. Ms. Lippert needs a trip to Jamaica, she up tight political correct lady who full of herself. VW run the advertisement. Today get Ms. Lippert a trip to Jamaica.

Jack Carter: While I have now learned to no longer appreciate Missionaries going into black countries around the world and fooling people into believing that their God is better, I appreciate everything that you say otherwise. Jamaica, Haiti, and all of Black Africa have grown progressively evil and degraded, since white Missionaries and white people invaded, disabled, denounced, displaced and destroyed their minds and sense of belonging and being. And still I am not saying that the meeting of cultures does not produce any good. But for black people meeting white invasion, anyone with a good conscience could not say that that is true.

I am Jamaican (who've lived in the U.S longer than Ja). And you're right that everyone talks that way in Jamaica (even visitors who stay for any length of time). I have always said that the U.S. invests the most in ensuring that differences in people; remain distinct, especially when it comes to race.

Only when I came here at age 27 did I have to ponder what is "white music" vs. "black music", and white food vs black food. And don't get me wrong, there is racism in Jamaica too. Like every predominantly black country in the world, black Jamaicans have been programmed to hate our black skin and unique follicles. At present I believe that in "The Americas" Jamaica might have the highest percentage of skin bleachers. And unbelievably, the blackest of Jamaicans will still curse another black Jamaican about his/her blackness.

Still, in Jamaica I could never easily distinguish a voice on the phone as being that of a black Jamaican, white Jamaican, Chinese or Indian Jamaican. However, here in the U.S. people seem to automatically, and unavoidably fall in line that way, and often ridicule others for having difference simultaneously

I see it as a good thing, that nowadays more people are understanding that its our energy vibration that we should be most mindful of, and not spending every moment worrying if we're over-pleasing any particular Deity, while caring very little of how our thoughts, words and actions are undermining and eroding the peace, happiness and Human and Civil Rights of others who don't share our genes.

Older cultures of Color have always understood and practiced the art of just being happy, until Western/White humans told humanity that feeling and being happy are signs of childishness, and being uncivilized. Slaves who managed to maintain a smile on their faces under the most inhumane conditions, were recorded for generations to read about, as evidence of black people's immature child like qualities.

In conclusion, I reiterate that it was White people who once saw the state of happiness and joy as something bad. White people teased and taunted black people to no end because so many still managed to keep a smile under the harshest of brutality. Even when black people practiced religion jovially, white people condemned their protuberance as ungodly. So with a history of condemning and degrading happiness, it will sure seem to many that when white people try to promote happiness it is just another attempt to ridicule. What matters however is for everyone to KNOW that the state of happiness is good. And while white people may be slow to learn that, its better late than never. Let us all be happy no matter what we're going through today. Let's imagine Bob Marley with a big spliff in his mouth saying "No Problem Maan"

correction: protuberance in the last paragraph, should've been exuberance.

nicely written, thanks

I think it could be perceived as mocking islanders. Besides, it jars the brain to hear the island accent from a white man. It doesn't quite know how to handle that.

I'd be willing to bet that this advertising "expert" (aren't they all, lol...she sounds exactly like one of my former GA instructors who went nowhere but the classroom) is strictly against using the word "Christmas" in Christmas advertising. I'd also bet the few who find this offensive are white as snow. And I'll go all-in and say that I'm sure Jamaicans are the least offended by advertising that associates their culture with a happy, stress-free lifestyle.

I wish the PC junkies would just go dig themselves a hole, climb in and whine to themselves until the end of the earth. Not like the rest of us would care if we bothered to listen to them, anyway.

I'm from Minnesota and I find this to be extremely offensive! Are we to assume that all Minnesotans are unhappy and that the only way to get happy is to become Jamaican???

This is the 21st Century and it's high time that pasty white people are no longer subjected to this offensive stereotyping.

If this ad offends you, then you need to look in the mirror and find out why. There is nothing but creative thinking happening. I'd rather buy another model VW, the new bug does nothing for me.

Love to see this add during the super bowl, it's fun.

Q22 - Right! What an insult to all the Minnesotans out there (and they will get around to being righteously offended right after they've thawed out in Jamaica).

Minnesotans don't get offended. They're emotionally stronger than that. Geesh!

I find it interesting that in this country we want diversity, yet when people make note of differences in culture it is labeled as racist.

ennea: It jars your brain. Ya Mon. Roxanne. I think it's beautiful, like Irish, English, Indian, Texan, Canadian, aye?

WE had a Jamaican Auto tech and I called him an African American at which point he started to swing a 5 lb hammer at me saying that he was not African American or black he was Jamaican. Lesson learned never call any Jamaican black or African American or they will kill you with a smile.

I am happy, I am relaxed, I am now considering to purchase a VW this year. Love the ad, watching it over and over, enjoying not just the words but that laughter.

People don't know what racism is anymore. It is only racist if it is derogatory or discriminating; how is equating happiness with Jamaica offensive?

Also, Jamaicans don't come in only one skin color.

Offensive? No

Stupid? YES!!!!!!

I wonder what would happen should I walk into a VW dealership now speaking in a Jamaican accent. I would bet the employees would roll their eyes and mumble under their breath, "Damn, not another one. Stupid commercial!"

Better yet, go to a VW dealership with the accent and be sad a miserable. "Oh mon, dis weter has got me down mon. Me tinks I got a tumor in me head dat gim me bad vibes brodder. You tink your car can make me happy again mon?"

I am glad they didn't use the "Don't worry be happy song"! Then I would've totally lost it! LOL

I'm a proud Jamaican, born and bred. I don't see what all the fuss is about. This isn't even close to being offensive because it hasn't an iota of any negative stereotypes, anything demeaning or derogatory. I think America has become too hypersensitive and has taken political correctness too far! I could understand if the ad were mocking Jamaicans, or highlighting or perpetuating some unflattering imagery of our people. It simply doesn't. What the ad seeks to do is to evoke the "no problem", easy going, viscerally gratifying happiness that Jamaicans and vacationing in Jamaica has branded itself on for many years. The Jamaica Tourist Board itself ran ads with the slogan "Jamaica, No Problem!" for a while. Jamaicans will be the first to tell you that, despite the nation's impoverished economy, the land is green and the sun shineth (which is the symbolism behind the green and gold in our flag), and the people have a wealth of optimism. By the way, Jamaicans love their VW's with a cult-like passion! Big up Jago (Excuse me Americans. Jamaicans know what I'm talking about here).

Absolutely spon on here, its not Jamaicans who are offended!!!! DWL

LOL ppl who know nothing about Jamaica are the only ones offended. This is not a "Black" accent. Jamaica is one of the most mixed up islands. There is a large white population as well as a large Asian population and they ALL speak the same.

I think ppl who are offended are being racist because they are associating the accent with being black, which is understandable, but they are also implying that to speak with the accent is poking fun at black ppl...as if there is something to be ashamed of. Jamaicans are some of the proudest ppl. Black, white, Asian, Indian, Native, they will play up their Jamaicaness just to let you know "dat tings are ire" :)

As I said above, the people who will be most offended are the people whose historical sensibilities told them, that being happy meant uncivilized brutes. People of Color, especially black humans always knew what Motivational Speakers, Life Coachers and New Agers are not trying to promote. That is: in-spite of what is happening in your life at the moment, look on the happy side. Be happy. Laugh, and with that vibration you'll be in a better position to resolve your woes.

The biggest problem that has afflicted black people in the world is that for too long we've tried to deny who we truly are, to comply with stress inducing ways that white people claimed were more refined and civilized. Now white people are confused about whether they should embrace an ad that promotes the state of happiness, or try to ban it because of possible racist tone. Now a panel must be convened to decide whether its racist or just plain enhancing a joyous state.

So just chill out white people, and black people who're uncomfortable embracing your blackness (because you'd bought into the idea that only what white say is refined and civilized is legit). There's no problem here this time! In-spite of Jamaica's terrible economic conditions, Jamaicans still know how to chill.

I don't find it in any way funny or offensive.

I thought it was pretty funny. Kinda reminded me of the flick Office Space. Also reminds me of the things I try to do in the office to distract myself from the daily grind and annoyances. I can relate. My wife and I are looking for a nice island to move to, but it probably won't be Jamaica - life's hard in Jamaica. I can't adequately express the respect I have for Jamaicans' ability to keep cool heads during tough times that would drive people of nearly every other culture to leap from a tall building. This commercial is perfectly appropriate.

I'm guessing that the only ones who will find this offensive are guilt ridden white people, mostly with Liberal Arts, or Psychology degrees, and who are generally wound up so tight, that anal coitus will never be an option for them.

Lmaooo - GREAT point :) It was no more a Black 'accent' than hers was.

yup Jamaicans mottos is OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE......

Yes and he could easily be one!! But the rest of the world, esp the US, doesn't realise this... Out of Many One People.

We are proud of the smiling faces we offer our visitors and the projection of happiness that rubs off on them :) and this is what they take home to remember Jamaica.

Nothing offensive about this commercial; I was soooo shocked to wake up the this crap this morning. Many people in the US need to take a chill pill. As we say here, JUS CHILL NUH MAN kmrct

ree sin: So many of us Americans think you are either American, or you're not. Doctors are often of the same mind. Simple explanations for simple........

...and that white dude sounds more Jamaican than most Jamaican's I know

The find so-called ad expert's opinion offensive. I also found her hairdo and long furry knee-high boots offensive, and oh my god, where'd she get that awful dress?

So true!

The supposedly ad "expert" should go check herself in for a couple of weeks...or better yet, take a few weeks vacation to Jamaica!!

Be happy Man!

Funny thing Steve is, it is not Jamaicans that are offended by this.... As a Jamaican, i cant help but bust a gut laughing over the exposure my little island is getting.... go VW

Steve - If a commercial ran that showed everybody getting into a VW picked up a southern drawl and became more relaxed, nobody would be offended. I don't understand why picking a Jamaican accent and easy going attitude is any different.

Personally, as a southerner, I find fake southern accents very painful to my ears. :) My husband laughs at me when I (only occasionally) tell the TV that Hollywood needs to hire more true southerners if they're going to portray southerners (either that or get those non-southern actors some voice coaches, because really?).

Linda there are many Jamaicans of European, Chinese, Arab, east Indian, Japanese, ancestry and many more than I can even account for. We don't classify people on my island by the color of their skin or ancestry, we are just JAMAICANS and have a indigenous dialect, we also speak the "Queens English"

Nobody thinks this goes to far. It's NBC and VW acting together to get some publicity for the commercial. This one isn't offensive, and neither was the Mercedes commercial. But at least the VW commercial is good. The Mercedes one was just stupid.

I found the add specialists comments far more offensive than the add. Jamaica is a country where the people speak with an entirely unique accent (Actually, I believe it is a language of its own, but I may be wrong). Is it racist when actors speak with a southern drawl, French Canadian accent or Irish brogue? Get real! Calling it a "Black accent" is racist, the commercial is not.

Or that ALL BLACKS HAVE JAMAICAN ACCENTS. To be honest, that's more idiotic and offensive than the add itself.

Amen to that.

Out of Many One People is Our Motto, our accent is not BLACK. Being the product of a Black Jamaican father and a White English Mother and living in Jamaica for 43 years, when my Mother speaks like that is she offending me or my father? Come on now. Ms Lippert needs more than a trip to Jamaica!!! Jamaica No Problem Man!!!

Very well said. The racists sit in NYC broadcasting studios coming up with ways to make themselves feel better about how racist they really are. If anyone is flaming the torch of racism in this country it is those at ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox.

If any of them had any sense or traveled to places like Jamaica or Antigua they would realize that the "Jamaican" dialect is used by all of the locals. Be it a black, white, Asian, Indian or whatever their ethnic heritage.

sbgallaway: she thinks its racist because she has a stick up her ass!