Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Baidu makes its point

Baidu vs. Google. Think it's not a real rivalry? Think again.

This Baidu TV commercial surfaced on the internet (see above) months ago, but it's popped up again and definitely is worth a watch. Note that though the entire advertisement is in Mandarin, it is absolutely clear which character represents Baidu, and which one represents the evil Western intruder. That would be the guy in a 19th-century tuxedo, who dies a miserable death in the end.

You gotta see it to believe it. I confess, it made me laugh a little at first, but there is just so much animosity in China dating back to the colonial era and the repressive regime that existed over the native people of the country. That residual antipathy certainly flavors this commercial.

After all, would we ever see someone die in a Coke-versus-Pepsi commercial? Would someone hack up a mouthful of blood and perish in a Wendy's-versus-Subway ad?

No question about it. The Chinese intend to win, from the business world right up to the top.

Pupule Paul is a teeny bit long BIDU.

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