Amazon responds to New York Nazi criticism
Nov 25, 2015, 3:33 PM | Updated: 4:13 pm
A seat covered in Nazi-themed imagery on the New York City subway. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered the campaign promoting the Amazon video series called "The Man in the High Castle" removed from the New York City subway system, as other public officials including Mayor Bill de Blasio condemned them. (Ann Toback via AP)
(Ann Toback via AP)
After sparking controversy in New York, Amazon has responded to criticism that its subway advertising resembles Nazi art.
Amazon sent KIRO Radio this statement:
Amazon Studios creates high-quality, provocative programming that spurs conversation. The Man in the High Castle, based on an acclaimed novel, explores the impact to our freedoms if we had lost World War II. Like ‘Transparent’ and the movie ‘Chi-Raq,’ stories that society cares about often touch on important, thought-provoking topics. We will continue to bring this kind of storytelling to our customers.
“The Man in the High Castle” is a new web series featured on Amazon’s website. It is part of the company’s programming through its Prime video service. The show depicts a world if Germany would have won World War II.
Amazon had placed ads for the show on the New York subway — its imagery reflective of Nazi-era artwork combined with American imagery. The art featured on the ads is not actually from the Nazi era. Still, the images drew a strong negative reaction from some riders. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo eventually ordered that the ads be removed from the subway, The Seattle Times reports. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also released statements condemning the advertising.
The Times also reports that much of the show’s pilot was shot in the Seattle area.
