Amazon's new show 'The Man in the High Castle' is one of the season's best new shows. However, its controversial ad campaign hasn't gotten the same response.
On Monday, the company agreed to remove subway advertisements from New York City subway cars following pressure from city Mayor Bill de Blasio, reports The Guardian.
The show, which is based on noted sci-fi author Philip K. Dick's novel of the same name, is set in an alternate reality version of 1960's America where the Axis powers emerged victorious during World War II and proceeded to split the country in two, the Japanese controlled Pacific States on the West Coast and the Nazi-ruled Greater Reich in the East.
Amazon's marketing campaign depicted this chilling what-if scenario in vivid detail, showcasing images of popular American landmarks decked out in the imagery of their fictional conquerors. For example, one picture featured Times Square lit up with Swastikas, while another had the Statue of Liberty draped in a Nazi flag bearing the German imperial eagle and cross.
The same symbol was used to replace the stars on the American flag in another ad. The Japanese Empire's rising sun was also used in several billboards and posters.
"While these ads technically may be within MTA guidelines, they're irresponsible and offensive to World War II and Holocaust survivors, their families, and countless other New Yorkers," Said Mayor De Blasio in a statement. "Amazon should take them down."
Frank Spotnitz, the show's creator, agreed with the decision telling Entertainment Weekly:
"It's very difficult with a show with subject matter like this to market it tastefully, so I understand they're walking a very difficult line. If they had asked me, I would have strongly advised them not to do it."
