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Volonter pou Moris

19 March 2011 48 Comments

Hello folks!

Welcome back to yashvinblogs.com. Today, we gonna welcome a new guest writer, who calls himself “Vendetta”. The latter mailed me his article a few days back, but I promised to publish it during the weekend. Thanks a lot to him for his article which proves that he is really knows a lot about what we are going to talk. So, here it goes.

Yashvin, pages of my life

Many of you are probably aware of the numerous ads on the billboard, themed “volonter pu morice”. Well is it? Or is it a total blasphemy to the whole belief of being independent and genuinely influence people with remarkable thoughts. Alas, these ads are not only an insult to the idea of being independent but has also several infringements to the copyright act and is a prime example of plagiarism (if i am not wrong).

Picture 1 :

Picture 2 (Wikipedia )

Voila, i present you the real deal, the battle of Iwo Jima. Being myself a war connoisseur, I could talk for hours about wars and its implications, but I will keep it short for now :)

A short while after Japanese attacked Pearl harbor in 1941, Americans were so zealously eager to avenge back. They started to conquer island by island in the Pacific, thus beginning the Pacific campaign of World War II. In early 1945, they reached Iwo Jima; Americans had in mind to capture several important assets on the island, one of them was airfields. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of a kind; it was ferocious, and viciously terrifying. Outnumbered, the Japanese lost to the Americans, who marked this event by raising their flag at the top of Mount Suribachi. Ironically, this battle took place during March, same as our (in)dependence. This is what I conclude, on one hand, the battle of Iwo Jima, a battle of heroes who defended their country at the most single threat to their freedom and on the other hand, probably some lazy ass Mauritian Graphic designer ripping others’ work as his own dignity is fading away.

I do not know who did that ads, but if I ever have the chance to talk to that person, this is what I will probably say:

“Your illustrator skills sucks big time, my friend! Your vectors are so representative of your incompetence and your inability to respect any moral or social values. Oh yes! I have Photoshop and Illustrator skills to back my comments.”

Anyone who knows the one who did this ad, please mail him/her the link to this post. Thanks.

To those who died in that fierce battle, shall your names be ever engraved in history.

By Vendetta
sarcasm&irony

References:

Related Posts:

Mauritius Loto
  • Mike

    Well done, good article. Someone trying to cash in on the memories of real soldiers and a real part of history. Cheap move.

  • Mishy

    That’s OutrageOus …. Even as college/uni student u aint allowed to take nything off the net for any illustration purposes.. unless you ask for permission frOm the owner … aint graphic designers meant to be having a creative n artistic flair ??? Copying ideas … thats like taking the common people as ignorant as well :p … *mo copier li…dans Maurice ki sanla pour conner* or *ki sanla alle lor Wiki* … even if they could think of sth as elaborative as this pic, they could have kept sth simple but their OWN …

  • le_voyageur

    saem mo pa kontan, zafer ki fini bliyer,, dimoun leve li et pren credits .. :( ..alors c pa li kinne fer, li p just montrer lamerique ban nouvo nees et zotou pren li cristophe colombe .. :S

  • Bernardo

    ????

    What’s all the fuss about? I personally don’t find anything wrong with someone who’s work is inspired from past world events or other artists’ work.

    The graphic designer used a well known “theme”. He did not downright copy the
    “Raising the flag” photo

    There have been countless parodies, references & tributes to the work of other artists throughout history (examples of popular inspirational themes: (1) the “Beatles crossing Abbey Road” photo used by other bands, (2) the “five-pointed red star” symbol of socialism and communism used by Che guevara and RATM (3) the peace sign used by hippies etc…)
    Even the “raising the flag” theme was used once in the simpsons.

    The article smells like a personal vendetta (no pun intended) and is based on shaky grounds

    Or maybe there is more to it and you did not rest your case well..

    Thumbs down.

  • Bernardo

    Could someone explain to those who don’t know what is that “volonter pu morice” all about?

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    Mauritius is so full of “designers”..lol!!!

    Well, in the advertising world, unless you lick someone’s boot or A@#, you get nowhere…and everyone knows that a boot or A@# licker is not worthy a cent…

    As for the “Volonter pou Moris” it should read: “GRO HONTER pou Moris!”

    I used to love my country but eventually when I see in how we are pushing ourselves deeper and deeper in shit…well am sorry to say, Mauritius c’est un plaisir pour les riches, les hypocrites et les cons!!!

    NOTE: My own point of view :p

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL
  • Cyan

    This guy is awesome. I fully support him!
    As for this ‘lazy ass’, he cannot even be compared to those brave heroes. F u American-basher.

  • Vendetta

    Thanks Yashvin for posting the article.

    @Benardo
    Are you saying you approve the ‘Volonter pou morice’ theme even it was based on other country’s history. I honestly believe the graphic designer used it just for the sake of having something to put on the ads. I bet he has no clue what Battle of Iwo Jima is really about.

    I agree with you that there have been a myriad of references to other historical works, but I find it totally grotesquely low that Mauritius had to use one of America’s most popular pictures, just to motivate its own people for the independence.
    This is no secret to anyone that intellectual property and copyrights law about foreign artistical works are not very repected here, a prime example would be sales of illegal copies of movies. I was hoping for atleast our independence we would not be copying over others.

    I hope you got my point now Benardo.

    V for vendetta is my favorite movies hence my name. I have no vengeace against the government but i do own a secret santuary like V. :)

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    @Vendetta:

    ti bzin ena ene like button lor blog!!!

    LIKE!

  • Cyan

    I second that.

  • din3sh

    well well…
    i guess the author/designer of the ad simply googled images for :

    “flag raising illustration”

    Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima’s flag raising pic pops up first, the designer thus did the logo in about 15mins and cashed in for his ‘original work’…so mauritius :D

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    @din3sh:

    Like

  • Bernardo

    @Vendetta:

    I honestly think that you may have misunderstood the intentions behind this art. I don’t think the graphic designer intended to “steal” or pass the Raising The Flag (RTF) theme as his own.
    I believe he knowingly used the RTF theme to power up his art and he expected (and wanted) all of us to lever up on the emotions, brought by the RTF theme, to understand the importance of volunteering for causes.

    That’s common practice among artists.

    Like I said there are so many examples of artist reusing powerful themes to propel their campaign. Even you, for example, are using “V for Vendetta” theme to protest against something you found revolting. Does that make you bad? Likewise there have been many occasions where people all over the world have put “Guy Fawkes” masks while protesting against something. Shouldn’t they? Remember that “The Gunpowder treason” is typically an English theme.
    The above is a prime example where people have reuse a powerful, yet foreign, theme to boost emotions and catch a particular feeling

    Btw, “V for Vendetta” is also one of my fav cinematic adaptation of a comic.

    “Remember, Remember the fifth of November”

    Cheers
    B.

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    @Bernardo:

    To some point what you say is true..I agree…

    However most ad agencies here are famous for making “copies” and cry on top of roofs that they had the gr8 idea!

    For example, there is a juice advert where a girl is climbing on grapes and kids playing on another fruit…this is a pale copy of “Les Escapades de Petit Renaud” (just google the whole thing if does not make sense..)

    There are so many examples…i’ve been in the ad world for the last what?? 10 years?? trust me…lol!!!

  • Yashi

    Storm in a teacup. Various well-known themes have been used for various campaigns; Che Guevara, Guy Fawkes (a lot of people impersonate him, like Bernardo pointed out), Uncle Sam,…etc

    The picture above is a very popular one. I am sure the designer knew people would recognise it, that is why he used it, he knew people would know he is trying to portray the same kind of spirit shown in the original picture! Great example given somewhere above is the Beatles crossing Abbey Road. People copy it BECAUSE it is well-known and they want to identify with the original idea.

    Don’t get your knickers in a twist…

  • Vendetta

    @bernado

    “Remember, remember the fifth of November. The gunpowder, treason, and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.” :)

    I will repeat myself saying, I honestly believe that the designer does not have a clue of what Battle of Iwo Jima is really about. In fact, I bet that more than 90% of the general population do not know this battle. This photo might seem famous, but we are not taught American history in School so only a handful of literati and war enthusiasts will be aware of the source of that photo. This is no mere observation, I have actually asked a small group of people; my classmates, and almost everybody I have met during the weekend about this. Albeit a small group of people, no one seems to know about this battle. Even here, you might have noticed that most people’s replies here are against the idea of copying.

    Coming to your point, even if the designer was infact aware of the source of this picture and he wanted to do as you mentioned… Well no offence but it is complete failure in my opinion as again no one knew Battle of Iwo jima.

    I think this whole thing is pitiful; Would not a simple insignia with the Mauritian flag and a 1968 related background be enough? I do not know any other countries who have been in such situation.

    I strongly stand for what I believe in, do so you. Neither of us might accept other’s views. So here is a challenge to prove this situation may be right:

    I dare you to find an independent country which have used some other independent country’s historical or war figure to promote its independence ceremony/theme just like Mauritius did.

    I do agree on using historical figures to defend a cause. Would not it be good to see Libyan rebels showing up with Guy fawkes mask, heh? :D

    @yashi
    I do not know if you are designer or if you are close to the one who did that ads or if you use to copy others’ works on a regular basis, but I strongly believe that all those who rip others’ work for the sole purpose of making profit, are complete fudge packers.

    From the links that ReenaDKL posted some posts above, I saw that a certain ads company calling itself “p&p link saatchi & saatchi” did the ad, I do not believe they did it for free. Verily I indeed believe they make some large amount of money.

    Will you take up the challenge too?

  • din3sh

    Taking a laid back approach on this one, I must agree with Yashi and Bernardo. Sure it is debatable from an ethical point of view that this is not correct; using another country’s pictorial history depiction as design. There are 2 ways to look at it, one being the systematic unethical copying of the idea, the other being trying to use the essence of the flag raising display to inspire Mauritians to come forward and volunteer and hence make their country proud. Either way I feel there’s much ado about nothing here because the logo isn’t being used for any commercial gain, it’s being used for volunteerism…

    As for the copyright on the picture of RTF, here is what is written on Wiki

    “Permission Note — written permission was received from AP on 1 April 2005 which states:

    Wikipedia is authorized to display these images to its users solely for their personal viewing and not for copying or redistribution in or through any medium, provided that the images are accompanied by credit in the following manner: Joe Rosenthal / The Associated Press”

    If anything the graphic designer hasn’t copied the picture but used the idea.

    We can argue all day long about the ethical nature of “copying”, fact is the author hasn’t actually claimed it was his “original” idea. He could have mentioned “Inspired by Joe Rosenthal/ RTF” but then again I don’t think a large number of Mauritians know about the US history.

  • jp

    ROFL… nice article :)

    However, I think there are really good Mauritian designers out there, but they do not really work for the Mauritian market nor do they get acknowledgement for their work. I know some of them :)

  • T0rped0

    @Bernardo: @Yashi:

    Peu importe si l’intention de VPM ti bon, li bien mal commencer dans 3 maniere:

    1 – création dans Dodoland deza dans pince, alors, enn ti-pé originalité ti pou booster zotte image. Au lieu copy-paste depi l’occident, ki-faire pas faire kiksoz vraiment mauricien. Et surtout, enn parodie (!!!) de enn situation ki tellement ‘emotionally charged’, fauder ena l’esprit en panne / lekerr ross-mem pou faire ha.

    2 – Mem bann film parodik (et surtout scatologik à l’extreme) couma Scary Movie pa’nn ose touche bann symbole coumsa. Alorss, nou, Dodolandais, de quel droit?

    3 – Finalement, li pas ethical ditou ditou detourne enn symbole de sa l’imnportance-la pou promouvoir lott kiksoz.

    Oui dakor zott l’intention parett bon, mais créer plito ki copier matlo!

    Mais bon, couma ena enn certaine quantité Mauriciens ici (enn minorité? Pas cwar…), zott pas content guette beyond their own noses, trop difficile reflessi lors enn acte d’apparence anodin, cut corners because its the shortest distance even if they cross the middle line… Bien bon, contigne coumsa-mem, enn zour quand enn kikenn crass lor zott photo lerla nou guetter ki zott pou dire…

  • Yashi

    @Vendetta:

    No, I don’t know the designer. Why do you ask? Because it seems unreasonable that I hold the opposite view, even though I backed it with my reasoning?

    Do you know the designer? You seem to infer that he/she might not know the original picture…

    Also, I am not saying (I am sure that’s the case for Bernardo too) that the logo is awesome. I too think it’s a bit lacking in quality, but I don’t agree with your argument that it is plagiarism. As I said, a lot of famous pictures are used for promotional purposes around the world, with the specific aim of replicating the original vibe of the pictures. They won’t just use Che Guevara’s face to advertise perfume (I hope!).

    What seems to have happened is that you think you have stumbled on something you thought people didn’t know about. You have done well to recognise the original picture and point it out to people who might not know about it. But as I said, it’s a storm in a teacup. Come back when you discover they have copied the logo of Coca-Cola or something, not popular pictures of symbolic importance which everyone uses.

    Your challenge is a bit irrelevant as it proves nothing. If nobody does something, it doesn’t mean it’s illegal or unethical. Once again, this should be about the designer being out of inspiration maybe, not necessarily copying something to make millions out of it cheaply.

  • Vendetta

    @yashi

    1. Oh no, I do not know the designer and yes I am pretty damn sure he or she do not know Battle of Iwo Jima.

    he knew people would know he is trying to portray the same kind of spirit shown in the original picture!

    As I said, a lot of famous pictures are used for promotional purposes around the world, with the specific aim of replicating the original vibe of the pictures.

    You have been repeating yourself over. Well my friend, I am not blind; I can read perfectly. No offence but it seems you are the one who is having problem understanding. Like I previously said:

    I agree with you that there have been a myriad of references to other historical works, but I find it totally grotesquely low that Mauritius had to use one of America’s most popular pictures, just to motivate its own people for the independence.

    2. Do I have to repeat myself again? Please do not write the same thing over again it is irritating, reply only if you have new facts/ideas/thoughts related to the independence theme and not in general.

    3. I am a war connoisseur(oh yeah I already said that too), so I did not stumble on anything, I already knew it was a dirty plagiarism. You will not be able to change my idea on this; copying is copying.

    4.

    But as I said, it’s a storm in a teacup. Come back when you discover they have copied the logo of Coca-Cola or something, not popular pictures of symbolic importance which everyone uses.

    I sincerely have not seen the Iwo Jima RTF being used in artworks with the flag changed to some flag or altered in some macabre way. Can you show me, please?

    5. The challenge is irrelevant indeed, that was the purpose. No other country has dared to touch such sensitive picture, and why would they? Most have used their own historical figures.

  • http://banalit.es Pépé Le Beagle

    @Vendetta, maybe a good thing in this situation is to incite people to watch Clint Eastwood’s (romanced) versions of this battle through two of his films:
    Flags of our Fathers showing the Pacific Campaign along with the Battle of Iwo Jima from the US point of view and Letters from Iwo Jima which shows the same story from the Japanese point of view.

    This might help people understanding the implications of this Battle.

  • Yashi

    First of all, do not patronise me by calling me “my friend” and second of all, I know you are not blind, so no need to act smart or be sarcastic.

    Sometimes, you need to repeat yourself to make a point clearer. Just like you were doing.

    My point is “storm in a teacup” because I don’t think it’s an important case of plagiarism whereas you are generally disgusted by the idea of copying anything at all. Which is fair enough.

    So, let’s ditch the nonsensical arguments about you being a war connoisseur (doesn’t matter here, no need to be a connoisseur to know about Iwo Jima), your challenge (I don’t keep tabs on ALL countries of the world and their ad campaigns. Also, we are not on school playground to issue challenges) and you asking me not to repeat myself while you yourself repeat what you were saying.

    No need to get aggressive when someone doesn’t agree with you. It’s pathetic. I have given you my reasons. If you think your reasons are good enough, then you don’t have to worry about me!

  • Vendetta

    @Yashi
    Yo chill out. lol

    This is a blog. Don’t get too emotional and it’s not an actual physical fight. :p
    Oh yeah of course you are not my friend, sarcasm; love it so much.

    You previously defended the idea that the ads was not an act of plagiarism (replicating vibe or something you said) and now you are saying it is not an important case of plagiarism. I am confused and worried, seriously are you troubled in any way? Grab a beer, and drain the stress away. :)

    Being a guest writer here, mentioning that I was a war connoisseur, was essential to show that I know what I was talking about.

    I am not been aggressive, it was plain sarcasm. Incompletion of my challenge, I am concluding you failed to prove your statement.

    You use the words “Storm in a tea cup” quite often. I have something for you. No offence :)
    http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/tzu/lowres/tzun939l.jpg

    It was so funny that I laugh my ass off. No hard feeling ok?

    Regards,
    Vendetta

  • din3sh

    @Vendetta
    “I will repeat myself saying, I honestly believe that the designer does not have a clue of what Battle of Iwo Jima is really about. In fact, I bet that more than 90% of the general population do not know this battle.”

    Your article then is a non-starter then. Since you admit the designer doesn’t have a clue(as 90% of population), for him its just a flag raising picture, he used it for the logo. You can’t blame him to be ignorant, can you?

    “I saw that a certain ads company calling itself “p&p link saatchi & saatchi” did the ad, I do not believe they did it for free. Verily I indeed believe they make some large amount of money.”

    I like the rest of us here would be interested to know that since you now know the author/company of the logo, what you told them about the RTF and what was their reply.

    Finally I see “war connoisseur” & “war enthusiast” plastered all over this page. Since am a little ignorant, would like to know, whats a “war connoisseur” or “war enthusiasts”? Someone who revels in human loss resulting from war and/or someone who is in awe of war victors who have killed to reach there.

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    I believe many people don’t know abt the “Iwo Jima” war…

    In my family no one knows abt that illustration…

    Now:

    1. Does that mean we are all stupid?

    or

    2. The designer thought like 80% of the Mauritians would be like us and thought he could use that illus to “show off” his talent :p

    NOTE: It’s just my opinion by d way…

  • Bernardo

    http://www.ban.org/ban_news/2007/070502_group_slam_japan_pic1.html – Philippines
    http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/die_burger_iwo_jima?size=_original – South Africa
    http://www.flavor-magazine.com/2009/la-grande-braderie-de-la-mode-les-5-et-6-decembre/ – France

    Sure the VPM artwork could have definitely been more original and localized (unlike at the above links) but, on the top of my mind, I can’t recall seeing a similarly powerful but locally taken snapshot

    Btw according to ReenaDKL links, the VPM artwork is meant for the VPM campaign and not for the independence of Mauritius.. They only decided to launch the campaign on the day of independance

    Let’s just agree to disagree …

    Peace
    B.

  • Yashi

    @Vendetta: Yeah, I don’t think it’s sarcasm. It’s just cringe-worthy. I am sure you find it very funny (grab a beer,…etc), I find it a bit dull and someone I last heard when I was in college. Nu pa enba laboutik la!

    Coming to your confusion, I was hoping you got the gist of what I thought. But you had to pick on semantics. I don’t think it’s plagiarism (or copy, or plagiarism, or copy, or whatever, it doesn’t matter, I am not submitting this for a dissertation!), but if by law, it turns out it is a breach of copyright, then it’s what I will call once again, since you seem to love this expression, a storm in a teacup, something unimportant, which I don’t think which lead to a legal challenge! It’s something you have managed to be critical about, but something which no-one in Mauritius seem to care about since, like you said, no-one knows what Iwo Jima actually is!

    I see Bernardo has bothered with your challenge. But yeah, if it makes you feel good, “the incompletion” of the challenge by me MEANS I fail to prove my opinion, not statement. I didn’t know we had to prove our opinions… Do accept my apologies.

    If you just told me you firmly think no-one should ever copy anything at all from history or from other people’s work, then I would have gladly respected your opinion. But you seem to waste your time trying to make other people change their opinion or prove (!) their opinion and calling them your friend…

    Anyway, Bernardo, who seems to be a better friend that I am, has provided you with some stuff to be sarcastic about! Have fun!

    Now where is that bottle of Fosters I need to bring my stress down with…?

  • din3sh

    p dire mauricien unethical, p copier, pena orginilité, mais kan missier j.cameron fer 1 version futuristic Pocahontas, ki dja Walt Disney ti adapter ek apel li avatar, lerla c du grand art, li pa degradant lerla. Pena boku dimoune pou truv sa unethical. ziss mauricien commetre pli grand crime contre l’humanité kan li seye servi 1 symbol dja connu pou essaye inspire lezot dimoune pour la cause du volontariat, ki aparament paret macabre a certain…actuelment a maurice, ban zenfant pe violer ek mem assassiné, ena certain dimoune, contre sa kaliter l’injustice la zot pa senti zot concerné mais par contre zot pret pou depense tou zot l’energie dan cause contre la nature unethical travaye zot prochain….maurice…c’est vraiment ene plaisir…

  • T0rped0

    @ReenaDKL:
    “1. Does that mean we are all stupid?”
    Stupid? No way. Just an opportunity to discover a great part of history. And that you should watch the two (great) films that Pépé Le Beagle suggested – and accessorily, if ever MBC can purchase the ” mini serials that recently on Canal+ – it would surely be grossly entertaining, and increase your ‘culture générale’ to the point of realising that this graphic is not appropriate.

    “2. The designer thought like 80% of the Mauritians would be like us and thought he could use that illus to “show off” his talent :p”
    Do you mean that the designer actually thought that no-one would guess his ‘work’ and get away with crime? Heh! Comme qui dirait: il ne faut pas prendre tous les enfants du bon dieu pour des imbéciles… :-) Hein, Vendetta?

  • T0rped0

    The Pacific: you don’t come nearer to realism than this one…

  • http://reenadkl.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-iphone-4.html ReenaDKL

    @T0rped0:

    Thnx for the suggestions..I will surely try to grab the DVDs :)

    By:

    ““2. The designer thought like 80% of the Mauritians would be like us and thought he could use that illus to “show off” his talent :p”

    I meant yeah, actually he thought he could get away with it :)

    I know the ad agencies over here very well and to tell you the truth..they take people for A-Holes and believe they can fool us with whatever they want…

    Am done discussing this…cheers everyone!

  • Vendetta

    I know my way of explaining things is most of the time aggresive as some have mentioned. I am deeply sorry about that.

    @din3sh
    I did email the link of this post to the general contact email of the agency. Unfortunately, nothing :(

    By war connoisseur & war enthusiast, I meant someone who shows special interest in knowing specifics about wars whether it be in old or modern times. I by no mean want you to believe that I am thrilled at the idea of human getting killed. Some say, war is political, but I believe war englobes a cathedral of things and at the essence it turns out to be just human fighting for superiority. For instance, WWI & WWII could have been avoided, if Francis ferdinand was not assassinated. This assassination ultimately caused a war between Serbia and Old Austria. The situation got even worse when each party’s allies were involved.

    @ReenaDKL
    My friends did not know about that picture too; They are not stupid, they just did not know at that time. So neither you nor your family are stupid. :)

    I particularly do not like the pacific campaign as it ended in a massive bloodshed. If you have some free time, learn about the battle of stalingrad. This is basically where Hitler got pwned really bad by stalin’s red army.

    The documentary and movies suggested by T0rped0 and Pépé Le Beagle are good too.

    @Bernardo
    No really what I was expecting but…

    agree to disagree. :)
    Tell me bernado, do you like music? [Quoting V]
    1812 ouverture by tchaikovsky is one of my favourite music; I listen to that quite often. haha

    Peace

    @Yashi
    Grab a milkshake?

    Only phoenix beer here! :)

    Thanks to all of you for the comments and critics. I really appreciated it. XD

  • T0rped0

    Vendetta, ou’nn guetté ‘The Pacific’?

  • Vendetta

    @T0rped0:
    Pa dir ou lol. mo pa otan vieux moi.
    Non, pencor. Mais c’est pour bientot, mone guette so trailer lor youtube, friggin good!

  • http://www.wideyestudio.com Stephan Gua

    I’ve not been through all those writings. Just want to clarify some important points with you folks. First thing it is very sad that you Vendetta jumps so fast to conclusion without trying to read the real meaning of things. It is not a matter of using photoshop/illustrator or not you’re missing the whole point here.
    Do not insult people mind by thinking that you are the only one who knows about Iwo Jima, this image is part of universal history, and this is how an image becomes a symbol. And a symbol is something that translate a concept, might not be the original idea of it, but link to an ideal. Those people raising that flag are pictured as heroes for all americans, but they were as a matter of fact only following orders. The idea behind a symbol is ‘how does it speak to you?’. From that very point you can focus on what idea you want your audience to focus.
    For your information, is called plagiarism, a badly intended copy of something which occults the original version of it. In this case, this image was used purposely to appeal to a common comprehension = a call for patriotism.
    For your information you are totally wrong when you are talking about copyright regarding this picture. Law regarding copyright, makes a picture rights free when published after 50 years. Iwo Jima was in march 45.
    For your information, V for Vendetta is the title of a popular film, does the fact that you use Vendetta as your name makes your ‘skills sucks big time’.
    If you still don’t understand try figure out the portrait of the Che, is it plagiarism whenever used? Or is it the most suitable image to illustrate revolution? On the same ground, the Andy’s Warhol approach? Is it plagiarism when using his technique or a denunciation of consumerism?
    Last but not least, I am the one behind the logo. Fortunately I do not need your assessment to earn myself a living as a graphic designer, and here’s my email address if you have things to say to me : **** [Email address removed by Yashvin]
    Take care and stop the frustration dude!

  • http://www.wideyestudio.com Stephan Gua

    On last thing, for those who are interested in the real message this logo and ads was conveying. We need people to dedicate time to others for our society to grow humanly. You can learn further by login to http://www.volonterpoumoris.com

    NB : Vendetta, do not reply to me here cause I am not sure I’ll be coming here again, but you’ve got my mail.

    [Yashvin : I removed the email. Discussions should be here, not on your personal email add, sorry.]

  • din3sh

    Smart move by Vendetta, he had no clue as to the company who designed the logo, so he used your blog as platform to stir up lil controversy and get in contact with the author ;)
    Now this is how its gonna end hehe, they will mail each other ranting initially then saying sorry, then designer will offer Vendetta freelance job lol and of course they will live happily ever after ;)
    Yashi couldnt have told it better…”storm in a teacup” ;)

  • Vendetta

    @Stephan Gua:

    Ah, finally the person behind that grotesque artwork, I welcome you. Despite your very late response, your coming might not be in vain.

    Do not insult people mind by thinking that you are the only one who knows about Iwo Jima, this image is part of universal history

    I never said I was the only one, the only one? LOL Five men raised the flag, thousands fought in that war. The only one? verily, I wrote a summary for those who were not aware of that war.

    Law regarding copyright, makes a picture rights free when published after 50 years. Iwo Jima was in march 45.

    I think you should review your knowledge about copyright laws. It is Apress which currently holds the copyright for this photo. Even Wikipedia had to ask written permission before adding it to its database(Someone already mentioned that some posts above).

    See for yourself:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WW2_Iwo_Jima_flag_raising.jpg

    Wikipedia is authorized to display these images to its users solely for their personal viewing and not for copying or redistribution in or through any medium, provided that the images are accompanied by credit in the following manner: Joe Rosenthal / The Associated Press

    That being said, my point stands still that this artwork is an infrigement of copyright laws.

    For your information, V for Vendetta is the title of a popular film, does the fact that you use Vendetta as your name makes your ‘skills sucks big time’.

    Your senseless rhetoric speech made you look like a dolt to be honest. Please look up the word “vendetta” in the dictionary. I guess now I can say I was wrong about you, and correct myself by saying “Your graphic design and communications skills suck big time”.

    Coming to the portrait of che, he already friggin’ died long ago, so anyone can use his portrait. I do not think there is actually someone holding the copyright for his portrait.

    Take care and stop the frustration dude!

    Discussions should be here as yashvin already mentioned, so what the hell would I do with your email. I am not frustrated; I believe you are the one who is frustrated that’s why you ripped other’s works.

    @din3sh:

    I am not a graphic designer by profession. :) It is against my ethics to rip others’ work, so I do not think I will work with people who do that.

  • Zzenncool

    Check out Clint Eastwood’s Battle of Iwo Jima….

  • Aum

    I support Bernardo’s views!

    @Vendetta:
    How would you depict “collective work” in a picture? Hmm.. I don’t think you have a good Visual IQ, but you seem to have a good Verbal IQ. So why don’t you just sue the designer? When u win the case then u let us know!

  • SabTech

    Dats why i exist xD

  • Axel

    I just wanted to say that I deeply regret the fact that so many people seem to have so much time to spend on such a useless conversation instead of giving time volunteering for a beter Mauritius…

  • T0rped0

    @Axel: Just like you, Axel! :-D

  • Tiesto

    Tres bien dit Axel. Il y a des gens qui aiment bien s’entendre parler, ou dans ce cas precis, aime a se voir ecrire. En tout cas Vendetta confirme bien l’adage, ‘quand le sage montre la lune, l’idiot regarde son doigt’

  • T0rped0

    @Tiesto:
    Arrête de regarder le doigt d’Axel, s’il te plaît, Tiesto… :-)

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