I don't know if it is real or not but would assume it is real. It looks like good German humor to me!
 
It reminds me of Richard Pryor's skit about white guys and snakes. That didn't offend me, it was funny. If we don't know who and what is around us we do ourself a disservice. This joke may show a little prejudice but prejudice helps keep us alive. 
 
Anyone who cannot take a joke about themself, their heritage, or anything else.. is taking themself too seriously... and is potentially dangerous, IMO.
I do think a joke ceases to be a joke when it makes fun of someone personally for some fault or weakness. That is not the case here.
 
I don't know... maybe it just me. I just can't seem to get into the whole politically correct thing I think it does more harm than good.
 


 
 Julien

It wasn't "German humor". What ever that means.
 
http://www.snopes.com/photos/advertisements/vwpolo.asp
 
 

 
In my opinion, it's hilarious.
 
The sad thing nowadays is that everyone and his brother feel they have the right to "not to be offended".
 
I'm not advocating a 'free for all' by any means, but when I constantly hear the mantra that "free speech comes with responsibilities", I'm afraid I fear that before too long, it will no longer be "free" speech at all. Don't misunderstand me, I'm against racism and discrimination as much as the next guy, when it's genuine - but all too often, it's some ridiculous trumped up exception someone or some body takes to the most innocuous of statements or actions.
 
And the really insidious thing, especially in this country, is that the line between "causing offence" and "blasphemy" is becoming increasingly blurred. And the powers-that-be either disagree with this point of view, or more likely just sweep it under the carpet.
 
 
 
 Edit - speling

mike_mccue
It wasn't "German humor". What ever that means.
 
http://www.snopes.com/photos/advertisements/vwpolo.asp
 
 

Don't start Mike... don't troll me. Since you chose to ask... "what ever that means". That was a joke too (and I think you are smart enough to know it). It is dry humor... or at least an attempt at it.
 
I am a big fan of Germany but I shouldn't and don't have to explain that. What I said about German humor was my humor. If you don't think it is funny, don't laugh. 
 
BTW, thanks for clearing up the question about the commercial being real or not. I didn't look at the link but suppose that is what it asserts. Now if we can get something to validate what snopes says... .
 
J
 
 
 

SteveStrummerUK
 
In my opinion, it's hilarious.
 
The sad thing nowadays is that everyone and his brother feel they have the right to "not to be offended".
 
I'm not advocating a 'free for all' by any means, but when I constantly hear the mantra that "free speech comes with responsibilities", I'm afraid I fear that before too long, it will no longer be "free" speech at all. Don't misunderstand me, I'm against racism and discrimination as much as the next guy, when it's genuine - but all too often, it's some ridiculous trumped up exception someone or some body takes to the most innocuous of statements or actions.
 
And the really insidious thing, especially in this country, is that the line between "causing offence" and "blasphemy" is becoming increasingly blurred. And the powers-that-be either disagree with this point of view, or more likely just sweep it under the carpet.
 
 
 
 Edit - speling

Well spoken, Steve.  Real ad or not, it's funny.  Politcal correctness is worthless if it isn't sincere.  All I can add is "lighten-up people, it's only a joke." 

SteveStrummerUK
 
 Edit - speling

Oh the irony!

Lighten' Up! Good concept! 
 

Freedom.. gotta love it

"Political correctness is worthless if it isn't sincere."
 
I disagree. The modeling of empathy to the sensitivities of others doesn't have to be sincere to have tangible and lasting benefits throughout society and culture.
 
One doesn't need to understand why others may be offended to make the choice to avoid the opportunity to do so.
 
 
best regards,
mike
 

Political correctness is worthless period. (I reserve the right to change period to "if)
 
J