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posted by malloc at 02:46 am on 2007-11-14 |
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Mario more popular than Canadian PM
PRESS RELEASE: ITALIAN PLUMBER MORE MEMORABLE THAN HARPER, DION
Front-page headlines as the country's most powerful politician apparently doesn't make you more recognizable than an animated Italian plumber.
According to a Harris/Decima survey commissioned by Nintendo of Canada, more people in Calgary, Toronto and Halifax can identify a photo of Nintendo's iconic video game character, Mario, than can identify a photo of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Even in Calgary, which includes Harper's home riding of Calgary Southwest, Mario was more recognizable (47 per cent vs. 41 per cent). More women across Canada were also able to identify Mario than the country's top politician (66 per cent vs. 63 per cent) and nationwide, the animated plumber is just as well-known as the prime minister. Both were recognized by 70 per cent of respondents in five major centres when asked to identify photographs by name.
Mario, who launches his newest title Super Mario GalaxyTM for Nintendo's WiiTM, also outshone opposition leader Stephane Dion. Less than half of Canadians surveyed - 48 per cent - were able to identify Dion's photo, which included a Canadian flag in the background. In fact, in Montreal, which includes Dion's home riding of Saint-Laurent-Cartierville, more people recognized Mario than the Liberal party leader (78 per cent vs. 71 per cent).
"Canadian politicians are lucky Mario doesn't have his Canadian citizenship and could campaign for office," said Ron Bertram, general manager of Nintendo of Canada. "It's no surprise that Mario is more recognized than high-profile politicians: he's entertained generations of Canadians and inspires only happy thoughts."
"Super Mario Galaxy for Wii will further boost Mario's stature in Canada" said Bertram. "Moms and dads will have some great Mario fun alongside their kids."
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