Microsoft Pulls iPhone Parody Ads

Called "distasteful," "terrible," "harsh," "bizarre," and "cringe-worthy," Microsoft videos poking fun at the iPhone have been removed. Here is one of seven produced, as Apple introduces iPhones 5c and 5s.

Critics said the ads are not funny, and some thought that the executive's resemblance to Steve Jobs was in poor taste.

Microsoft issued this statement about the decision: "The video was intended to be a light-hearted poke at our friends from Cupertino. But it was off the mark, and we've decided to pull it down."

Discussion Starters:

• Do you find the video funny? Why do you think it got a negative reaction?
• Assess Microsoft's decision and statement. Did the company do the right thing by removing the videos? What's effective about the statement?