If the silence from the official sponsor of the Sochi Olympic Games concerning the Russian anti-gay law has some up-in-arms, its latest sales initative is unlikely to improve the situation. The "Share a Coke" marketing campaign organised in different countries has taken a new turn in South Africa. In addition to the list of more than 400 first names that can replace the brand's logo on the can, the South African version of the dedicated "Share a Coke" website allowed a virtual bottle to be customised with the inscription of your choice. However, some words such as "gay", "lesbian" or "homo" are refused by the platform and produce a strange error message. "Oops, let's pretend you didn't just type that. Please try another name".
This could lead you to think that only proper nouns or ones with no sexual connotation can be validated. However, the word "straight" ("heterosexual") comes up with no problem at all on the red and white label of the drink. Whilst the brand has since closed its virtual customisation service, it has still not explained these discriminatory restrictions. For their part, homosexual rights defence associations are calling for a boycott of the brand.
*Illustration from the Coca-Cola Facebook page : https://shareacoke.co.za
News in the same category
Japanese researchers have finalized, after 10 years of research, a genetically modified onion that doesn't make you cry while you're peeling it. If it has kept its flavour and nutritional values, it however lost its odour.
The French brand, Michel et Augustin, has just announced the launch of ice cream pots from April in Monoprix stores. "La vache givrée" will be available in two flavours: Incroyable noisettes and Incroyable vanille de Madagascar.
Less than 15 days ago after announcing they were removed, Asda is reinstalling previous food donation points in all its stores across the UK.
Residents in Cambridge who have a sweet tooth will soon have the chance to indulge in a whole range of sweets and chocolate goodies. Confectionery retailer Kingdom of Sweets is set to open a shop in the historic university city.