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
If you live in Preston, and have a passion for Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a variety of Japanese broths, you’ve probably already visited Shop Ramen on Smith Street – on more than one occasion.
To respond to a massive customers demand, Morrisons supermarkets are bringing back the staffed express lanes option nationwide this week.
Less than 15 days ago after announcing they were removed, Asda is reinstalling previous food donation points in all its stores across the UK.
A study ordered by Electrolux reveals the habits of 28,000 people in 23 different countries. Whereas the Koreans and Japanese are the fastest at vacuuming, the Norwegians win the prize for the lightest outfits.
