Arab-American groups call Coca-Cola Super Bowl ad 'racist'
"cinematic" approach with the ad, employing the characters as a nod to movies of the past.
"Coca-Cola is an inclusive brand enjoyed by all demographics," she said in an email. "We illustrate our core values, from fun and refreshment to happiness, inspiration and optimism across all of our marketing communications."
Ayoub said ADC intended to contact Coke and CBS Corp on Thursday to "hopefully start a dialog."
"I want to know why this happened and how can we fix this if possible before Sunday," he said.
The ADC garnered attention back in 1992 when it complained that lyrics in the Walt Disney animated film "Aladdin" were racist.
Ronald Goodstein, professor at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, said he was surprised by the image as well. "If Coke's vision is to be an arm's distance away from every customer, why would they want to offend the Arab world?" said Goodstein.
Ayoub said the commercial could harm Coke's business with the Arab community.
"Coke should understand and respect their consumers and have a better understanding of the market they are sharing," he Ayoub.
The company has a large market share in the Middle East and North Africa, he noted, and many convenience stores and other retail outlets in the United States that offer Coke are owned by Arab-Americans.
Be the first to comment.
