The Bad Can of Cola
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We were all at EP last week. Well, those of us who were there were there. The event is sponsored, in part, by Coca-Cola. So there’s a level of complicity in all of us. We could have boycotted the event in protest, but we didn’t.
Now, I am aware, after having a good chat with my pal Mikey Cullen, that there is a major difference between going to an event and promoting a brand. Taking money from a brand that is involved in a genocide is different to going an an event they sponsor. Neither is great but one is a lot more intentional. Because by taking their money you are outright complying. You are saying that what they’re doing is fine.
This week, I’ve heard several influencers who went to EP with Coke say things like ‘I didn’t know’ or ‘I didn’t do enough research,’ and to be quite frank, I don’t buy it for a second. Spend ten minutes on IG and you’ll quickly learn that Coke is top of the boycott list. I know this myself without conducting any ‘research’. So saying you didn’t know as an excuse isn’t a very good one.
That said, if you disapprove of someone’s behaviour it doesn’t give you free reign to bully and harass a person. Have a bit of decorum about yourself. Bringing someone’s looks/beliefs/sexuality/personality into your comments because you disagree with their behaviour suggests you just needed a justifiable reason to be a prick. And that’s just pathetic. Call out the poor behaviour, saddle up your horses, and move on. (I’ve been watching Western movies so apologies for all the obscure cowboy references).
Finally, and most importantly, Palestine Coke is class. I had a can last night because a local restaurant called Shaku Maku in Dublin sent me some. It bangs. I wish it were more widely available, but we’ll get there. So there are alternatives if you are someone who can’t live without their Cola fix.
Finally, finally – I feel that if you’re an influencer of such high following that a company like Coca-Cola is offering to bring you places on their dime, there are other brands who will do the exact same given the opportunity. Other brands that aren’t complicit in genocide. Maybe they won’t pay you as much, but I’m almost certain you can say no to one pay day for the sake of your brothers and sisters being murdered. And if that isn’t a good enough reason for you, I’m even more certain you can say no to a payout for the sake of your reputation.
Up Cork & Free Palestine,
Daragh