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Two for Tuesday: Two Unifying Coke Ads

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Social media provides a place for us all to be heard. In our joys and grief, we share, we express and we make our point.

We see the poignant–like Jim Carrey’s response to the death of the bright creative light, Philip Seymour Hoffman:

And we see the pained and sweet as seen here by Bronco’s player and dad Shaun Phillips:

It is our freedom to express ourselves. It is our right to be heard. People have fought and died for us to have that right.

Just days ago, we honored Dr. King’s legacy of courage and sacrifice to bring the voice and equal rights of blacks in America. I am all the more mindful of this as we enter Black History Month.

His cause was not limited to his race, though. As he said in his illustrious speech, “[I have] a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’”

Still, there are those who do not believe this basic human truth.

I was sad, disgusted really, to find that racism is still so rampant in our country. I was mortified that people would take so boldly to social media with their bigotry and hatred after what I thought was a gorgeous ad by Coke during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

On this two for Tuesday I want to share two ads, both by Coca-Cola. Both are beautiful tributes to the spirit of our country.

The first ad launched in 1971, and I still hear the Coke jingle in my head to this day. It was such a powerful ad, with its imagery and song of unity and brotherhood. It visually represented the diversity of America with the lyrics clearly evoking love and community.

 

 

Surely there were some Archie Bunker-ish idiots who talked trash about this ad at the time. Likely there were those who spread their ignorant ideals to those close enough to listen. But today, those with hatred in their hearts can taunt millions with their mindless rants at the click of a button. This became clear immediately after the Coke ad, which brought me to tears, aired on Sunday. Here it is:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=443Vy3I0gJs

 

Here is some of the ignorance that ensued:

 

 

 

 

I suppose there is an upside to there being such a public decree of ignorance: the enlightened among us can respond, refute and reclaim truth where hatred seeks to be heard. We can prove that a voice of unity, tolerance and community will always prevail over bigotry and division. Here are a few examples:

Social media, like all technological advancements, has tremendous potential for good and for harm. It can be a platform to spread truth or lies, hope or hatred. As always, it is up to the minds behind the mouths, the fingers behind the keyboards, the men and women behind the messages to use it for the highest good. It is the freedom we have been granted.

May we make the most of such freedoms that have come by another’s sacrifice.

May we utilize our opportunities and liberties for the highest good, as much as it is within our power to do so.

And wherever we are able, may we overshadow ignorance with truth.

America the Beautiful…

Indeed.

Cover Photo Source: phloxii / Shutterstock.com

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://testspace.thesanjosegroup.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Photo-on-12-14-12-at-2.39-PM-2.jpg[/author_image] [author_info] Jennifer is Director of Content & Ideation at SJG. I am convinced that every human being is innately creative – Picasso said the key is to remain childlike within the body of a responsible adult, or something along those lines. As the oldest member of this opinionated clan, I feel responsible to share a different perspective. Engage me – I love a good debate! [/author_info] [/author]