In the midst of Kraft’s new campaign in celebration of the Oreo Cookie’s 100th Anniversary this year, the cookie’s official Facebook page posted an ad on last week showing support for gay pride, creating controversy.
Many Facebook users commented on the page threatening to never buy Oreo cookies again, while others were in great support of it, creating a petition to make the colorful cookie a reality (the fine print on the page has the disclaimer “made with creme colours that don’t exist”).
The Facebook ad shows an Oreo stuffed with layers of various colored cream and features the word “Pride” below it. Also attached is a caption that reads “Proudly support love!”
The ad has generated over 225,730 likes, over 69,100 shares, and over 37,000 comments that range from threats to compliments.
Basil Maglaris, a Kraft spokeswoman, said in the statement that the ad is part of a “series of daily ads reflecting current events in a fun way using images of OREO cookies and milk,” according to ABC News. The company never really intended on selling the rainbow stuffed cookie.
“We are excited to illustrate what is making history today in a fun and playful way,” she added in an email to ABC News. “As a company, Kraft Foods has a proud history of celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. We feel the OREO ad is a fun reflection of our values.”
In a mix of politics and commerce, several high profile companies have introduced gay-themed ads this year, including GAP’s same-sex billboard, Target’s pride t-shirts, and Ben and Jerry’s Hubby Hubby ice cream. Kraft is doing that with the rainbow Oreo.
Several gay rights supporters hope to bring the pride cookie alive, creating a Change.org petition in hopes that Kraft would sell the cookie (“Make the Gay Oreo a Real Oreo!)”. I just signed it, as have more than 2,600 people so far… bring on the gay Oreos!
One question though… uh, how many calories would this damn thing have?
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