Something is brewing in Saudi Arabia. And this time it’s not an explosive concoction of suicide bombings and Allahu Akbars. The Saudi government seems to have been trying to implement more freedom (see PROGRESS: Crown Prince Vows ‘Moderate Islam’ Will Return to Saudi Arabia). Yes, THAT Saudi Arabia. One of their new changes is officially allowing women to drive. To celebrate, Coca Cola released this ad:
I know, I know, it’s weird seeing a commercial about women being “allowed” to drive in the 21st century. The Middle East is behind on the whole women’s rights thing. Still, this new change is an accomplishment worth noting. Women sorely need more freedom in Saudi Arabia and this is a meek baby step in the right direction. It makes sense that Coca Cola would want to highlight this moment.
But some people have their panties in a twist over the commercial.
A new ad for Coca-Cola in Saudi Arabia is drawing comparisons to Pepsi's Kendall Jenner ad. pic.twitter.com/8KWG8dIhr0
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) November 8, 2017
CocaCola: Saudi women driving edition. Brands jump at the chance to make a profit off #Saudi’s historic announcement pic.twitter.com/2Nh6B3UeJj
— بثينة العزابي (@Boutaina) November 4, 2017
The @COCACOLA_ME ad on the most symbolic moment for #Saudi #women is a #fail; as bad as #kendel #Pepsi protest https://t.co/CQksvkp6LI
— Muna AbuSulayman منى (@abusulayman) November 4, 2017
The year is 2017 and people are outraged over a commercial showing women being able to drive in Saudi Arabia. Outraged over the fact that women were previously BANNED BY THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT from driving? Not so much. While capitalism is lambasted as evil, actual sexism gets hastily swept under the prayer mat. Priorities.
The perpetually offended never cease to give us plenty of giggle fodder.
Speaking of which…
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