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Danielle Hatfield

#HelloHappiness – Bold Idea but Bothersome Message

June 28, 2014 By Danielle Hatfield Leave a Comment

28 Jun
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A friend of mine shared this story today on Facebook.

It explains the #HelloHappiness campaign from Coca-cola. Take a minute to watch the video:

“Because happiness is a coca-cola, and a phone call home”

“Because happiness is a coca-cola and a phone call home” – that’s how it ends.

How did you feel after watching it?

Do you have warm fuzzies for the Coke brand?

Did you cringe when you saw the living conditions of these workers?

Were you angry to learn that they make (and survive somehow) on so little?

If you’re at work and can’t watch this video yet – This heart string pulling ad from Coca-Cola shares how they built a phone booth that accepts coke bottle caps to provide United Arab Emirates workers a 3 minute phone call home.

It may not seem like much, but for these workers, who average Dh22 (the equivalent of $6) a day, it IS a gift that truly lifts their spirits. How could it not? With the average phone call costing these migrant workers Dh3.34  (.90 cents) per minute – this coke cap idea is like giving water to a thirsty man in the desert.

I am VERY curious as to how much a Coke is in Dubai costs [EDIT: A 500ml bottle of Coke costs about Dh2] and how frequently these men are now buying a Coke. I ask because if these workers have only $6 a day to survive on – is a coke something they should be buying?

As an amazing idea that this technology is – this makes me question Cokes motives.

Now, another question I wanted to ask you is this :

Is it a good commercial?

Take your time. Watch it again.

ME? I’m still conflicted on whether or not this is a good commercial.

– I think it’s brilliant to turn trash into a currency. Imagine if this took off for other consumable products. . .

– Yes, I agree 100% this type of phone booth should be something Coca-Cola installs world wide, not just in Dubai. I imagine many international travel destinations that rely on tourists and migrant workers would benefit from this.

– Also, imagine the fun the remake happy folks in Hollywood would have with a 21st century Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures with a coke bottle cap phone booth. (you know it would happen)

Why am I conflicted?

Well, as much as I love the concept of turning bottle caps into currency – It bothers the hell out of me that Coke is capitalizing on the bleak living conditions of these men. “modern day heros” as they are described in the article. As is living in abject poverty is a fucking badge of honor. . . seriously y’all? This is the quote I’m talking about from the article linked above: “Whatever motive Coca Cola has for bringing these ad, Hello Happiness telephone booths have somehow made a difference for our modern day heroes.” When I saw the living conditions of these men, I thought to myself . . . “more like todays slave laborers” – It’s deplorable that these men (and many more men, women and children around the world) are forced into near slave labor because of the inequalities that exist in every country.

This commercial doesn’t’ make me want to buy a Coke – it makes me want to change the world.

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Filed Under: Motivational, Technology Tagged With: Coca-Cola, Coke, Hello Happiness

About Danielle Hatfield

Owner/Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm - DIYs, recipes and sharing my 2 cents on social media

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I love to share recipes, DIYs, and my two cents on social media.

I am also proud to be the Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm where I have worked with my partner and husband Brandon Pierce since 2009.

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I love #DIYs, #recipes, and sharing my 2 cents on social media.

My next #FurnitureRestoration project! 😍 My de My next #FurnitureRestoration project! 😍

My dear @thebrandonpierce found it at the local #HabitatReStore and it’s a near match for a desk he inherited that once belonged to his great grandfather. 

I have BIG plans for this beauty!

It will become home to my new @singersewingcompany heavy duty sewing machine and all of my sewing notions. 

This means I can *finally* begin sewing curtains, cushions, and tackle a few other upholstery/restoration projects. 🤗
#HomemadePastaSauce > store-bought #PastaSauce. #HomemadePastaSauce > store-bought #PastaSauce.
Practicing #WorkLifeBalance with some quality time Practicing #WorkLifeBalance with some quality time outside this morning. 

With temperatures in the mid 60s and a cool breeze ahead of the thunderstorms forecast for tomorrow - it is the *perfect* weather to show our #GardenLove.

This #Iris is one of many transplant successes … I moved it a few years ago and it is nearly waist high! 

Is our #CottageGarden picture perfect? No. 

But slowly, with patience and hard work, it’s more lush and colorful… I dare say it’s well on its way to resembling #BeatrixPotter’s beloved garden. 

Now, about those children’s books I’ve been meaning to write and illustrate…🤔
A #watercolorportrait I painted of #ElvisPresley l A #watercolorportrait I painted of #ElvisPresley last year. 

I didn’t share this #watercolorpainting before because I thought it was mediocre at best. I still feel that way - but that’s okay. 

#WatercolorPractice never makes perfect…it makes improvement. 

I’ll probably paint another portrait of him this year to see if I’ve improved my fabric, skin, and hair painting skills. 

I’m thinking maybe the next painting will be a still from his 1968 One Night With You special...or of him in uniform from WWII. 🤔

Do you have a favorite memorable photo/video of #Elvis?
I’ve been encouraging the #dandelions. I’m I’ve been encouraging  the #dandelions. 

I’m harvesting leaves for sandwiches/salads and transplanting volunteers into pots in our small #CottageGarden.

Some see a weed - I see Clara’s #DepressionEra salad and #DandelionRoot tea. 😍
@thebrandonpierce surprised me with the sweetest # @thebrandonpierce surprised me with the sweetest #springflowers from our #cottagegarden. 😍
#SpringFlowers found on our walk tonight. 😍#Wha #SpringFlowers found on our walk tonight. 😍#WhatIsThisPlant?
My dear @thebrandonpierce keeps the birthday month My dear @thebrandonpierce keeps the birthday month surprises coming with TWO books by @jamesgurneyart! 😍

If you need me, I’ll be sipping coffee and getting lost in a wealth of #ArtInspiration.
#PracticeMakesProgress 🙌🏻 The first #waterc #PracticeMakesProgress 🙌🏻

The first #watercolor #painting (on the left) I finished last year. Good, but a bit dull. 

After receiving all of my new #artsupplies this month (thank you @thebrandonpierce 😘) I *HAD* to paint it again… isn’t she a beauty?! (on the right)

I’m slowly working to improve mixing skin tones, painting eyes that have a bit more depth, and a fabric that doesn’t look splotchy…

This #watercolorpractice is inspired by the February 1927 #PictoralReview #CoverArt by  #illustrationArtist #EarlChristy. 

#WatercolorPaint & #Paintbrushes: #KingArtCompany 

#WatercolorPaper: #cansonpaper 140lb cold press
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