The embodiment of pedantry

Burger King is after launching a new ad campaign using the most sequestered villagers from regions such as Thailand, Transylvania and Greenland to show how good a whopper is to those who would have no idea what it is.

“If you want a real opinion about a burger, ask someone who doesn’t even have a word for burger,” boasts the campaign’s Web site, whoppervirgins.com.

Seems like a good idea to me, use those who don’t have any preconceived notions to prove that it’s a fantastic (albeit thoroughly unhealthy) option to indulge in.

Unfortunately the New York Daily News is more concerned with the PC notion of how it offends.

“It’s outrageous,” said Sharon Akabas of the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University. “What’s next? Are we going to start taking guns out to some of these remote places and ask them which one they like better?”

Good point, but I’m quite sure arms dealer have been testing out that idea for quite a while….

“It’s insulting,” she said, adding that the money used to make the documentary would have been better spent trying to end hunger – not create it.
Marilyn Borchardt, development director for Food First, called the campaign insensitive.
“The ad’s not even acknowledging that there’s even hunger in any of these places,” she said.
At a Burger King in Times Square, New Yorkers had mixed opinions.
“That’s a stupid commercial, because when you’re hungry, anything tastes good,” said Irvin Gatone, 42, of the Bronx.

From an ethical point of view, raising awareness of hunger might be the best course of action, but when you’re referred to as the number 2 fast food chain, it’s probably best to stick with direct advertising.

Check it out after the beep.