The slogan ‘No Tents, Just Chicken’ posted by KFC sparks outrage among the supporters of Palestine
Recently, a social media post from the popular fast-food chain KFC stirred up fierce reactions from the audience. The post which was a slogan by KFC said “No Tents, Just Chicken.”
The advertisement wasn’t a typical advertising uproar. Instead, it sparked a wave of criticism and called for a boycott as many online Pro-Palestinian supporters connected the slogan to the struggles of Palestinian victims of displacement and genocide.
This backlash added fuel to the fire of existing frustrations over KFC’s sponsorship of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with more and more people joining the call to boycott the cricket league.
While KFC itself isn’t directly listed on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement’s radar, its parent company, Yum Brands, has investments in Israeli startups. Yum Brands is known to own other food franchises including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, etc.
This isn’t the first time a major corporation has found itself under a huge boycott campaign. McDonald’s and Zara faced similar criticisms for their insensitive advertisement of Palestinians in their marketing campaigns, further fuelling the debate.
Interestingly, the confusion was cleared and it was stated that the origins of KFC’s controversial slogan traced back to a completely unrelated incident on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
A local company, APUA, found themselves in hot water after losing a tent used for events, leading to a social media post that gave birth to this slogan.
Nevertheless, the damage was done. The slogan “No Tents, Just Chicken” with the struggles of displaced Palestinians ignited debates over corporate responsibility and ethical advertising practices.
Critics argue that KFC’s oversight in foreseeing the potential implications of their marketing messages reflects a disregard for the sensitivities of the affected Palestinians.
As discussions around boycotting KFC and the PSL sponsorship gain momentum, it’s a reminder for all of us to consider the broader implications of corporate partnerships and advertising strategies.
This controversy emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making when navigating sensitive social and political issues.
Full list of Israeli products to boycott.
