The 2013 Super Bowl Coke commercial is taking some heat from the Arab-American groups who state that the ad is racist.
The ad shows an Arab man walking with his camel through a hot desert where he notices cowboys, showgirls and a group of "Mad Max"inspired men racing to get to a huge Coke bottle.
Viewers are asked to vote on who should win the race, but the Arab is not one of the choices.
Click here to watch the Super Bowl Coke Ad
How the Arab is portrayed is questioned by many groups who are speaking out to the media.
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Reuters reports that Imam Ali Siddiqui, President of the Muslim Institute for Interfaith Studies, states, "The Coke commercial for the Super Bowl is racist, portraying Arabs as backward and foolish Camel Jockeys, and they have no chance to win in the world."
The President of the President of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Warren David, states, "Why is it that Arabs are always shown as either oil-rich sheiks, terrorists or belly dancers?"
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Instead of enjoying this Super Bowl commercial for its comic value, its created a controversy that may make the folks at Coca-Cola wish they decided to use that cute, white polar bear in this year's Super Bowl ad.
"What message is Coke sending with this? By not including the Arab in the race, it is clear that the Arab is held to a different standard when compared to the other characters in the commercial." - Abed Ayoub, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
What do the powers-that-be have at Coke have to say about this?
Spokesman Lauren Thompson fired off a typical PR answer in email to the press that states, "Coca-Cola is an inclusive brand enjoyed by all demographics. We illustrate our core values, from fun and refreshment to happiness, inspiration and optimism across all of our marketing communications."
Do you think Coke should modify the 2013 Super Bowl ad to let the Arab man and his camel compete in the race for the giant bottle of Coke?
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