Burger King Encourages Americans To Get Fat, Lose Friends
The King has gone bloody mad.
Hot on the heels of its "Whopper Virgins" initiative (which has been simultaneously labeled "culturally insensitive" and "hilarious"), Burger King recently launched a new promotion that's just as absurd. "Whopper Sacrifice" is a Facebook application that combines the joys of unhealthy eating with antisocial behavior, asking users to delete or "sacrifice" their friends in exchange for a free Whopper. Sacrifice? Mel Gibson wishes he had thought of this while promoting Apocalypto.
Some people think this latest bipolar decree from the King is offensive and "undermines the whole idea of Facebook marketing as a constructive viral force," but some people have never been on Facebook. As anyone under the age of 25 can tell you, there's a world of difference between friends on social networking sites and those of a more flesh and blood persuasion. The definition of "friend" online stretches far beyond "person with whom one shares mutual affection" to include "enemy," "former babysitter," and "I don't know this person" among countless other permutations. Example: I'm friends with a guy named Koz Collateral whose favorite movie is Scarface and whose hobbies include "cappin' bitches JK" and "ridin'". I haven't been interested in ridin' for about three years. Facebook friends are friends insofar as they've checked the box that says so. (Don't tell Koz.)
Point is, most Facebook users probably have at LEAST ten people they'd be more than happy to de-friend/sacrifice. We've all thought about it, avoiding the act because we're totally insecure and desperate for friends, fake or otherwise out of laziness. But now? There's a meaty reward for tossing the bastards overboard. It may say "I value a moderately priced cheeseburger over you," (to which the funny ex-friend might reply "have it your way! LOL") but it does so with style to spare. Plus the recession...
(Thanks to Tian Xie for pointing out the website!)