Post by Lux on Apr 18, 2008 17:57:02 GMT 12
Tui ad sides with Tibet
Tui's latest "Yeah right" billboard campaign takes a stand against China's crackdown on Tibetan Buddhist monks.
A dozen billboards across New Zealand feature the statement: "They wouldn't hurt them, they're monks." That is followed by the familiar "Yeah right" retort.
The moral support from a brewery has been welcomed by Tibetan exiles living in New Zealand, despite the Buddhist ethical code calling for followers to avoid alcohol.
A Tibetan exile living in Christchurch, who only wished to be identified as Yongten, said the billboards were "wonderful".
"This is really good. When people try to make a situation like this clear to people and they do it in a serious way, people turn off and do not like that kind of thing. So if the concern is expressed in a light manner, then it is really good," he said.
"At least they are doing something humorous to penetrate people's minds."
Christchurch resident Keran Tsering, who is married to a Tibetan exile, said the billboards were a "very strong statement" of support for Tibet.
"This is a pretty amazing stance for them to take. It is a pretty strong statement. Some might think it is bad taste because it is put behind a beer, but I think Tui is taking a stance and I would say `Good on Tui'," she said.
Tui marketing manager Jarrod Bear said the billboards were in support of the "underdog".
"I think we are against any form of violence and New Zealanders like to back the underdog. China is a big power and they are going in there and flexing their muscles ... We are prepared to say what we think is wrong," he said.
"The Yeah right campaign allows us to voice what people are thinking and if something is wrong, we can say so."
The billboards come just weeks after New Zealand signed a free-trade agreement with China. The signing was overshadowed by violence in Tibet and neighbouring Chinese provinces as Tibetan monks protested for greater independence.
Good move...
