Oreo maker Nabisco and parent company Kraft found themselves at the center of controversy this week after posting the image of a rainbow-filled Oreo to their Facebook page in honor of gay pride events across the country during June. The move makes Kraft the latest of several major companies to draw attention (and some criticism) for subtly or not-so-subtly endorsing gay rights.

The photoshopped, multi-layer Oreo was accompanied by the simple caption “Pride,” as well as the message “Proudly support love!” According to the Chicago Tribune, a Kraft spokesperson said that the company “has a proud history of celebrating diversity and inclusiveness,” and that statements of support have “far outnumbered” negative comments.

Unfortunately, there were still plenty of negative comments, calling Kraft’s statement anti-family or sinful. Several commenters suggest they will stop buying Oreos, but so far, no actual boycott has materialized.

In February, a  JC Penney ad campaign prompted a boycott from an organization called One Million Moms, simply for featuring openly gay star Ellen DeGeneres. And last November, dozens of companies including Microsoft and Google filed a brief against the Defense of Marriage Act.

The National Organization for Marriage and the American Family Association have technically been boycotting companies like the Home Depot and Starbucks for their support of gay rights, without much effect.

Despite political affiliation, everyone can be upset about one thing: the rainbow Oreo is for now, not real. The small print under the image reads, “Made with creme colors that do not exist.”

[via New York Magazine]

Bookmark to: