In the PSA, Burger King uses kid actors to put on a bullying display in their restaurant in front of REAL customers. They also hand some of their customers a “bullied” (really smashed up) Whopper Jr. instead of the perfectly put together Whopper Jr. they ordered. They say their bullying a high school junior and a Whopper Jr. Clever, eh?
We the viewers are treated to scenes of customers ignoring the ACTUAL bullying, while marching up to the counter to report their smashed-up burgers in droves. Watching it makes me feel very cringey and uncomfortable.
Because? The scenario of people ignoring a real live person in distress while caring about their insignificant problem is…all too believable.
I really want you to take the three minutes to watch this amazing piece of cinema, so I’m not going to tell you the percentages of people who complained about their burger vs. people who helped the teen being bullied. You need to see it for yourself. And then, you need to share it! This is a powerful message. Part of ending bullying and just general CRUELTY is standing up for those being subjected to it.
THANK YOU, Burger King, for using your platform and your burgers in this powerful way. Well. Freaking. Done.