Block Shell
- Text by Alex King
- Photography by Greenpeace/Don't Panic
Shell’s deal with Lego, the world’s biggest toy company, seems to be an attempt to launder its image after a spate of negative publicity surrounding their intentions to drill for oil in the Arctic and advance the frontiers of planet plunder.
Shell are one of the few beneficiaries of climate change, as receding polar ice caps have made oil exploration in previously inaccessible parts of the Arctic a real possibility.
Scientists have warned that an oil spill in the Arctic would be impossible to clean up but Shell’s partnership with Lego has worked wonders in shining up the company’s public image.
16 million Shell-branded Lego sets have been given away at the company’s petrol stations in 26 countries and encouraged millions of children to associate Shell’s toxic brand with the warm glow they get from playing with the iconic toys.
Greenpeace have launched a major campaign to end Lego’s cosy relationship with Shell as part of their larger battle against Arctic drilling.
UPDATE:
After clocking up over three million views, YouTube have removed the original video. Democracy on the internet is alive and well… Luckily, it’s been re-posted on Vimeo so get sharing and spreading the message.
The #BlockLego video was suspended by YouTube following a copyright claim from Warner Brothers for the use of the song ‘Everything is Awesome.’ However searches reveal the song is featured in hundreds of videos that remain on the site. Greenpeace intend to appeal against the decision, arguing their use of satire and parody is protected under the right to free speech as it is in the public interest.
UPDATE 2:
It appears to have also been removed from Vimeo.
UPDATE 3:
After huge pressure on YouTube, the original video has now been reinstated (above).
Sign the petition now or get involved by using the #BlockShell hashtag.
You might like
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
A luminous portrait of Black life over six decades
Shared Memories — As staff photographer for The New York Times, Chester Higgins captured Black culture and spiritual connection like no other. A new exhibition celebrates his life and impact.
Written by: Miss Rosen
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A tender portrait of life and ritual from Mexico City’s streets
Órale — For the last six years of his life, photographer, collector and designer Michel Hurst documented death rituals, street life and religious pageantry in contemporary Mexico. A new monograph showcases his work.
Written by: Roxana Diba
In photos: Washington DC’s Black communities facing up to gentrification
A Language We Share — A new exhibition featuring the work of Beverly Price and Gordon Parks preserves historically Black neighbourhoods in the USA, before development and economic forces made them disappear.
Written by: Miss Rosen
