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.
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