UPDATE: Coca-Cola has released this statement in response to the controversy over its multilingual ad: "America is beautiful and Coca-Cola is for everyone. 'It’s Beautiful' was created to celebrate Coke moments among all Americans who together enjoy ice cold, refreshing Coke. For centuries America has opened its arms to people of many countries who have helped to build this great nation. 'It’s Beautiful' provides a snapshot of the real lives of Americans representing diverse ethnicities, religions, races and families, all found in the United States. All those featured in the ad are Americans and 'America The Beautiful' was sung by bilingual American young women.
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"We believe 'It’s Beautiful' is a great example of the magic that makes our country so special, and a powerful message that spreads optimism, promotes inclusion, and celebrates humanity — values that are core to Coca-Cola." Hear hear.
With all due respect to puppies, Bruce Willis, and cute little "Gracie," the 2014 Super Bowl ad that made us really feel things was Coca-Cola's 60-second spot featuring renditions of "America The Beautiful" in foreign languages. Between the sweet voices and the scenes of multiculturalism, we got some serious goosebumps. That's way more than we can say for the game itself. Sorry, Peyton.
Unfortunately, "America The Beautiful" soon transformed into "America The Ugly," as unimpressed viewers and trolls took to the Internet to express their displeasure about the non-English rendition. A few choice comments left on YouTube: "This is America do it in English. I promise you you will never hear China's or Vietnam's national anthem done in English. Looks like I drink Pepsi." "That does it. I am switching to Pepsi!" "Our soldiers didn't die so that we could press 1 for English. God Bless America!!!"
All this over hearing one of our country's most treasured songs? We assume the unhappy trolls had ancestors who came over on the Mayflower, or, better yet, were Native Americans (who, um, didn't speak English). God forbid they actually came via Ellis Island or took the Statue of Liberty at her word with this inscription: "Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
We choose to celebrate our country's diversity. You can choose to rant about multiculturalism. La vida es demasiado corta para escuchar a los que odian. (Look it up.)