It is colorful and cool and makes a strong statement about Ford’s feelings on discrimination.
Friends, the world is becoming more connected and closer than ever. Although social media allows instant communication with anyone, it can also be a double-edged sword. We’ll be happy to show you an automaker’s colourful response to discriminatory comments on social media. It’s an amazing response.
Ford’s German branch supports Christopher Street Day (CSD), which is celebrated in Cologne, Germany, where the headquarters of the automaker are located. Cologne hosts one of the biggest CSD events in the nation, dedicated to supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Ford provided a rainbow-adorned Ranger Raptor, but the Raptor had two origins. The Raptor’s original Color, Performance Blue, was also called “very gay” by a negative commenter on social media. Ford named the pickup the Very gay Raptor.
The automaker recognized the tone of the comment and responded with an extravagant image of a rainbow Ranger in order to clarify the company’s position. Ford then hired a Performance Blue Raptor to give it a complete makeover. For an added visual punch, the truck’s back was given a gold foil by Alphafoil. This entire process took 60 hours, required 30 square metres of film and speaks volumes about Ford’s opinions on those who believe such language and actions can be accepted.
Ford’s special Raptor isn’t the first vehicle to support the LGBTQ+ community. Cologne’s CSD celebration of 1998 saw the creation of a truck-converted Ka with rainbow paint 23 years ago. Ford’s GLOBE network (Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees) celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. It supports LGBTQ+ employees and diversity at work.
Bravo to Ford for making such a powerful statement in such high-profile fashion. The Very Gay Raptor is on display in Cologne from August 28 to Sunday, August 28.