What's happened
Ben Cohen accuses Unilever of blocking a Palestinian solidarity flavor, citing a broader conflict over the brand's activism. Cohen is campaigning for the sale of Ben & Jerry’s to preserve its social mission amid legal disputes and corporate tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The conflict highlights a fundamental tension between corporate profit motives and social activism. Cohen’s campaign underscores how brand identity can become a battleground for political expression, especially when a parent company seeks to limit such activism. The legal disputes suggest Unilever aims to protect its corporate interests, potentially at the expense of the brand’s activist legacy. This standoff may influence broader debates on corporate free speech, especially as consumer activism grows. The timing, amid Unilever’s spin-off plans and political climate, indicates a strategic move to suppress dissent and control brand messaging. If Cohen’s campaign succeeds, it could set a precedent for activist-led brand independence, but it also risks alienating shareholders and consumers wary of politicized brands. The story will likely evolve as legal battles unfold and public pressure mounts, shaping the future of corporate activism and brand integrity.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, The Guardian, and The New Arab provide a comprehensive view of Cohen’s campaign and the broader context. The NY Post emphasizes Cohen’s direct actions and the legal dispute with Unilever, framing it as a fight over free speech and brand independence. The Guardian highlights Cohen’s broader activism and the political significance of the flavor, framing it as part of a larger struggle against corporate censorship. The New Arab offers insight into the Palestinian context, illustrating the emotional and political stakes behind Cohen’s activism. While the NY Post focuses on the corporate and legal aspects, The Guardian and The New Arab contextualize the story within global political struggles, emphasizing the importance of free expression and social justice. Together, these sources depict a complex battle over corporate power, activism, and free speech, with Cohen positioning himself as a defender of social justice against corporate suppression.
How we got here
Ben & Jerry’s, founded in 1978 by Cohen and Greenfield, has a history of activism, including refusing to sell in Israeli-occupied territories. Unilever acquired the brand in 2000 and has since limited its political expression, leading to legal disputes and accusations of censorship. Cohen has been vocal in advocating for the brand’s independence and social mission, especially amid plans for Unilever to spin off its ice cream division.
Go deeper
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Ben Cohen may refer to:
Ben Cohen (bridge) (1907–1971), English bridge player and author
Ben Cohen (businessman) (born 1951), American businessman, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's
Ben Cohen (rugby union) (born 1978), English LGBT activist and ex-rugby unio
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Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company, headquartered in London, United Kingdom and Rotterdam, The Netherlands.