Who knew that we would reach a day where something as innocent-seeming as a TOY company – albeit a super successful one with a 141 minute advertisement movie starring Chris Pratt – would be a the target of widespread criticism?
Not us, and probably not them, but we have reached that day, folks, and everything is not awesome for LEGO.
They’re currently at the epicentre of a shitstorm for refusing a shipment to Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei on political grounds.
Weiwei – who is a longstanding critic of the Chinese Communist Party – was planning to use the LEGO to build an exhibition on political dissidents and free speech in Australia.
LEGO, on the other hand, decided to reject the bulk order citing their policy that “in cases where we receive requests for donations or support for projects – such as the possibility or purchasing Lego bricks in large quantities – where we are made aware that there is a political context, we therefore kindly decline support.”
Other reasons for LEGO refusing to sell to Weiwei *might* include the fact that they just opened a new factory in China last year, and that they announced they’ll be building a new Legoland in Shanghai last week, and that they grew sales in China by 50% in 2014, but y’know. It might also be the political thing.
In reaction to LEGO’s decision, Weiwei did a cheeky and chucked up this Duchamp-inspired smack down:
And then the citizens of the internet just kind of rose up to support Weiwei, because AAWWWW #peoplepower. Isn’t this just a wonderful place you guys?
support @aiww and freedom of expression through art in any media @LEGO_Group #legosforweiwei pic.twitter.com/oElnjlBQbh
— Suzu King (@BellTree127) October 25, 2015
So Sweet! #legosforweiwei RT @benchwhistler .@aiww
Here is something for your art. pic.twitter.com/qfEC5AfCH2
— dgatterdam (@dgatterdam) October 25, 2015
Copenhagen 2008: @LEGO_Group gave bricks for public art project so we could build anything. VERY political. @aiww pic.twitter.com/8PKX9B6V9K
— Michael Oman-Reagan (@OmanReagan) October 24, 2015
“Everything is art. Everything is politics” @aiww #legosforweiwei https://t.co/qfq36HvTw2
— dgatterdam (@dgatterdam) October 26, 2015
1/2 ???????Lego ?@aiww ???? Lego Duplo finger for Ai Weiwei #lego pic.twitter.com/ik908RV3Cz
— Ao Lun ?? (@aolun) October 24, 2015
@aiww Uh oh, no one tell @LEGO_Group I used my Legos to make a political statement! #legosforweiwei pic.twitter.com/euOyW86xrP
— Mila Johns (@milaficent) October 25, 2015
“I think there is a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression.” –@aiww #LegosForWeiwei pic.twitter.com/84M6tGeJuH
— MR (@MollieRodriguez) October 26, 2015
Some even began offering to donate THEIR LEGO to Weiwei, as they no longer felt it appropriate to play with toys from a company they’d clarify as dickhead extremis.
I think we should all send Legos to @aiww Ai WeiWei in protest to the company’s refusal to support his latest piece #legosforweiwei #art
— Da?iel Bobby Tuttle (@DanielUrBrother) October 24, 2015
.@aiww – happily volunteering my garage for #legosforweiwei drop-off in Washington DC. Will package and ship, too.
— kate (@KeepitKati) October 25, 2015
@aiww please share an address where to send Lego bricks. #legosforweiwei
— Say_H3LL0 (@Say_H3LL0) October 25, 2015
Weiwei now announced that not only will he find a way to accept the donations, but he’ll be changing his art project to defend freedom of speech and “political art”.
To be perfectly frank, LEGO… suck it.
