Small World Machines: Sharing Happiness

Sometimes it is very easy to think that big problems require even more elaborate solutions.  Our recognition of the complexity of a situation creates a paralysis that is hard to overcome.  However, small efforts and simple ideas can help lead a slow, but gradual paradigm shift.  When it comes to international relations, long-standing quarrels can be difficult to defuse.  A problem arises between nations, and the problem begins to shape public opinion in a way that makes it difficult for the people of each nation to empathize with the other.  Even peoples that share a common past can find a wedge driven between them.

Today, I had the good fortune to view an inspirational video of a small effort to reacquaint two neighbors.  Since the partitioning of India and Pakistan in 1947, there has been a political boundary between the two nations and, at times, a significant human divide.  While the challenges of this relationship won't be solved by sharing a soda and a video connection,  I would encourage you to view this short video of two Coca-Cola vending machines that tried to share some happiness and build a bridge between the peoples of India and Pakistan.

Apparently, based on the story from The Stream at Aljazeera English, these machines dispensed 10,000 cans of free Coca-Cola to the participants.  They were then sent back to the US, where Coca-Cola is evaluating the next possible locations for these machines.  Hopefully, some of the capabilities of these machines can be integrated into vending models that can remain permanently in place throughout the world.  What a great combination of marketing, public relations, and leveraging technology to reveal in fun, innovative ways those things in which humanity has in common.