Snapple Says, "Staten Island Stinks"

Snapple, the "official" drink of New York City, has pulled a joke on their website that was made at Staten Island's expense.

Question: "The most recognized smell in the world is -----?"
Answer: "No, it's not Staten Island. It's coffee."

Gothamist found it pretty funny, but we can see how it might not be the best joke if you're in a marketing partnership with the city and you're supposed to be marketing New York City around the world. Mental note, telling someone they stink is not the way to flatter. The joke has since been changed to: "No, it's not sweet, sweet victory - it's coffee." Phooey.

The joke alludes to Fresh Kills Landfill, which closed in 2001 after more than 50 years of dumping. Gothamist hasn't been to the areas directly surrounding the landfill, but how bad could it be if it's a possible Olympic venue.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By tien mao in News on December 29, 2004 9:33 AM

Comments [rss]

chris flemington

The stretch of I-95 in nj on the turnpike between linden and elizabeth stinks. However, its from the petro-chemical plants in an industry area. Staten Island stinkiness is right in residential areas with many private homes. Yet again New York has proven that it cant take criticism. Then they pick on jersey to feel better. You stink, Staten Island. Deal with it. And stay out of jersey, please.

Dap

forgotten 5th boro tru, but lets not forget about the Wu-TangClan they put staten Island back on the map.

Dave H.

I used to live in Seattle, WA in the 80s and whenever the parents drove past Tacoma I thought I would die from self-induced asphyxia; it smelled so bad I would try to will myself not to breathe. I believe the stench was caused by paper mills--heavy on the chlorine and other chemicals. Having lived in NJ both before and after that period, I can attest that the Garden State's worst stretch of I-95 smells like a rose garden in comparison.

Rose

What about Northern New Jersey on the Garden State Parkway?

Jen

Yeah, the SI joke was a gimme; and Dan, I had read this article about how an SUV was named the Tacoma, and all the locals there were tittering about how Tacoma smells and that it wasn't a good idea to name a car after it, and it opened my eyes to that fact that cities outside of NYC smell.

MT

As a born and bred Staten Islander, I can say sometimes being the forgotten fifth borough has it's advantages. The lack of alternate side of the street parking alone makes it worth living there. I seriously doubt anyone who's not looking for some pathetic media attention truely cares about a dumb Fresh Kills joke these days.

Jen W

That was kind of dumb of Snapple, but come on, Staten Island needs to be less sensitive about it's status as Staten Island--the forgotten 5th borough.