Recently, I blogged about a question Lauren Caitlin Upton, Miss South Carolina, faced in her attempt to become Miss Teen USA 2007. She was asked why a fifth of Americans can't locate the US on a map. The poor girl presumably meant well, but her answer made her an overnight internet sensation. She gave an hilarious riff on cartographic poverty, the state of education, and their relationship to, among others, South Africa.

Then the folks over at Cherryflava, who think clever marketing thoughts more often than I do, suggested that this is a great promo for Brand South Africa. If Borat can put Kazakhstan on the map, why can't Miss South Carolina do the same for South Africa? She even exhorted U.S. Americans (sic) to get maps. That must be a good start.

This group is intended to show South Africa's appreciation for Miss South Carolina's efforts in raising awareness among U.S. Americans of S.A. South Africans. (read less)

Recently, I blogged about a question Lauren Caitlin Upton, Miss South Carolina, faced in her attempt to become Miss Teen USA 2007. She was asked why a fifth of Americans can't locate the US on a map. The poor girl presumably meant well, but her answer made her an overnight internet sensation. She gave an hilarious riff on cartographic poverty, the state of education, and their relationship to, among others, South Africa.

Then the folks over at Cherryflava, who think clever marketing thoughts... (read more)