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Last week, Ford announced that it would pull ads from gay publications, succumbing to a pressure campaign by the ultra-right wing American Family Association. This was the worst idea Ford had since the introduction of the Pinto. Like the infamous car, Ford's new policy backfired and exploded. It appears that today they are wisely reversing course.
Ford Motor Company released a statement today saying it would feature all of its brands in a 2006 ad campaign in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-themed publications.
"Ford's action is a positive outcome and win for equality and fairness," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Ford has sent a powerful signal that corporate America values its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and consumers."
Hats off to HRC, NGLTF, PFLAG, GLAAD, Americablog and the other groups that made this happen. We should also applaud the responsible actions of Ford and praise the company's recommitment to the values of inclusion and diversity.
7 Comments:
When will these CEOs learn that they dont have to rim the "christian" taliban anymore. The LGBT community is now a force to be reckoned with as Bill Gates found out earlier this year when he temporarily caved-in to the threats of ONE baptist minister. Talk about an elephant running in fear from the squeaks of one little mouse (RAT in this case). I suspect the drones in the pews are more apathetic about the whole thing than their blustering preachers. I'm sure most of them would buy a ford if they wanted one and dont really give a shit if they advertise in gay magazines. It moves a glacial pace, but it seems justice and fairness eventually win out (most of the time). Gary (NJ)
posted by Anonymous, at
12/15/2005 9:45 PM
Ford and others know the kind of power we yield as witnessed what happened with Anita Bryant. We followed through on a boycott of florida orange juice and forced them to drop her as spokesperson. Anita has since then never been able to sell another album or a career in show business as no one will touch after what happened with the orange juice boycott.
posted by Adam Kautz, at
12/16/2005 2:29 AM
I agree ... the boycott of Disney flopped and the AFA had to finally throw in th towel ... and you are correct Adam Kautz ole Anita sure joined the wrong cause back then! Although I must admit as a young teen at the time ... she helped me put a name to what I was feeling internally! So in a way I have to thank that bitter old hag for helping me understand that I was GAY! It had a name and there were others like me. Funny how her campaign actually had the opposite effect of what she was going for.
HRC sent out letter today encouraging everyone to send a letter to Ford! I certainly did jump on the bandwagon - I believe its important to Thank them with as much effort as we all lambasted them last week.
Corporate America are such cowards. Time and time again, they must be shamed into social responsibility -- when they can simply do what's just at the beginning and avoid the fracas. Yet they refuse. .
posted by Christopher, at
12/16/2005 8:03 AM
Good for you Paul! We absolutely need to let them hear from us when they do something right - all they ever hear, it seems, is the negativity. I sent Ford a scathing letter last week, and a congratulatory note yesterday when I heard they are bringing their ads back.
Ford simply forgot that the vast majority of their customer-base is fair-minded and NOT focused on anti-anything, they just want a good product. They heard the loud minority voice, and bent to it. Now they have been reminded what a fringe the AFA represents.
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