Quote from: Valerie on December 06, 2005, 09:51:02 AM
Well, not sure if this should haven gone under another topic heading, but here it is anyway....

'Ford Says Ends Ads in Gay Publications"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051206/ap_on_bi_ge/ford_boycott_1;_ylt=AgCJrfIuGEjM2TtgYUoLJxhdlakA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

What got to me was this line here:   "The American Family Association first announced the boycott against Ford and related brands on May 31. The group said Ford gave thousands of dollars to gay rights groups, offered benefits to same-sex couples and actively recruited gay employees."  What i put in bold-type....I mean does this or does this not strike you as over the edge....boycotting a company in part because they hire gay employees?  Does this mean they think homosexuals shouldn't have jobs at all?  They're supposed to just quit being gay or wither away and get poor and die?  GGrrrr...... 

Valerie

Ford has relented.

Quote from:


     December 14, 2005

     Matt Foreman, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
     Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign
     Neil Giuliano, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
     Craig Bowman, National Youth Advocacy Coalition
     Jody Huckaby, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
     Alexander Robinson, National Black Justice Coalition
     Jeff Montgomery, Triangle Foundation

     Dear Friends:

     Thank you again for taking the time to speak with us on Monday. In my view, it was the
     start of a valuable and healthy dialogue, and I was pleased to be there on behalf of Bill Ford,
     Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Company.

     My intention was to be as direct and forthright. You deserve no less. I appreciate your candor
     in return. I'd like to take this opportunity to review the information we shared face-to-face
     and to tell you how our thinking has evolved.

     You asked us specifically to reaffirm our principles of nondiscrimination and inclusiveness. We
     agreed, without any reservations, and issued a statement immediately after the meeting in
     which Bill Ford did so personally. We pointed out that Ford Motor Company and its brands
     value diversity among all of our constituents and pride ourselves on strong and clear values -
     respect for our customers, communities, employees, suppliers and dealers; acceptance of our
     differences; inclusion of different people with different perspectives; and integrity. That
     commitment is unchanged and we believe it is reflected in our policies, practices and
     marketing.

     You asked us to comment on reports that we had placed creative restrictions on the way
     our brands could speak to gay and lesbian audiences. We expect our brands to create
     advertising that supports their brand image and is appropriate and effective in connecting
     with the intended audience. That is unchanged. But we do not have to deal with this topic
     in the abstract. The best answer to your question will be in the ads themselves. I would ask
     you to judge our intent by what you see.

     You asked directly whether Ford Motor Company will continue to support nonprofit groups
     and events in the GLBT community. While we will still support certain events, I know you
     understand that the business situation will limit the extent of our support in all communities
     in 2006. We will continue all of our workplace policies and practices in support of Ford GLOBE
     members and supporters. That is unchanged.

     You asked directly for us to have Jaguar and Land Rover reverse its plans and advertise in
     gay and lesbian targeted publications in 2006. As we said, Jaguar and Land Rover made a
     business decision about their media plans and it would be inconsistent with the way we
     manage our business to direct them to do otherwise. It is clear there is a misperception
     about our intent. As a result, we have decided to run corporate ads in these targeted
     publications that will include not only Jaguar/Land Rover but all eight of Ford's vehicle brands.
     As we have said, the content will be appropriate and effective in connecting with the
     intended audience. It is my hope that this will remove any ambiguity about Ford's desire to
     advertise to all important audiences and put this particular issue behind us.

     Finally, you expressed your strong objections to our having even met with one of your
     harshest critics. We meet every day with people and organizations on many issues, and, as a
     business, do not wish be drawn into those that detract from our effectiveness in the
     marketplace. That said, we expect to be measured not by the meetings we conduct but by
     our conduct itself. Our record on tolerance and inclusion speaks for itself and I am proud to be
     judged on that record at any time.

     In closing, thank you again for your candor and professionalism. We listened and learned, and
     hope that you continue to understand the values and commitments of Ford Motor Company.
     I look forward to hearing from you at any time.

     Sincerely,

     Joe Laymon

And so I decided to let them know I appreciated their statement.

Quote from:

     My name is Susan Larson and I am one of those gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender(GLBT)
     individuals who applauds your choice to restore your advertising that caters to people like me.
     I currently drive a 1998 Ford Contour SE and it's a dream. This is my second Ford car. Up until
     I heard the decision to back away from the American Family Association (AFA)'s statement
     that Ford would:

          1. No longer run ads promoting Jaguar or Land Rover in the gay press.

          2. No longer support gay events or organizations.

          3. Continue running Volvo ads in the gay press, but no longer tailor those ads to the gay
              community (i.e., in the future such ads would be the same ads that are run in the
              mainstream media, rather than the crafting the ads to appeal to a gay readership).

     I had decided I would never buy another Ford product again. I have changed my mind after
     hearing that in a letter from Joe Laymon that Ford would:

          1. Ford announced that it will continue to support gay organizations and gay events in the
              coming year and beyond.

          2. Ford is going to run advertisements in the gay media NOT ONLY promoting the Jaguar and
              Land Rover brands, but the ads will promote ALL of Fords brands, by name, including Jaguar
              and Land Rover.

          3. Ford states unequivocally that it will continue to tailor its ads for the specific audience it is
              trying to reach, and then goes one step further. Ford challenges us to keep an eye out
              on their upcoming ads in order to verify that they will in fact be tailored.

     I would even recommend expanding planned advertising and supporting them. Many people
     in the United States living otherwise normal lives are GLBT. They live in a state of fear due to
     the persecution that GLBT individuals face. They still respond positively to those that support
     others like them even if they will not admit that they are a part of the group.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/po/20051216/co_po/gayfoesrenewfordboycottthreat

I liked that, Ford, if believable, just kocked the AFA to the ground and plugged a shotgun into thier ear.  May they continue.  A long time ago I found that is often the only tactic that works when your dealing with landborn sharks who feed on fear.

Terri

Ha, ha, just got this email from Ford today:

QuoteThank you for writing. 

At Ford we value diversity among all of our constituents and pride
ourselves on strong and clear values with respect for our customers,
communities, employees, suppliers and dealers; acceptance of our differences;
inclusion of different people with different perspectives; and
integrity to always do the right thing.  We value all people, regardless of
their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and cultural or
physical differences.  This is a strong commitment we intend to carry forward
with no exception.  We are pleased to clear up any misperceptions and
get back to doing what we do best - building the best cars and trucks in
America.   

Thank you again for contacting Ford.


Respectfully,
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company

Quote from: Stephanie Craxford on December 23, 2005, 12:44:09 PM
Ha, ha, just got this email from Ford today:

I got one exactly like it Gotta love form letters