Stereotyping at Target
Employees at a Target facility in California have sued the company for discrimination. The employees claim that managers used racial slurs when communicating with them and that racial stereotyping appeared in a document used for training.
In the document, "Organization Effectiveness, Employee and Labor Relations Multi-Cultural Tips," the company reminded employees to avoid stereotypes of ethnic groups, such as Hispanics. The trouble is, the document itself portrayed stereotypes:
a. Food: not everyone eats tacos and burritos;
b. Music: not everyone dances to salsa;
c. Dress: not everyone wears a sombrero;
d. Mexicans (lower education level, some may be undocumented);
e. Cubans (Political refugees, legal status, higher education level); and
f. They may say 'OK, OK' and pretend to understand, when they do not, just to save face.
According to Target spokesperson Molly Snyder, the document was not used in a formal training program, but she did admit that it was used "during conversations at a company distribution center," according to The Huffington Post.
On behalf of the company, Snyder said, "It is never Target's intent to offend our team members or guests, and we apologize." She also said, "The content of the document referenced is not representative of who Target is. We strive at all times to be a place where our team and guests feel welcome, valued, and respected."
In the complaint, employees accuse their primarily Caucasian managers of using racial slurs when speaking to Hispanic employees. Examples from Courthouse News Service include "Only a 'wetback' can work this hard," "You got to be Mexican to work like this," and "What the hell, I'm already sweating like a Mexican."
This reminds me of another recent story: Tactile Brazilians and Other French Stereotypes.
Discussion Starters:
- What was Target's motivation for creating the document? Why did it fail?
- What could the company have done differently to achieve its objective? Still, what are the risks with the approaches you considered?
Asiana Airlines' Apology and Other Communications
After the Asiana Airlines crash over the weekend that left two dead and many injured, executives are keeping the public informed and are making their apologies. Some of these communications reflect the company's Korean culture.
A Washington Post article describes the board members' "deep, solemn bow" at the end of a news conference in Seoul. Of course, this is an obvious difference in culture from how American executives would behave, but the author explains that the cultural difference is more than just that.
The article reviews the history of businesses such as Asiana Airlines and the importance of trust:
"Part of it has to do with the way South Korea's economy grew: with a heavy guiding hand from the state. The government helped a number of once-small companies consolidate into massive conglomerates known as chaebols, which are often family-run and have since accumulated tremendous political and economic power.
"In some ways, chaebols are a lot like American multinationals: economic behemoths with heavy influence. But, in part due to the way they grew and the state's role in fostering them as national symbols, perhaps as well as some Confucian cultural influence, they operate in some ways like family businesses. And they're treated as such by many employees and by South Korean consumers. According to a 2005 article on chaebols in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, 'Korean consumers have a strong attachment to chaebols with which they associate quality and, in turn, trust,' with the chaebols serving as a kind of extension of Confucian ideals of the family. That means consumer loyalty to the brand but also brand responsibility for the consumer: hence, bowing to ask forgiveness."
The company posted periodic press releases as news about the crash unfolded.
Discussion Starters:
- In addition to the obvious word-wrap issues in the press releases, what word choices, tone, or other aspects of the statements might you attribute to cultural differences?
- Compare this story to the PBS News Hour analyzing cultural communication in the Toyota CEO's news conference in 2010.
Other Airlines' Communication After Crashes
After two plane crashes over the weekend, Should other airlines "tout their safety records?" asked Matt Wilson in a PR Daily article. Although the article cautions airlines, the industry might learn from cruise companies' responses after the Costa Concordia crash in 2012.
Advisors such as Robert Holland of Holland Communication Solutions recommends that airlines avoid promoting their own safety:
"Even if my airline had a stellar safety record, even then it would appear to be gloating in the face of other airlines' problems. I would recommend commenting publicly if asked, however.
"Otherwise it would raise questions or suspicions about what we're trying to hide about our own record. It's important for other airlines to be forthcoming with information if it's requested, but there's nothing to be gained, and perhaps something to be lost, by proactively commenting."
But, after the Costa Concordia cruise disaster, other cruise companies found ways to be respectful of those lost and to reassure customers. Here are three examples of companies' communications to their customers:
Download Celebrity Cruise email
Download Royal Caribbean email
Download Norwegian Cruise email
Discussion Starters:
- If you were a member of American Airlines' management team, would would be your perspective on whether to share your safety records? What considerations would you have if you were the head of Marketing? PR? Customer service? Operations? Legal? How might your opinion differ in each of these roles?
- Imagine that you decide to blog about your company's safety records. Using the cruise companies' letters as a starting point, what would you say to airline customers?
PETA Defends Euthanizing Animals
Proponents of no-kill shelters are appalled that PETA kills animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an advocacy group for animal rights known for somewhat aggressive marketing tactics, kills about 2,000 dogs and cats each year at its shelter in Norfolk, VA.
In response to the criticism, the PETA spin machine is working its magic. With the slogan "PETA Saves..." the organization explains its work to rescue animals and reframes the issue. Throughout the country in the past ten years or so, euthanizations have gone down, and adoptions have gone up. PETA is generally behind this policy but says that many no-kill efforts are misguided. PETA also presents itself as a "last resort" shelter, forced to euthanize animals in terrible shape and unlikely to be adopted.
PETA's website points to several ways for people to understand the organization's rationale:
- Why We Euthanize, an explanation (Caution: gruesome pictures)
- A Shelter of Last Resort, an infographic summarizing PETA's work
- No Kill or No Clue? article criticizing some no-kill practices
Discussion Starters:
- In addition to those presented here, find arguments on both sides of this issue. What are the main points of each? Which are the strongest and weakest arguments?
- What's your view of PETA's use of graphic images? Does it help garner support for the organization's goals or detract from the issues?
Clorox Offends Dads
Dads don't like to be compared to dogs. That was one mistake made in a Clorox campaign about new dads:
"Saying 'No-no' is not just for baby. Like dogs or other house pets, new dads are filled with good intentions but lacking the judgment and fine motor skills to execute well."
Among the "6 mistakes new dads make" are putting a baby's clothes on backwards and taking the baby out for a walk in "a cold, brisk, rain-soaked stroller."
After the predictable backlash on social media, Clorox spokesperson Rita Gorenbe explained the post as "a piece of web content written by a freelance humor writer who helps us on a number of projects. ... We have enormous respect for parents, moms and dads, as they make their way through the early years of parenting. We're in new territory with today's modern families and changing family roles and we appreciate all feedback to help us get it right."
The company also posted this message on Facebook, which, so far, received 221 likes and 203 comments.
Too bad Clorox didn't learn from last year's Huggie's ad campaign.
Discussion Starters:
- How do you assess the blog post: funny, insulting, or something else?
- How to you assess the company's response? Compare the spokesperson's statement and the Facebook post. How are they similar and different, and what could explain the discrepancies?
Why Employers Shouldn't Care About Facebook Photos of Drinking
HR and hiring managers are passing up good candidates who post or are tagged in photos of drinking, according to a new study. The study by Stoughton, Thompson, and Meade, "Big Five Personality Traits Reflected in Job Applicants' Social Media Postings," was published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.
Explaining the rationale for searching for candidates online, co-author Dr. Lori Foster Thompson said, "Companies often scan a job applicant's Facebook profile to see whether there is evidence of drug or alcohol use, believing that such behavior means the applicant is not 'conscientious,' or responsible and self-disciplined." But posting such content is not correlated with conscientiousness. Further, those who post rated highly on extrovert measures, which employers may value.
However, the study warns companies to avoid people who "bad-mouth" or post negative comments about an employer online. People who rated highly on agreeableness and conscientiousness were very unlikely to post such content.
This advice is consistent with a recent Wall Street Journal article, which reported that 44% of employers would not hire someone found to be "badmouthing employers on social media." The author of this article also suggested, "While some employers may be willing to overlook the occasional rowdy photo or off-color tweet, it goes without saying that any post linking a job candidate to illicit activity such as drinking and driving or illegal drugs, or to racist or sexist behavior, won't go over well."
A recent Harris Interactive/Career Builder study showed that 43% of employers have rejected candidates based on their social media posts, and 48% of them did so because "There was info about candidate drinking or using drugs." These employers may want to reconsider their practices.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the study findings? Do you agree with the two main conclusions: that Facebook posts about drinking don't indicate poor job qualifications but that negative posts about employers might be a good reason to disqualify a candidate?
- How, if at all, does this study influence what you will post or how you will handle posts on your Facebook page?
"Flordia" Road Sign
Never hire someone from Arizona to create traffic signs for Florida. That's what the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is saying in response to a sign that misspells Florida-twice. For extra embarrassment to the FDOT, the sign points to the University of Florida.
Local news organization WOKV.com reported the story with the appropriate level of criticism. But WOKV is not flawless either. Here's an excerpt from the article:
"After posting the picture on WOKV.com and Facebook, WOKV News contacted the Florida Dept. or Transportation for comment and their spokesperson, Mike Goldman, says the FDOT had already realized the mistake when the sign was delivered and had left them by the side of the road while they awaited a replacement."
Can you find the two errors (one typo and one punctuation mark)?
Assignment Ideas:
- Spend the next couple of days looking closely at signs around town. Take photos of signs with typos or misused punctuation.
- Try to get one of the signs fixed. Identify the owner and talk to him or her in person or try to get an email address. Report your progress to the rest of the class.
Tactile Brazilians and Other French Stereotypes
The French tourism board is trying to help retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and taxi drivers be more welcoming to visitors. But the "Do You Speak Touriste?" website provides stereotypes that some may find offensive.
According to The Telegraph, the tourism guide (downloadable in French) offers these helpful hints for French business owners (note that the punctuation is European):
The guide informs Parisians that the British "like to be called by their first name", spend an average of 145 euros (£124) per person per day – more than their American counterparts – and eat breakfast from 7.30-8.30am, lunch at 12-1pm and supper at 6-7pm.
They seek a mixture of "authenticity and relaxedness", expect smiling and friendly staff" and appreciate "architecture, traditional gastronomy and the need for a playful (approach to culture)."
The Japanese are the biggest spenders – 186 euros per tourist per day – but need constant reassurance and are "discreet but demanding". "They never complain straight away when they are not satisfied but will criticise once back in their own country."
The Chinese have an "idealised and romantic" view of Paris, and come "above all for luxury shopping."
Brazilians, meanwhile are "easily tactile", expect a "totally poetic experience" and spend more than the British, around 166 euros per day.
Parisians are told that cash-strapped Spaniards are on the "lookout for freebies" and expect you to speak their language, while Italians are delighted if you are nice to their children, like "going on excursions" but are "impatient tourists".
Perhaps the trickiest visitors of all, judging by the guide, are the French themselves, described as "particularly demanding" guests who above all "don't want to be considered as tourists".
Jeanerre Blat, general director of the Paris area tourist board, explained the board's philosophy:
"The aim is to fight against the poor reputation for welcome in Paris and the Paris area. You don't welcome a Japanese tourist the same way as an Italian one. There are codes to take into account, so you have to adapt."
Discussion Starters:
- What's the value of stereotyping? In other words, what's the value of this guidance for French business owners?
- Looking at the examples of nationalities above, are you more offended by some than by others? Which and why? Or do you find none offensive?
- Could the tourism board have met its objectives in another way? If so, how?
- Before The Telegraph paragraph, I wrote that the punctuation is European. Revise it to meet American standards.
Try "Protein" Instead of "Meat" at Taco Bell
Meat has gotten a bad reputation. Pink slime and horse meat controversies during the past two years have compounded meat's negative image. Taco Bell is catching on and, instead, is emphasizing protein on its new menu.
Although CEO Greg Creed did an impressive job in 2011 thwarting claims that Taco Bell doesn't use real beef, the restaurant chain needs to find new ways to get people to eat the stuff that, let's face it, isn't the healthiest for us. A Bloomberg Businessweek article reports,
"43 percent of conversations about 'meat' over the last six months were negative and often included such words as 'bad,' 'concerns,' and 'problem.'
"On the other hand, only 6 percent of conversations about 'protein' were negative. Most people associated it with words like 'good,' 'healthy,' and 'delicious.' The result: Some 91 percent of conversations about the 'Power Protein' menu have been positive, according to Infegy."
To be fair, Taco Bell is doing more than just changing the terminology. Its "Power Protein" menu offers several products with reasonable calorie counts (although 120 of those 400 calories are from fat).
Discussion Starters:
- In addition to "meat," what other fast-food-related words might cause people to react negatively?
- What's your assessment of Taco Bell's new campaign? Whom might it attract? Will it work?
Results of the Paula Deen Controversy
Paula Deen admitted using the "N-word" and apologized, but it wasn't enough. She has been fired from the Food Network and has lost her sponsorship deal with Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer.
Deen's language became public from her deposition in a lawsuit by Lisa T. Jackson, who worked closely with Deen in one of her restaurants in Savannah, GA. Part of the suit accused Deen of talking about her dream "Southern plantation wedding," using racial slurs and fantasizing about having black waiters to "tap dance around" as in the "Shirley Temple days." During the deposition, Deen admitted using racial slurs at times and said, according to The New York Times, "'most jokes' are about Jews, gay people, black people and 'rednecks.'" She also said, "I can't, myself, determine what offends another person."
Since then, Deen has been tripping over herself in apology videos-three, so far.
Her first apology video didn't go too well. She seemed to focus more on asking for forgiveness than showing remorse and has several curious cuts (apparently in the original as well). What could have to be cut in a 46-second video? Also, words like "beg" aren't the best choice for an apology.
Although Deen's second apology video garnered 3.7 million views within three days, it has about the same number of likes as dislikes.
Dean also posted this note to describe her video:
"After spending all day soul searching and trying to figure out how to deal with what I did, I recorded a video trying to do the right thing. In the end, I felt that I needed to just be myself, say I am sorry and beg for forgiveness.
"What I said was wrong and hurtful. I know that and will do everything that I can do make it right. I am not about hate, and I will devote myself to showing my family, friends and fans how to live a life helping others, lifting us all up, and spreading love."
Paula
In yet a third video (similar to the second), Deen apologizes directly to Matt Lauer for failing to appear for a scheduled interview on The Today Show.
But all of her efforts don't seem to be saving Deen's reputation. The Food Network dropped her two shows and issued only this statement, with no further comment: "Food Network will not renew Paula Deen's contract when it expires at the end of this month."
Smithfield Foods issued this statement about terminating Deen's contract:
"Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Smithfield is determined to be an ethical food industry leader and it is important that our values and those of our spokespeople are properly aligned."
Discussion Starters:
- What, if anything, could Paul Deen have done to salvage her image and employment contracts?
- What works well about her second apology video, and what could be improved?
- Should the Food Network have said more about the situation? What is its strategy in issuing only a short statement and offering no further comment?
Is "Dudes Grilling Things" Sexist?
Bon Appetit has apologized for calling grilling-and company leadership-a male activity:
"It's a cliche because it's true: men like grilling things. Women like grilling things, too, of course, but at this point in history, grilling, like crying about sports and being a Fortune 500 CEO, is firmly located in the domain of Dude."
This paragraph was an introduction to a Bon Appetit video, "Dudes Grilling Things."
Here's one exchange about the paragraph on Twitter:
Now an editorial note offers an apology:
"Editor's Note: We're aware that some readers did not like our attempt to be tongue-in-cheek here. We in no way meant to imply that women aren't just as masterful at the grill. In fact, we'd like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to some of the stories we've run about women who grill: Elizabeth Karmel's 10 Commandments of Grilling; Mom Gets Her Grill On; La Buena Vida Cooks from Our New ‘Grilling Book'; and (just today!) How to Grill Maitake Mushrooms."
Bon Appetit quickly handled the situation without too much groveling.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the paragraph? Do you find it offensive? Can you see how others might, or are they overreacting?
- In what ways did Bon Appetit recover well, and how, if at all, could the editor have done a better job?
Wendy's Employee Provides Another Unfortunate Photo
Just days after we saw a Taco Bell employee licking a stack of shells, a Wendy's employee took a direct shot from the soft serve machine.
Ragan's PR Daily wrote a prosaic version of Wendy's possible response and what the writer calls a "more human statement." Compare the two:
"Wendy's hasn't released one yet, but rest assured that it will read something like this: 'At Wendy's we hold ourselves and our employees to the highest standards. We are aware of a photo circulating online that depicts an employee using company property in an inappropriate manner. We apologize, and will take steps to rectify the situation.'
"A better, more human statement might read: 'We know-it's gross. But when you employ legions of teenagers, you're going to get a few bad apples in the mix. We'll find this dopey S.O.B. and fire him and tell our franchisees not to hire idiots, but let's face it-teenagers do stupid stuff.'"
Wendy's spokesperson Bob Bertini did respond to the Daily News:
"We don't know the exact date the photo was taken, but we believe in it was in May. The incident was totally inappropriate, and we're taking it very seriously."
Bertini also said that the employee is not longer working at the restaurant.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of PR Daily's attempt at a more "human" statement? What are the potential advantages and risks?
- Try another variation of Wendy's statement. What else could the spokesperson say?
Miss Utah's Illogical Interview Response
Good thing she's so beautiful. Top-five Miss USA contender Miss Utah badly flubbed a question about income inequality. NeNe Leakes (Desperate Housewives of Atlanta) asked the interview question:
"A recent report shows that in 40% of American families with children, women are the primary earners, yet they continue to earn less than men. What does this say about society?"
Download Miss Utah's Illogical Answer
Discussion Starters:
- What are the (many) logical flaws in Miss Utah's response?
- What organizational strategies would have helped her answer the question?
- What strategies for preparing for an oral presentation and handling questions might have helped the candidate?
HGTV's Flag Tablecloth Draws Fire
In anticipation of Fourth of July celebrations, HGTV suggested using an American flag as a tablecloth.
On its Facebook page, the network suggested "Classic Fourth of July Table Setting Ideas" including this tip:
"Drape a large American flag over the table as a bright and festive table runner. Use a nylon flag so spills can be easily wiped off and the flag can later be hung with pride on a flag pole."
Apparently, the network designers were unaware of "Flag Etiquette," according to the U.S. Government, which includes the following:
"The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers [sic] desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general."
As expected, backlash on HGTV's Facebook page came from across the nation:
- I am appalled that you would suggest using the flag that my brother was killed defending in Iraq as something to catch spills on a table at a cookout.
- No one dies for a table cloth.
HGTV issued this apology:
"HGTV Fans, regarding the recent article that appeared on our website...This was a regrettable use of our flag and it never should have happened. We sincerely apologize and have removed the post from our website. We want to assure our fans that HGTV is proud of the American flag and everything it symbolizes for our people."
Discussion Starters:
- What's your assessment of HGTV's decorating advice: was it an innocent mistake, or should the designers have known better?
- What's your view of the reaction? Are people too sensitive? Is this a desecration of the flag? Or something else?
- What's your view of HGTV's apology? What works well, and what could be improved?
- In the excerpt from the government website, I added "[sic]." What does this mean, and why did I add it?
George Takei's Ghost Writer Fesses Up
George Takei, 1960s Star Trek cast member, is highly popular on Facebook. But his posts have been written, at least in part, by someone paid $10 per joke. With 4.1 million likes, Takei's Facebook page is a mix of cartoons, jokes, and other lighthearted posts.
Rick Polito came clean in an email to Jim Romenesko's blog but seemed to have regretted the decision after a few days' rest:
"Polito tells Romenesko readers today: 'I wrote an apology to George and Brad and their guy said he'd pass it on. I just said that I'd been looking for any mention of my book I could get and that I hadn't meant to expose anything.
"He adds: 'I don't update his page. I've had no direct contact with George. I've sent him some memes, as have other comedian types and I was happy for the exposure.'"
In an email to Wired, Takei doesn't share his fans' concern:
"What is this hoo-ha about my FB posts? I have Brad, my husband, to help me and interns to assist. What is important is the reliability of my posts being there to greet my fans with a smile or a giggle every morning. That's how we keep on growing."
Discussion Starters:
- Compare this situation to that of Mark Davidson, whose tweet writer exposed him on his own Twitter feed. What are the similarities and differences?
- How do you assess this situation? Under what circumstances is it acceptable for someone to write social media posts on another's behalf?
Whole Foods Criticized for English-Only Policy
Two employees claim they were suspended for complaining about Whole Foods' policy that employees speak only English while at work. The New Mexico League of United Latin American Citizens and ProgressNow New Mexico are threatening boycotts of Whole Foods.
On its website, the company posted this response-in both English and Spanish:
Whole Foods Market® responds to AP story about Spanish speaking team members
Article is misleading; company celebrates and honors our diverse team members
AUSTIN, Texas (June 6, 2013) – At Whole Foods Market, we do not have "no foreign languages spoken" policies in any of our stores. Our policy is that the default language is English, for consistent communication, inclusion, and especially for safety and emergency situations. We want our team members to use their judgment about when it's appropriate to speak other languages. We are proud of our multilingual team members and try to work with customers in other languages whenever needed!
The facts are: two team members in New Mexico became upset when they believed they were told in a team meeting they could not speak Spanish at work. That was not what was communicated. They were suspended with pay due to rude and disrespectful behavior. Their suspension was due to their behavior alone, not for speaking Spanish.
Nevertheless, the store leadership launched a full investigation and seventeen team members who also attended the meeting confirmed that the language policy was discussed, and at no time were the two team members told they could not speak Spanish.
We will be looking at written guidelines across our multiple regions on this front to ensure clarity.
The statement could use some editing. For starters, "Spanish speaking team members" needs a hyphen for clarity. Also, isn't speaking Spanish a behavior? The sentence, "Their suspension was due to their behavior alone, not for speaking Spanish" is unclear, and "due to" is best reserved for owing money.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of English-only policies at work? Do you buy Whole Foods' justification?
- Assess the company's response. What works well, and what else could be improved?
Sloppy Charts
Business Insider writers seem to be enamored with unclear charts-and don't do a great job describing them. With the headline, "These Are The Charts You're Going To Be Seeing In Powerpoints And Mobile For The Next Year," the article shows 13 charts, none of which follow business writing principles.
The first one shown, about mobile data traffic, is pretty, but makes it difficult to distinguish the data and draw any meaningful conclusions except that things are going up (for which we probably don't need a chart).
A skeptic might ask the following:
- Is mobile service-provider Ericcson the most objective source for this data?
- What are the actual numbers for each year? This is impossible to see.
- What are the different data types referenced in the chart heading? Which is yellow, blue, etc.?
- What's an extabyte, anyway?
- How well can people distinguish aqua blue from green, and why are they next to each other? I'm guessing that people who are color blind can barely distinguish these line sections.
- Is the last year 201?
The article text is equally problematic. Note the errors:
Every year, Ericsson puts together a massive report on global mobile usuage trends.
The charts and data in this report then proliferates through Powerpoints and slide decks around the world.
So, get a jump start on everyone else in the industry and…
Discussion Starters:
- What other issues do you see with this chart?
- Review the 12 other charts. How they can be improved to meet business writing standards?
Study Shows Value of Internal Social Networks
A Kellogg School study found positive effects of an internal social networking system at a major credit card company.
As more companies implement enterprise social media tools, Paul Leonardi, a professor of communication at Northwestern University, wanted to evaluate their usefulness. The credit card company was installing "A-Life," and Leonardi compared two groups, marketing and operations, to see the impact. The marketing group was given access to the system, while the operations group was not. Before the six-month period, employees were asked who within the organization knew what-an important question for knowledge management and for getting work done.
After using the site rather than email, the marketing group reported a 31% improvement to find information and a 71% improvement in finding people who knew those with needed information.
Perhaps most interesting is that younger employees were the most skeptical of the system, as a Kellogg article explains:
"...he found that use differed by age: younger employees across the company were generally more skeptical of the tool. 'So many young people use social media tools'-like Facebook and Twitter-' their lives daily,' and those tools are really for social, non-work-related communication, says Leonardi. This, he believes, made it harder for younger employees to embrace social technology in the workplace. 'They would say, "Oh, I don't want to be posting things my boss would see." … On the other hand, the senior employees didn't have that same concern. For them, the technology was another mode for communicating about work-related matters.'"
Discussion Starters:
- What, if any, social networking tools have you used at work? What do you see as the benefits and potential pitfalls?
- Are you surprised at the results about younger employees? Why or why not?
Taco Bell Employee Licks Shells
This is not a good week to work in corporate communication at Taco Bell. A photo posted on the company's Facebook page shows an employee licking a stack of taco shells.
The image is gut churning, but before we jump to any conclusions, we need to know whether these shells were sold or were expired and on their way to the trash bin. Regardless, Rob Poetsch, a Taco Bell representative submitted this statement:
"When we learned of the situation we immediately contacted this restaurant's leadership and although we believe it is a prank and the food was not served to customers, we are conducting a full scale investigation and will be taking swift action against those involved."
In another statement, the company led with, "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we have strict food handling procedures and zero tolerance for any violations."
Discussion Starters:
- If you were Taco Bell's head of corporate communications, what would you do now? How about if you were the head of human resources? Marketing?
- The company seemed to have removed the photo from its Facebook page. Discuss this strategy: what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Cheerios' Commercial Featuring an Interracial Family Takes Some Hits
It's tough to escape backlash on the web these days. After months of controversy about the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the cereal, Cheerios produced a commercial featuring an interracial family. The feedback is mostly positive, but racist comments caused General Mills to cull its Facebook page.
How could such a cute, little girl cause so much controversy? Advocates applaud the company's example of biracial families as typical families. As one writer says,
"This commercial is a huge step for interracial families like mine who want to be seen in public together and maybe eat some heart-healthy snacks. But it also validates the existence of biracial and multiracial people. Often we're treated like exotic flowers, who should feel complimented when people say stuff to us like, 'All biracial women are so beautiful' or 'I would kill for your skin.' One of the hardest things about growing up the way I did is feeling like you need to choose one racial identity over another just to fit in. . . .
"So, this is just a stupid commercial about Cheerios but it means a lot to me. It shows interracial families and their children being normal and cute, not something to gawk at or to question. Hopefully this commercial will lead to even more positive representations of not just interracial families, but all kinds of non-traditional families."
But others find the commercial offensive for a variety of uninteresting reasons. Debate on Reddit has some calling posters bigots and-my favorite-subreddits.
Cheerios issued this brief statement to Gawker:
"Consumers have responded positively to our new Cheerios ad. At Cheerios, we know there are many kinds of families and we celebrate them all."
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the commercial? Do you find it offensive in some way?
- What's Cheerios' rationale for the ad? Am I too cynical to suspect that the brand is trying to deflect attention away from the GMO controversy?