January 16, 2006
Ford Must Take a Stand on Gay Advertising
Ford Motor Company is playing musical chairs with its position on gay advertising. But it cannot do so for much longer.
First, it began advertising in gay magazines, including The Advocate. Then, in response, groups for traditional values, like the American Family Association (AFA), boycotted Ford. Ford then pulled its ads from gay magazines. Next, gay groups threatened to boycott Ford. So, Ford announced it will begin advertising in gay publications again. Now, the AFA announced its boycott is back on.
If you're as dizzy as we are, you should be. Clearly, Ford is trying to play both sides of the fence on a position in which neither side is dumb enough to be played. Ford got it itself into this position, in the first place, by choosing to advertise in gay publications. By doing so, the company played with matches, and it got burned. Now, Ford has to take a firm position and stay with it.
We think it's interesting that some columnists in Detroit, which is part of Michigan's reeling economy and highly dependent on Ford and other auto companies for jobs, are putting the onus on conservatives and the family values crowd, saying they should not take such a position in such bad economic times. (This is the position of Detroit Free Press columnist Tom Walsh, who consistently demonstrates his lack of principal by promoting Islamist economic interests.)
That's nonsense.
The AFA is about principles. And principles do not depend on whether or not the economy is good. And if jobs and the economy are the only concern, why is the onus on the AFA--and not the gay community--to end its boycott? A boycott by either group will hurt sales for Ford, but it won't necessarily hurt the American auto industry, contrary to the claims of some.
A lot of straight people, who far outnumber gays, don't exactly want to drive a "gay car." Remember the gay-specific marketing of the Subaru, using Martina Navratilova as its spokesman? No straight human wanted to drive a Lesbaru.
Ford will have to take a stand and decide whether or not it will advertise in gay media--and accept the consequences of its decision. It cannot have it both ways.
Posted by Debbie at January 16, 2006 10:44 AM
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Comments
American Family Association (AFA) should be ashamed of themselves for their hate campaign against gays.
Posted by: lawman ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.debbieschlussel.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 16, 2006 11:09 AM
I am a Christian and I don't agree with everything the AFA does, but they have a right to protest just like the homos or any other group. Why should only the AFA keep silent, lameman?
Lesbaru?...LOL!!
Posted by: The_Man at January 16, 2006 12:03 PM
I drive a "Lesbaru", and i'm a straight guy. I've never considered Subaru an automobile aimed at stright or gay people. Let's face the facts here. Ford could drop it's advertising with the gay mags and only have to worry about the backlash of A SMALL, MINORITY OF ITS CONSUMER BASE. Gay people need to get over their narcisism and start dealing with reality. This has nothing to do with discrimination or homophobia!! This has everything to do with principle and making a smart business decision.
Posted by: Yiddish Steel at January 16, 2006 01:51 PM
Looks like Ford could swing either way ;-)!
Posted by: Expatriate Owl at January 16, 2006 02:15 PM
I think my Crown Victoria is bisexual. ;-p
*snort*
Posted by: Dairenn at January 16, 2006 09:52 PM
Yeah, those Subaru ads obviously had disastrous consequences for Subaru. Sadly, No!
Posted by: SadlyNo at January 17, 2006 05:04 PM
...maybe we should base our automotive purchasing decisions based on the quality of the product?
Just sayin'.
But, hey...if you don't like pandering to the gay population, don't buy a Ford. Use your freedom of choice.
My recollection is the same tactic failed when aimed at Disney World. Your mileage, etc.
cheers,
DD
Posted by: Don Drennon at January 17, 2006 05:20 PM
AFA are a bunch of morons. Christians: You know the televangelists dick face I'm talking about. Pat(ty) Robertson? Ariel Sharon and Itzhak Rabin were punished by God? What an outrageous asshole. F-them and also Focus on the Family Dr, Dobson? He's against immorality and protested against Janet Jackson (she is one ugly broad) and Howard Stern, formerly on Viacom/CBS but broadcasts and is getting paid by KFWB 980 a.m. owned by CBS. That douche takes dirty money? My God, I hope Israel drops a bomb on these douche bags and Moussad clean up afterwards. I can't stand how these morons protest Ford and accept money from companies that promote FOrd as their advertisers. F-THEM!
Posted by: KOAJaps at January 19, 2006 05:39 AM
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