Sometimes you just have to put your mighty to-do list on hold and stop and smell the poo-poo. For the last week or so, I have smelled a nasty Verizon Wireless TV ad that has outraged many of us who understand the serious consequences of negative breed stereotyping. Can you guess the breed of dog Verizon Wireless (VZW) picked for their junkyard ad?
Yep, you got it right. If you want to grab eyeballs and make them pop out of stupid heads, get the most mean, most ferocious man-eating dog you can find or just any number of dog breeds that look like a “Pit Bull.”
After making numerous complaints to various VZW executives and answering an exhausting number of emails this week…it’s beyond belief that this ad has not been sent to the Verizon trash bin! No, I alone don’t foolishly think I have that much power—if I did, some people would be in hiding. But I did (along with my dedicated army of Rovers—Dog Rebels of ROVERlution.org) join forces with numerous breed rescue groups and giant animal welfare organizations like the HSUS and ASPCA to voice our demands and disapprovals.
What did I tell VZW executives (see letter below) when as of this Friday, July 25, they had not agreed to cancel the ad and issue a press release to that effect? Be prepared to lose more business: Dog Rebels from around the country have been summoned to picket their local VZW stores this Sunday, July 27.
All Orange Country Dog Rebels are welcome to join our protest rally in Brea, CA at 2500 E Imperial Hwy, starting at 10am. Get your boots on and make your dog proud!
Here’s my letter to Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam:
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July 18, 2008
Dear Lowell McAdam,
Your TV ad for the new LG Dare cell phone is a disgraceful attempt to grab thrill seeking eyeballs for corporate profits. To portray a breed of dog as aggressive and vicious is serving to alienate many outraged Verizon Wireless customers concerned about the humane treatment of all dogs and the negative message you are sending!
Furthermore, your brand of gimmick advertising serves to bolster negative breed stereotypes of the American Pit Bull Terrier (aka Pit Bull). This breed already suffers from being demonized by myths, public misconceptions and legislative ignorance regarding dog behavior. Irresponsible ads like yours seek to credit and promote these stereotypes.
Exploiting the plight of dogs who suffer as a result of media sensationalism and animal abuse will not be tolerated by a society moving forward to promote animal welfare issues.
Do the right thing. Dare to admit the ad was a mistake and get this commercial off the air!
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In case you missed the ad, here it is:
7 responses so far ↓
1 Caveat // Jul 26, 2008 at 12:49 am
I haven’t watched the ad. I don’t have to, since so many people have described it to me over the past few weeks.
Given the predictability of media and others I can easily imagine its content.
It’s such a great disappointment to us to watch the decline of a once-great society. Stupidity, greed, ignorance and an almost sociopathic callousness are pervasive.
The Decline and Fall happens to everyone I suppose but the Decline part isn’t much fun, is it?
Keep your chin up and your head down.
2 Claudia Werner // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I cannot believe this. Doesn’t this breed suffer enouigh already? Now they are making it look even worse. I wish they would stop this. First the Rottweiler and the Doberman – all good family dogs. Now the Pitt. They should be ashamed of themselves.
3 sandra terifaj // Jul 26, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Way to go sis! I’m right behind you. It’s a shame to witness what corporate America will do to make a buck. Where is the decent and humane consideration given to our earthly companions!
4 Rev. Dr. Leigh Foster // Jul 26, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Way to go Paula!!!!! Let’s force them to publicly admit they were wrong and let’s not let up the heat until they give us what we want!!!! NO CHAINED DOGS and LEAVE THE BULLY BREEDS ALONE!!!!!
Pawz Up,
Leigh
5 patsi ringsdorf // Jul 26, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Already sent strong letter of protest. Thanks for the heads up.
6 Mark // Jul 27, 2008 at 11:21 pm
BSL is the same as BSL, with only difference in the first two letters is the first is “Breed Specific” and the second is “Bullshit. Good for you Dr. Paula. Who would ever do business with a company who promotes their cell phones by showing a dog who may have broken his neck or hanged himself by being chained up. I have tried every cell company except Verizon and I just began discussing giving them a shot in a couple months when my ATT contract is up. They have all been lousy so far but Verizon just became anon-contender for my business by default. People forget about the “mistakes” politicians make, (except maybe for me). I haven’t forgotten about the mistreatment of parrots at Abercrombie and Fitch. I have not been there since, nor will I ever go back. I won’t forget this either.
7 Lara - WAR Activist // Jul 28, 2008 at 4:42 am
I have just tried to view video, and could not, although i have seen it already. Does this mean it has finally been removed? Pit Bulls because of people get such a bad wrap, yet they insist on making the problem worse! Why not take some of the income you generate from Adverts like this and help save them, rather than destroy the animal further! Whats next? Promoting Fur Farms in China?
Lara – WAR – South Africa
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