Badpuppy Gay Today |
Thursday, 08 May 1997 |
After a successful Neilsen rating--#1-- for the historic Ellen episode shown April 30, individuals who are not activists but who wish to express their thanks to advertisers who stayed with the controversial program and did not bend to boycotting threats from the Grand Poobahs of the Religious Righteous, may do so.
The Human Rights Campaign has released both addresses and commentary:
Religious political extremists continue to be up in arms about the historic April 30 coming out episode of the ABC sitcom Ellen, in which the show's lead character acknowledged that she is a lesbian. Anti-gay groups who object to any fair and accurate portrayals of lesbian and gay people on television---are turning up the heat on the show's advertisers. ABC and Disney, which produces Ellen, have also come under fire for airing the show.
Chrysler, J.C. Penney and Wendy's need to hear your disappointment at their decision to cave in to anti-gay pressure and withdraw their sponsorship from the Ellen episode. Voicing your opinion is particularly important as these corporations are deciding whether to resume their advertising on future episodes.
Also, ABC, Disney and the companies who stood up to anti-gay pressure and refused to pull their advertising from the show need to hear your appreciation for their fair-mindedness.
Contact ABC and Disney to thank them for airing the coming out episode of Ellen.
Ms. Jamie Tarses, Entertainment President, ABC Television Network
Mr. David Neuman, President
Contact Chrysler, J.C. Penney and Wendy's to let them know you disagree with their decision to withdraw their sponsorship of the April 30 Ellen episode:
Chrysler Corporation
William Howell, Chair
Dave Thomas, CEO
Finally, contact these companies and thank them for their fair-minded decision to advertise on the April 30 Ellen episode:
Helge H. Wehmeier, President and CEO
Calvin Klein, Inc.
E*TRADE Securities, Inc.
Gap, Inc.
HBO
Seagram
Slim-Fast Foods
Sony
Twentieth Century Fox
Sumner Redstone, CEO
Volkswagen of America
Chris Pula, President Theatrical Marketing
Melvin R. Goodes, Chairman and CEO
The importance of expressing your thoughts can only be understood if you are aware that the religious right is working day and night--mailing, phoning and e-mailing-- hoping to prevent a reoccurrence of real life television portrayals or tasteful public mentions of same-sex affection such as Ellen provided its listeners on April 30.
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© 1997 BEI;
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