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An open letter to Mr. Gregg Steinhafel, President Target stores
Dear Mr. Steinhafel, As corporate citizens, I’m sure that Target is aware of
public concern about excessive violence in the media, and its negative impact on
our community. Recent local and
national events involving domestic abuse, workplace and school shootings
emphasize how important it is for individuals and companies to take a position
against violence. Numerous studies have linked watching graphic violence to
antisocial conduct and an increased probability of acting out violent behavior.
Every day, America is deluged with headlines detailing the ravages
violence on our society. As a Target customer, I am writing to express my disappointment
and concern over Target’s sponsorship of the television show Survivor 2 on
CBS. I was offended by Target’s
association, through sponsorship, of the February 15 Survivor broadcast showing
the graphic slaughter of a pig. This
graphic brutality in a popular prime time television show, which was seen by
millions of adolescents and young children, encourages inappropriate and violent
behavior. Are you aware that the
day after the broadcast, two separate stabbing incidents occurred in the Boston
public schools? Target’s sponsorship of CBS Survivor 2 makes it appear
that you endorse inappropriate and violent behavior. I would like an explanation of your company’s policy
regarding sponsorship of graphic violence as entertainment. I would also appreciate an explanation of your company’s
position on promotion of violence in the media, and request that you inform your
media outlets that this material offends your customers. I hope that Target will see this as an opportunity to take
a leadership role on this important issue.
A reasonable response would be for you to inform your media outlets that
your customers are offended by graphic violence, and to avoid sponsorship of
such programming in the future. An exemplary response would be for you to
organize all of the sponsors of Survivor to send CBS a clear message that
sponsorship of this type of programming is a corporate liability that will not
be tolerated in the future. If
a reasonable response is not provided, I will take my family’s future
business, and encourage others to take their business to companies that take a
strong position against violence. Although
some may argue that advertisers should not have a role in determining media
content, I take the position that market pressure is urgently needed to balance
a runaway situation. I am looking
forward to your response. Sincerely, Chuck Anastasia |
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