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An open letter to Mr. Malcolm Williamson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Visa InternationalDear Mr. Williamson, As corporate citizens, I’m sure that Visa 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 Visa cardholder, I am writing to express my concern and disappointment over Visa’s sponsorship of the television show Survivor 2 on CBS. I was offended by Visa’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? Visa’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 Visa 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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