"6 Brands Playing Footsie with Conservatives and Paying the Price"- alternet

[NRaleighLiberal]

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/6-brands-playing-footsie-conservatives-and-paying-price?page=0%2C0&akid=9166.242779.3fUTZz&rd=1&src=newsletter686843&t=1

"Chick-fil-A might have gotten a nice, one-day sales boost with "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," but tying a national brand to aging white bigots is not a winning strategy – and the numbers prove it. Executives. directors and managers of American corporations take note: If your company is playing footsie with right-wing ideologues it can harm your company and your career. People are seriously fed up with companies that support and fund these right wingers, and brand-equity tracking surveys prove it. Here are 6 examples of companies and organizations that have flushed their brands down the right-wing toilet.

1. Chick-fil-A Brand Damage

Last month Chick-fil-A’s CEO made public statements insulting and condemning America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their right to marry. For obvious reasons this provoked a national, negative reaction. Conservatives tried to salvage the situation this week by putting on a big show of support with their "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," trying to make it appear as if it is good for a company to line itself up with far-right groups. These right wingers might be celebrating what seems to be a good day for a chicken sandwich chain, but common sense -- and the numbers -- clearly say something different.

Chick-fil-A is engaged in a PR effort to lead people to think that conservative support is helping the company, but according to YouGov's BrandIndex the company's "brand health" has dropped to its lowest levels in years. In their release, Chick-Fil-A takes a hit with fast food eaters , BrandIndex explains,

Chick-Fil-A's perception with fast food eaters nationwide has taken a significant hit in most regions of the US ... since president and COO Dan Cathy's perceived anti-gay remarks on July 16th."

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long, but interesting and worthwhile

[freshwest]

1. Felt much better after reading that link. Thanks, NRaleighLiberal.

[Kurovski]

2. Cathy ruined his company. But I'm sure Jaysus will reimburse his enormous loses.

The companys brand dropped mega points. Turns out old bigots dont buy too much fast food on a regular basis.

[Sirveri]

3. I'll believe it has lasting damage when I see it.

Look at all the damage WalMart does to local communities, yet plenty of those folks still shop at them. Most people are just oblivious, and a ban by the GLBT wont even be followed by all members of the GLBT community. Hell one of my gay friends on my wall posted pics of when he went to Chick-Fil-A while this story was developing.

I'm not saying to give up the boycott, but I guess I'm saying to temper ones expectations.

[Kurovski]

4. The article leads me to believe it's a serious trend.

Old bigots shop at the store you mention. I don't think there is a comparison. The article states the damage is done. I suppose it could be wrong?

[Sirveri]

5. I hope it's right, but personal experience tells me to expect disappointment.

This will blow over, and nobody will care again even though it's obvious how evil these scumbags are. Seeing my gay friend from SC post a picture of Chick-Fil-A he bought really pissed me off. Totally clueless. Half the people don't vote, then half those that do willfully vote ignorantly for a party that has policies that actively screw them over. Maybe that's my depression issues kicking up.

[Kurovski]

6. You could just be correct.

And I hope you aren't going to be feeling too poorly. My best wishes to you Silveri, and hopes that that chicken joint goes clucker up.