On Feb 3, 2012, McDonalds released an ad that brought Pit Bull advocates up in a roar. The anger the came from this ad was so high, that McDonalds removed the ad and sent out a brief apology to the public. For many though, the damage was done.
The ad insinuated that petting a stray Pit Bull was more dangerous than eating their food. If you think about it, this absurd ad is admitting that there is a danger in eating their chicken nuggets, which they consider to be less dangerous than a Pit Bull. Honestly, knowing that they feel there is some danger to this so-called meal, does not make me want to eat their food any more than I do (Which is never). Using a comparison of other dangers does not eliminate the dangers in your food, it just shows that your food may be less dangerous than what it is being compared to. For example: playing with a 500,000 volt stun gun could be considered less dangerous than playing with a 2 million volt stun gun. They are both dangerous to play with but one has lower voltage so it can be considered “less dangerous” (Note: do not play with any stun gun, this is just an example of comparisons dealing with less and more).
[Left to Right: Charcol (rescued as a stray on the streets of Dallas, Texas), Marmaduke (rescued and given a 4-ever home) and Nebula (Lab/beagle mix family dog that has destroyed more toys, doors, and items than the two Pit Bulls combined)]
Dealing with the fact that McDonalds decided to use a specific breed in this ad did infuriate me. I have helped rescue two Pit Bulls recently and find that their demeanor is far gentler than what the public gives them credit for. I have worked with fellow Pit Bull lovers to change the stereotypes these Pit Bulls have received due to their uneducated owners, who use them for fighting. This ad has destroyed much of the work that Pit Bull advocates have done. A doubt has now been inserted into many people minds. While it may be a little doubt, how many will now pass a Pit Bull in a shelter that is just looking for a 4-ever home? How many will believe this corporations stupid ad and refuse to see the breed as anything more than a blood thirsty animal?
The ad has done its damage, and no apology will be able to fix it.
I understand that the ad referred to a stray Pit Bull. But instead of singling out a breed they should have stated “Stray Dog.” One should never pet a stray dog whether it be a Pit Bull or a miniature Datsun.
A corporation, big or small, is in the eyes of the public and must be very careful when advertising or public stating anything. While this may have been a mistake, they do need to be held accountable for what they have done. I suggest a donation to helping stray Pit Bulls, as an apology that is more doing than just a recorded message over the phone.
What do you think of the McDonalds ad? Comment below
Random Thoughts By yours Truely
SKGaleana
1 comment
Starbuck
04/12/2012 at 01:54 (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Like the proverbial moth to the flame, McD’s is drawn to these odd acts of corporate self-destruct. That’s what happens when you eat too many chicken nuggets. Your brain gets sluggish and you do stupid things, like upside down and bass-ackwards promotions of your (yucky) little chicken bits. But let us not forget, corporations are people, too, now! Mostly they are dumb people . . . but, hey, the Supremes said money talks and I guess the more of it you have, the dumber you can be!
Cheers! And stay away from those little bitty over-priced chicken bits!