sarettah
10-03-2003, 12:15 PM
Email Protesters Say 'Get the FCUK out of Target'
Urban Legends and Folklore Blog
Email Protesters Say 'Get the FCUK out of Target'
A chain letter campaign originating from the American Family Association's OneMillionDads.com Website lambastes Target Corp. subsidiary Marshall Field's for marketing FCUK (French Connection U.K.) brand products to teens. The promotion is "disgusting and highly offensive," critics complain, but marketing experts say public condemnation only makes the brand more desirable to young people
Email example:
Subject: Target store chain void of common decency - September 16, 2003
Very sad! I thought you might want to take a few seconds and respond!
A project of the American Family Association
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Target store chain void of common decency
Dear Radley,
The Target corporation subsidiary, Marshall Field's, is actively campaigning for your children to purchase a new teen fragrance with a disgusting insinuation.
Would you believe Target has approved its Marshall Field's stores to sell a product called FCUK? Target must consider parents really naive to not know exactly what type of message they are "targeting" to our kids.
Here's how one mother put it: I didn't see this on television but it was an advertisement insert in last Sunday's newspaper for Marshall Field's dept. store for a cologne and a clothing line aimed at teenagers called "Fcuk" and their advertising slogan to go with it is "scent to bed". I was really appalled at this and then a friend of mine saw huge posters promoting this IN the Marshall Field's store in my area. When she complained to a clerk about it she was referred to a manager who told her the corporate office makes all the decisions about what they advertise.
Another mother put it this way:
Not only does the name make an obvious grab at the mind to be misspelled as one of the vilest slang words ever used, it also goes further to make its point. A young, attractive, half dressed couple are snuggling on a bed with the words "scent to bed" superimposed over their picture. On the inside where you can pull the flyer apart to see what the product smells like you read "open here to try fcuk her" and "open here to try fcuk him". On the back page is an offer to "get your scent to bed t-shirt".
For a major retailer to promote and sell this type of product is reprehensible to me. I hope it is to you too!
I think we need to pull out all the stops to let Target know they have crossed the line with our families.
Will you join me by making an extra effort in contacting the Target corporation by taking the following actions:
1. Send a letter to Target and Marshall Field's executives by clicking the link below.
2. Call Target's toll-free number and let them know how disgusted you are with their decision to sell FCUK products through their Marshall Field's stores. Their toll free number is 1-800-440-0680, extension 1.
Here's a note: You will be told that you are calling Target, not Marshall Field's. Don't be fooled by their attempt to discourage you. Target is responsible for Marshall Field's decision to sell their nasty product!
In addition, they may ask for your mailing address. We recommend not giving that information. By doing so, your home might become a target for receiving a promotional mail out for the product.
Send your letter now!
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman
OneMillionDads.com
Don't forget! Forward this to your family and friends. Thanks!
Urban Legends and Folklore Blog
Email Protesters Say 'Get the FCUK out of Target'
A chain letter campaign originating from the American Family Association's OneMillionDads.com Website lambastes Target Corp. subsidiary Marshall Field's for marketing FCUK (French Connection U.K.) brand products to teens. The promotion is "disgusting and highly offensive," critics complain, but marketing experts say public condemnation only makes the brand more desirable to young people
Email example:
Subject: Target store chain void of common decency - September 16, 2003
Very sad! I thought you might want to take a few seconds and respond!
A project of the American Family Association
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Target store chain void of common decency
Dear Radley,
The Target corporation subsidiary, Marshall Field's, is actively campaigning for your children to purchase a new teen fragrance with a disgusting insinuation.
Would you believe Target has approved its Marshall Field's stores to sell a product called FCUK? Target must consider parents really naive to not know exactly what type of message they are "targeting" to our kids.
Here's how one mother put it: I didn't see this on television but it was an advertisement insert in last Sunday's newspaper for Marshall Field's dept. store for a cologne and a clothing line aimed at teenagers called "Fcuk" and their advertising slogan to go with it is "scent to bed". I was really appalled at this and then a friend of mine saw huge posters promoting this IN the Marshall Field's store in my area. When she complained to a clerk about it she was referred to a manager who told her the corporate office makes all the decisions about what they advertise.
Another mother put it this way:
Not only does the name make an obvious grab at the mind to be misspelled as one of the vilest slang words ever used, it also goes further to make its point. A young, attractive, half dressed couple are snuggling on a bed with the words "scent to bed" superimposed over their picture. On the inside where you can pull the flyer apart to see what the product smells like you read "open here to try fcuk her" and "open here to try fcuk him". On the back page is an offer to "get your scent to bed t-shirt".
For a major retailer to promote and sell this type of product is reprehensible to me. I hope it is to you too!
I think we need to pull out all the stops to let Target know they have crossed the line with our families.
Will you join me by making an extra effort in contacting the Target corporation by taking the following actions:
1. Send a letter to Target and Marshall Field's executives by clicking the link below.
2. Call Target's toll-free number and let them know how disgusted you are with their decision to sell FCUK products through their Marshall Field's stores. Their toll free number is 1-800-440-0680, extension 1.
Here's a note: You will be told that you are calling Target, not Marshall Field's. Don't be fooled by their attempt to discourage you. Target is responsible for Marshall Field's decision to sell their nasty product!
In addition, they may ask for your mailing address. We recommend not giving that information. By doing so, your home might become a target for receiving a promotional mail out for the product.
Send your letter now!
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman
OneMillionDads.com
Don't forget! Forward this to your family and friends. Thanks!