This is the letter I sent to Slim-Fast:
Dear SlimFast,
When I'm watching TV, or a movie, or even a commercial, the worst thing for me is having a typecast actor pretending to be something they are not. I just cannot believe them. This is true of people like Alan Aldin of MASH fame. No matter what he plays, I see him as Hawkeye Pierce, a military doctor in Korea. If he tries to be a husband in a romance, I get Hawkeye; if he's a lawyer in a drama, I see Hawkeye.
Worse is when the typecasting is due to some outside the studio activity...especially political activity...of the actor. For example, I simply turn the channel when I see Ed Asner, the liberal activist. I simply cannot suspend disbelieve and pretend he's anyone other than some political hack who hates my conservative beliefs. (The same is true of Barbara Streisand, Susan Sarandan, Mike Farrell, etc.)
Unfortunately, Whoopi Goldberg has started to ruin her ability to be heard as a spokesperson. She's typecasting herself as someone who hates anyone who doesn't believe in her liberal politics. It's not my fault that she ridicules my beliefs, demeans my political opinions, and even attacks the president I voted for. In short, too bad she's ruined her credibility.
I would like a refund for the SlimFast in my cupboard, because it simply bothers me to think my money goes to support her. But, I won't go that far. I'll simply let you know that I won't be buying your product anymore. I see her, and I say, "There's someone who hates what I stand for."
As the spokesperson for SlimFast, what she stands for is what your product also says. It's a shame you folks don't value your customers who vote conservative. In the future, let me encourage you to use commercials that are neutral toward all of your customer base.
Thanks for listening,
XXXXXX
"........As the spokesperson for SlimFast, what she stands for is what your product also says. It's a shame you folks don't value your customers who vote conservative. In the future, let me encourage you to use commercials that are neutral toward all of your customer base........"
Excellent letter! May I use it in adapted form when a future occasion arises (as we all know, it will)?