Posted on 07/30/2004 10:47:08 AM PDT by Bob J
Dear Friends,
I am writing today to ask for your help on an issue of utmost importance.
It has come to our attention that SUBWAY, an American company, is using this tray liner (see below for English translation) in their restaurants in Germany and across Europe. In a shameless and anti-American effort to increase sales in Europe, SUBWAY restaurants are promoting the film, "Super Size Me," a documentary about a man who gains weight by gorging himself at McDonald's for 30 days straight without any exercise. Learn more about “Super Size Me”, and its irresponsible message.
The most offensive part of this new advertising campaign is the display of an obese Statue of Liberty holding a burger and fries in her hands. The headline screams “Why are Americans so fat?” (The headline uses the German word “Amis” – a derogatory term for Americans.)
Simply put, SUBWAY’s advertising strategy is a new low in corporate behavior -- exploiting cultural tensions and inflaming anti-American sentiment abroad just to sell more sandwiches. It is appalling that SUBWAY, a U.S. company, would attack Americans and the Statue of Liberty in a time of war ... just to gain market share.
In response, the Center for Individual Freedom (www.cfif.org), together with Frontiers of Freedom (www.ff.org) and several other organizations, has launched its own campaign to demand that SUBWAY immediately end its anti-American marketing ploy.
To be effective, we desperately need your help!
An excerpt from today’s Houston Chronicle, which reported on this issue in a front page article, reads: "SUBWAY officials thought a tie-in with a movie featuring [Jared] Fogle and raising awareness about the nation's weight problem 'just seemed to make sense' for a company that has just launched a campaign to fight childhood obesity,” Kane said.
There you have it folks. No denial, no apology, no shame.
Please join us in demanding that SUBWAY immediately halt its anti-American propaganda scheme overseas. Call SUBWAY CEO Fred DeLuca today! Urge him to stop his cynical advertising campaign against the United States. The phone number for Mr. DeLuca at Subway's Executive Offices in Connecticut is 800-888-4848, ext. 1401.
I also want to encourage you to write letters to the editor of your local newspapers condemning SUBWAY for its anti-American marketing scheme. And to make this campaign successful, it’s critical that you help spread the word by forwarding this call to action to your friends and family.
We need your help. Let SUBWAY know that Americans refuse to tolerate their shameless gambit. Take Action NOW!
Sincerely,
Jeff Mazzella Executive Director Center for Individual Freedom www.cfif.org
Translation of Subway Tray-liner--Germany
Michael Moore quote:
“The only time I have been scared/frightened for my life has been going through a McDonald’s drive-thru.”
Trayliner text:
Why are Americans so fat?
In the Michael Moore tradition, New York filmmaker Morgan Spurlock does some deep questioning and self experiments for 30 days on products from the world’s largest fast food company.
Astounding revelations…scary liver levels and horrifying blood levels that would cause any doctor the highest degree of alarm.
In this top satire, which won the prize for best direction from Sundance 2004, Spurlock explores the questions of responsibility between big business and consumers, and the big money which contributes to this “Fast Food” culture, and how to make Americans healthy again. An ironic hit into the stomach that is enriched by fat and facts behind this dubious mega industry.
Passage near Statue of Liberty:
You care about what you eat and everything isn’t equal? Then you shouldn’t miss this film about foolish intake. It will open your eyes.
Telephone number - 800-888-4848, ext. 1401
I guess I don't see the big deal.
If they did something to the flag, something meaningful, I would have a problem.
But, who cares about them making a fat Statue of Liberty for an ad?
A big chunk of the Subway franchises and franchise distributions in the rural mountainous south are owned by Iranians.
Sorry, I see it just as clever advertising. Taking on the fast food industry by promoting a movie that goes against it. Subway markets itself as healthy food ("look at mr former fat guy", although you can get plenty fat at subway!)
However, Super-Size Me is a ridiculous film with a ridiculous premise. Read about Soso Whaley's debunking of the film here.
Frankly, a better tray liner would feature a photograph of Michael Moore asking why some Americans are such fatheads.
I've been pre-emptively boycotting Subway for years. They make positively awful sandwiches.
Using a quote from Michael Moore is not the smartest advertising ploy. (Do as I say not as I do) Some poster boy... As for Subway, they recently had outbreaks of ecoli. Eat their subs and die. As for me, I prefer In & Out.
Someone should send Subway a shovel since they are so busy digging a grave for themselves in America by engaging in America bashing.
same here, They are ripping on fast food places, not America.
If they want to get their fat message across, just put photographs of Michael Moore on their tray liners.
"I've been pre-emptively boycotting Subway for years. They make positively awful sandwiches."
Me too.
It doesn't matter if Subway pulls the ads, this customer will never give them another dollar. Ever. Pulling the ads will only be because they've been slapped by the American public, not because they see they were wrong.
You are right, I'd have to see the add, any links?
Ok, saw the add on another thread. Suck Fubway!
Ping. No more subway.
They are making fun of Americans, yes.
But, I am not going to get riled up over the Statue of Liberty.
Then why aren't they placing these tray liners in the US? Only in Europe...
HUH? This guy looks as if he goes thru the drive thru at McDonalds, Whataburger, Burger King, and Jack in the Box at least twenty times a day.
Sheesh! If they are going to quote someone on a health issue, fatass Michael Moore is not a good example.
Being against big butts and heart disease does not equate to being anti-american.
"Ami" is not derogatory in Germany, in fact it can sound slightly endearing depending on how it's said.
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